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Hi Guru-
Well our building plans feel through due to high costs- so now we're looking at purchasing a victorian home.
This leads me to my question- is it safe to remove unknown aged paint from woodwork in the home? I know that it is possible that lead based paints could have been used in any home that is that old- so I'm planning on treating all painted surfaces as suspect.
I love old woodwork, and would get rid of the paint on everything, and restain.
Rather than sanding, if I use a stripper that removes all of the paint- is it safe? How would I get rid of the yuck from the old paint? I know you're not supposed to sand off lead based paints- as that can release lead particles into the air...
Any help would be appreciated!
Karen  |
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First off I would get a lead paint test kit. Such as:
Abotex's LEAD INSPECTOR
LEAD CHECK (TM) Test Kit
LEAD ALERT( TM) Wipe/Sanding Test Kit
They cost between $10 and $30 for 8 - 12 samplers.
Then you would know what your dealing with. If it IS lead then go to a lead abaitment company and ask them what is a safe way to do it yourself.
In an older house that I remodeled, it was cheaper and easier to just replace the trim with new that was the exact same profile. |
I'll keep that in mind, thanks! One of the houses we've looked at has great stair banisters and a beautiful newel post- except for the fact that it is covered in red and green paint... eeewwww!!!! Stuff like that just makes me sad  Hopefully it'll end up being non-lead, so I can remove it safely! (if we go with that property!)
Karen |
| Painted wood may not have been painted a long time ago and may not be lead paint. It may have been done only a few years ago! So keep your fingers crossed! |
