If you want a more permanent solution for dealing with the issue, a complete removal is your only option. But compared to encapsulation, removal is a much more dangerous task. It’s because the chances of being exposed to dangerous particles are higher. It’s why we don’t recommend you remove lead paint yourself.
Should you choose to proceed anyway, here are your options for removing lead paint yourselef:
There is a myriad of ways to remove it, and the most common are:
Wet Sanding
The surface must be wet first by spraying water or applying wet sanding sponges. Water will trap any dust generated by sanding, which lessens the possibility of the dust becoming airborne. You don’t need to make the surface dripping wet, but it should remain wet at all times while you work.
After wetting the surface, you can use either sandpaper or a sander to remove it. Manually sanding the surface using sandpaper generates less dust but is slower than using a sander. Maybe you prefer power sanding instead of sanding by hand. Ensure that your sander has a HEPA vacuum attachment to immediately collect any dust produced by sanding. Power sanding is messy and creates a lot of dust, which must be avoided.
HEPA filters are a must for doing this type of work. It’s because they are capable of trapping minuscule dust and other particles that ordinary filters are not equipped to do.
Wet Scraping
Hand scrapers, wire brushes, and other similar tools are used to scrape off the paint by hand. Just like in wet sanding, the surface must be wet first before you start scraping. Wet scraping is also time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the creation of dust is minimized.
The goal of wet scraping is to remove any loose or peeling parts but not remove all the paint present.
Dry scraping and sanding can also be done, but this is not recommended because it will generate a lot of dust. And in some states, dry scraping as a means of removing it is even prohibited.
Wet Planing
Like wet scraping, wet planing scrapes off the paint. A plane is used instead of scrapers. Because of the tool involved, wet planing is only done on wood surfaces. Wet Planing is also ideal for high impact or friction surfaces, like edges of doors and windows.
Heat Removal
Heat guns are used to soften the paint, making scraping easier. Because too much heat can create toxic fumes, heat guns set to temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Fahrenheit must not be used. Appropriate heat guns should only be used at a maximum of 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using Chemical Strippers
A more recent innovation, there are chemical strippers intended to remove lead paint. It works by trapping the paint to it like glue. Once the paint strippers are peeled off, it comes off safely. This is now considered the safest method to remove it because zero dust is generated.
Blasting
Aided by high-powered equipment, high-pressure water or abrasive blasting is also used to remove paint. Water blasting is done in homes, while abrasive blasting is catered to industrial surfaces. It includes surfaces such as bridges with lead paint.
Because of the amount of mess it creates, this method is only used on exterior surfaces. The water used to remove paint can also trap particles. You must cover all surfaces where water contaminated with lead can end up. Even if it is naturally occurring and present in the soil, too much of it present can cause soil contamination.
Since you are working outdoors, this means placing protective coverings on the ground and trees. It includes plants and other surfaces.
Among all these methods, power sanding and heat removal are not advisable for DIY work. These two can generate the most dust and toxic fumes that can harm anyone, especially those involved in the work.
Even if only licensed contractors are required to observe safe practices according to the RRP Rule, homeowners who plan to DIY the task must also do so. The RRP Rule does not technically apply to homeowners working on their own homes. They are free not to follow these practices. They are strongly encouraged to do so since this type of work increases their chances of lead exposure.
These practices help prevent those working with the material and inhabitants of the affected home from acquiring the health hazards. Even if it has already been removed, dust that can be easily inhaled or ingested may still linger in various parts of your home.
If you remove it yourself, make sure that you are equipped with the right safety gear and equipment for the task and clean up afterward. It includes:
- Protective clothes that will cover as much skin as possible, like goggles and coveralls. Gloves and shoe covers are also needed. Make sure that these will be laundered separately afterwards.
- A disposable face mask or respirator specifically intended for such work. Those with a HEPA filter N-100, P-100, or R-100 that are NIOSH-certified are recommended.
- Coverings to seal off the work area, such as heavy-duty plastic sheeting or tarpaulins. Tape to keep the seals in place.
- Plastic bags for any debris generated and cleaning materials. You should ideally have separate buckets and rags for your cleaning solution and water for rinsing.
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters. Ordinary vacuum cleaners have a chance of releasing dangerous particles into the air, so they should be avoided.
While removing it should ideally be handled by the pros, homeowners like you can still do it. Follow safe practices before through after removing it, including cleanup.
It is also vital that you work wet to minimize the chances of lead dust becoming airborne.
