Does your home date back to 1978 or earlier, and do you plan to get it repainted for the first time?
If so, you may want to put down your sander just yet. You need to understand why repainting in old homes is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you are at risk of dealing with lead-based paint.
Did you know that millions of homes built before 1978 are suspected of having used lead paint? It is believed that around 35% of homes in the entire country have this type present.
You may think that paint that contains lead is just a trivial matter. It is not, particularly if it is already damaged. This type s the causing of lead poisoning in both adults and children alike. Because of the fine dust invisible to the naked eye, no one knows that they are being exposed to it until they experience symptoms.
And if you are unaware, its poisoning causes serious health issues and can be fatal.
Don’t worry. You can still get your home repainted, although you need to take additional steps to ensure that the hazards involved are minimized or removed. One of the fastest ways is by doing lead paint encapsulation, which traps it underneath it.
We have developed this ultimate guide for encapsulation if you have no idea what it is.
Yes, that old plaster and those hairline cracks on the walls aren’t simply things you can ignore. If you live in a rental place, you should also know that your landlord has certain responsibilities.
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How to Encapsulate Lead Paint
Suppose you decide that encapsulating lead paint is still the best option for you. In that case, you need to be aware of the different steps involved in the entire process. The actual work is not the only aspect you should be focused on; preparation and cleanup are equally important.
Before starting the process, you must do the following preparations. It’s aside from wearing the earlier safety gear. Note that these also apply to other abatement methods:
How to encapsulate lead paint
- Switch off the HVAC system and seal all air vents and ducts using plastic sheets and tape.
Make sure that there are no gaps for lead particles to enter.
- Transfer your belongings placed in the same room or area where you will do the encapsulation.
- Cover them up with plastic for items that cannot be moved and add tape to seal.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Protect your floors by covering them up with plastic.
Once the preparations are complete, you can start with the actual encapsulation. It involves these steps:
- Check the layers to be encapsulated to see if they can withstand wear and tear.
They must let the lead encapsulating paint adhere to it by doing coating adhesion tests.
- If suitable, do a patch test first.
Wipe the surface clean and apply your chosen product to a small portion, ideally measuring 6×6 inches of that surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appropriate thickness of the encapsulant.
- Wait until the patch is dry to touch.
Suppose you see any cracking or any visible effects on the encapsulant applied. In that case, you need to use another type or choose another lead abatement method. The longer the wait, the better it is because some products may take days before they show any cracking or peeling signs.
- If the encapsulant passes the patch test, prepare the surface to which it will be applied.
Manufacturers have different instructions for doing so, but you ultimately have a dry and clean surface.
- Apply the chemical by following the manufacturer’s instructions for it.
Typically applied like paint, make sure that the layer is even and meets the required thickness.
- Allow it to dry undisturbed.
- Follow the cleanup instructions of the manufacturer.
Make sure to check your local laws for any policies involving lead encapsulation. Some states require those who will do the work to undergo training first and fulfill various requirements. It’s even if they only work in their own homes.
Encapsulation is not the only way to cover up lead paint. You can also deal with it by covering it up using the enclosure method.
Enclosure involves installing a solid cover over the surface where the dangerous paint is present. But instead of using encapsulants, materials such as plywood and paneling are used. Do note that installing wallpaper or contact paper on top is not considered a method of enclosing it.
However, this is also a temporary fix. Once the enclosure is removed or damaged, you are again at risk of exposure.
Damaged parts must first be removed before the enclosure is installed. You also need to address source problems first since these can weaken and ultimately damage the enclosure like leaks.
Installing the enclosure is not just about placing it over the surface. To prevent any dust from escaping, you need to ensure that it is sealed off properly. It’s particularly at the seams or edges. Even if it is just a temporary fix, you must install it like it will be a permanent addition over a surface.
Can You Paint Over to Seal It?
Shortcuts – who doesn’t like that? You might think that painting over it using ordinary stuff is the perfect shortcut, but it does not work that way. It does not do anything. It may cover it up, but the risk level remains the same. It’s especially when applied over damaged parts.
But before doing anything else, you should first confirm if lead paint is present. You can use the popular test swabs since they are easy to use and have instantaneous results. Since a basic kit only has two swabs, the bulk kits are ideal if you plan to test your entire house. With 144 swabs, it is more than enough to test various surfaces of your home.
Once you confirm the presence, you need to check its condition. If you do not see any signs of damage, you can safely paint over it. It’s not before applying an encapsulant.
Simply applying any conventional paint on top of it is not recommended. Ordinary stuff is susceptible to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Once it gets damaged, there is a chance that the layer underneath will also be damaged and release toxic dust.
You must first use encapsulants that act as the barrier or seal that keeps the paint in place to prevent this. Encapsulants prevent it from chipping or creating dust and keep anyone from getting into direct contact with it. Once they are applied, that is the only time you can apply conventional stuff over it.
Encapsulants come in three different types:
- Cement-like Materials that Contain Polymers – these membranes have a curing period and will form a thick coating once set. It is applied just like ordinary cement, which makes use of trowels easy.
- Chemical Compounds or Polymers – applied via airless spray guns, rollers, or brushes and the resulting membrane is known to be robust but flexible.
- Polyurethane or Epoxy – Yes, you can encapsulate with Polyurethane. The membrane it creates is also flexible but tougher. They are also applied using a brush, airless spray gun, or roller.
But if the lead-based paint is already damaged, you cannot apply encapsulants over it. Your only solution is to remove the damaged parts completely.
How Much Does It Cost to Encapsulate?
Most homeowners know that addressing the is expensive, especially if you get licensed contractors to handle everything. Fortunately, it does not cost as much to encapsulate it. It makes it a practical option for most people.
If you plan to do it yourself, you only need to purchase the sealant or encapsulating compound. It has an average price of $50 per gallon or $230 for 5 gallons. This means encapsulating a home with square footage between 1,000 to 2,000 will cost around $800 to $1,400.
It is far cheaper to DIY than hiring a professional, as it can cost $4 per square foot for the materials and labor of contractors. This means encapsulating lead paint in a 1,000 square foot home can cost $4,000. It is a far cry from the average price if you do it yourself.
There are also different encapsulating compounds out on the market, one of which is Lead Stop. Dumond manufactures it. However, not all products will work on all surfaces. It is important to check which ones will meet your needs.
Method | Cost per foot |
Encapsulation | $4 and $8 |
Lead abatement | $8 to $17 |