Painting Over Lead Paint Trim

You just want to remove any loose flaking lead paint.

Painting over lead paint trim. The goal is not to remove all of the paint. Avoid using an electric sander to smooth or remove lead paint. To ensure the finished texture will be consistent in these areas brush on the door and trim paint then immediately roll it out before the paint dries. Using a brush roller or paint sprayer apply at least two coats of a high quality water based latex or acrylic paint eg glidden premium available at the home depot over the primed surface.

One of the most significant factors when deciding whether it is safe to simply cover lead paint by painting over it is the condition of the existing paint and wall. While lead based paint does not present a hazard when intact ie. Roll as close as you can without bumping the opposite wall or slopping paint onto the trim. Allow sufficient drying time between applications.

Consumer paint has not contained lead in decades however anyone working in an older dwelling built before 1978 may encounter old lead based paint. Encapsulation should last upwards of 10 years if done correctly. Not any normal paint will safely cover lead containing paint. Roller with a nap thats the same thickness that was used for the rest of the wall painting.

Painting over lead paint or encapsulation is only effective if the old finish of the lead paint is still in excellent condition that is not peeling or chipped. If they are both in good condition then painting over them will form a barrier against the toxins in the lead paint. Apply a few thin or sparse coats of primer to the sanded areas with a paint roller as with paint a few thin coats of primer adhere better than one or two thick coats decreasing the chance of eventual chipping. Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2 inch paintbrush.

Refer to the cans label which may suggest 10 or 20 minutes between coats. Make sure electrical outlets are turned off before spraying near them. Use a medium or coarse grit sanding sponge to smooth rough areas. If your home was built or remodeled before 1978 you need to check for lead paint before.

Follow the manufacturers recommended drying and painting times. In addition the encapsulated area must be monitored over time to prevent exposure to lead paint chips and dust. A high lead finding might even steer you away from painting and toward siding that safely covers contaminated paint. Allow the deglosser to dry before applying paint.