The short answer
Test and Prepare the Area
Before any paint is touched, the area must be tested for lead. You can buy a lead test kit at a hardware store, or hire a professional to do a lab analysis. If lead is present, the room needs to be sealed off with plastic sheeting and tape. This keeps dust from traveling to other parts of your home.
Turn off your HVAC system and cover vents, floors, and furniture. Remove any rugs or items you can take out. The pros will use a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes to clean the work zone. You should also wear protective gear, such as a respirator that filters lead dust, if you do any part of the work yourself.
- Seal doorways and windows with plastic
- Cover floors with heavy-duty drop cloths
- Wear a respirator and disposable coveralls
- Remove or cover furniture and belongings
Choose a Removal Method
The method depends on the surface and condition of the paint. Wet scraping involves misting the paint with water to keep dust down, then scraping it off. Chemical strippers soften the paint so you can peel it away. Heat guns can also soften paint, but they must be used at low temperatures to avoid creating lead fumes.
Sanding and dry scraping are not safe for lead paint because they create large amounts of dust. The pros may use a HEPA vacuum attached to power tools to capture dust at the source. For large projects, they might recommend removing the entire surface, like a door or trim, and replacing it with new material.
Clean Up Thoroughly
After the paint is removed, the cleanup is just as important as the removal. All surfaces need to be wiped down with a wet cloth or a HEPA vacuum. Dispose of the plastic sheeting, drop cloths, and any waste in sealed bags. Do not sweep lead dust with a regular broom, as that just spreads it around.
Wash your hands and face immediately after handling any lead materials. Launder your work clothes separately from other laundry. The pros will do a final cleaning that includes wiping down walls, sills, and floors. This step is critical to make sure no lead dust remains for your family to breathe or touch.
Final Testing and Clearance
Once the area is clean, a final test confirms whether the lead levels are safe. You can use a swab test, or a professional can take dust samples and send them to a lab. If the test shows lead is still present, the area must be cleaned again and retested. This is the only way to be sure the job is done right.
Older homes often have lead paint under newer layers, so a clearance test gives you peace of mind that your family is not exposed. After clearance, you can repaint or refinish the surface with a lead-safe primer and paint.
Know When to Hire Pros
Lead paint removal is not a simple DIY task. If you have children or pregnant women in the home, or if the area is large, it is safer to hire local water damage pros who are trained in lead-safe practices. They have the right equipment and know how to contain dust and debris.
The cost of professional removal often ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the area, the method used, and the condition of the paint. Always ask for a detailed plan and a written contract before work begins. Check your policy if you want to know whether your insurance covers any of the cost. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Large areas or multiple rooms
- Homes with young children or pregnant women
- Paint that is peeling or chipping
- If you do not have the right safety gear
Need help right now?
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Call Now (801) 876-1119Frequently asked questions
Can I remove lead paint myself?
You can, but it is risky. You must follow strict safety steps like sealing the room, wearing a respirator, and wetting the paint. If you are unsure, hire a professional. Test the area afterward to make sure it is clean.
How long does lead paint removal take?
It depends on the size of the area and the method. A small room might take a day, while a whole house can take weeks. The pros can give you a timeline after inspecting the space. Plan for extra time for cleanup and testing.
What happens if I sand lead paint?
Sanding creates fine lead dust that is very dangerous to breathe and can spread through the house. It can contaminate carpets, furniture, and the air. If you have already sanded, wet-clean the area and consider testing for lead.