Lead paint removal
Does anyone have referrals or recommendations for removing paint that has lead? I saw some referrals, but the most recent one seems to be from 2011.
We're renting a 1930's house and don't have a big budget. But it's a long-term rental (from a family member) and we'd like to paint.
The walls of the kitchen have an incredibly slick paint that has never been successfully covered. It's the original paint from the 1930's. Any painting jobs have slowly stripped off of this amazingly long-lasting paint.
I know everyone recommends against diy with lead paint. Just wondering if anyone has anyway and has recommendations. Thanks!
Jan 10, 2024
Parent Replies
No lead removal recommendations but have you tried a bonding primer? I've used a product called STIX bonding primer (there are also other brands out there) that adheres to anything and so far holds up really well. It can then be painted with whatever regular paint you want to use. Might be worth a shot to avoid sanding.
Lead paint removal is a huge undertaking, but a good painter can cover lead paint successfully. (You can also consider encapsulation, which is more expensive than just repainting but less expensive than removal.) It sounds like you probably have oil-based paint in your kitchen, and my guess is that people have been trying to cover it with latex paint (which won't work). Oil-based paint has to be properly prepped and primed or modern latex paints will peel right off. You absolutely can learn how to paint it yourself (or, if you want, how to safely strip it) but both are big projects--this is an area where I definitely spend money, even as someone who generally likes to DIY. With painting, prep is everything, and it takes an enormous amount of time to do it properly. If you have the time and energy to take it on yourself, you'll save quite a bit, but just know that it takes a lot of patience. Good luck!
Contact the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch. They certify folks in abatement and I believe have a list.