Lead exposure is a serious health hazard, especially in older buildings where lead-based paints were commonly used. But there’s a solution that doesn’t involve a complete overhaul: lead encapsulating paint.
This innovative product provides a safe and effective way to manage lead paint risks without the need for costly and invasive removal processes.
In this article, we’ll dive into what lead encapsulating paint is and how it works for homeowners and renovators alike!
What is Lead Encapsulating Paint?
Lead encapsulating paint is a specialized product designed to manage lead-based paint hazards in older buildings.
Its primary purpose is to “encapsulate” or seal in the lead paint, preventing harmful lead dust and chips from being released into the environment. This is crucial for homes built before 1978, the year the U.S. banned lead-based paint for residential use.
The purpose of lead encapsulating paint is pretty straightforward: it’s a high build (thick), durable coating that acts as a barrier over lead paint. The idea is to keep the dangerous lead particles contained beneath a secure layer, reducing the risk of exposure.
This type of paint is particularly handy for surfaces that are in relatively good condition but have layers of old lead paint underneath. Instead of removing all the old paint, which can be a risky and expensive process, you can encapsulate it, saving both time and money while ensuring safety.
Now, let’s talk about the differences between encapsulating paint and regular paint.
Regular paint is designed primarily for aesthetics and protection against the elements, but it doesn’t have the same binding properties as encapsulating paint.
Lead encapsulating paint is much thicker and often contains specific ingredients that enhance its adhesion to lead-based surfaces.
This is required because encapsulating paint needs to form a solid, impenetrable barrier.
Regular paint simply can’t offer the same level of protection because it isn’t formulated to contain or manage lead particles.
So, when and why should you use lead encapsulating paint?
Well, the main scenario is when you’re dealing with older properties that have lead-based paint and you need a safe, cost-effective solution to manage the hazard.
If the lead paint is in good condition, encapsulating it can be a lot easier and less intrusive than removal. It’s also a good option for areas where lead dust exposure is a concern, such as around windows, doors, and other high-friction surfaces.
By encapsulating the lead paint, you significantly reduce the risk of lead dust being released through normal wear and tear.
Recommended Brands for Lead Encapsulation Paint
Here’s a list of some reputable brands that offer lead encapsulating paint. You can also find cleaning products on there if needed such as cleaning solutions and wipes.
- Features: Water-based, elastomeric coating that forms a dense, high-solids barrier to encapsulate lead-based paint.
- Suitable for: Interior and exterior surfaces including drywall, plaster, wood, masonry, and metal.
Fiberlock Technologies – LBC (Lead Barrier Compound)
- Features: Water-based, flexible, and high-solids coating designed to seal and lock in lead-based paint.
- Suitable for: A variety of surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, and masonry.
- Features: Water-based paint that seals and treats lead dust and lead-based paint, reducing lead hazards.
- Suitable for: Interior and exterior surfaces including wood, drywall, and masonry.
- Features: Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces. Available in clear, white, or custom tints.
- Suitable for: Various surfaces.
These brands offer products specifically designed to encapsulate and manage lead-based paint hazards, providing an effective solution for safely dealing with lead paint in older buildings.
How to Safely Paint Over Lead-Based Paint
Painting with this type of paint isn’t much different from painting with other types of paint.
Let’s dive into the process step-by-step.
Surface Preparation
First things first, surface preparation is crucial. You want your paint to stick properly and create a strong barrier. Start by ensuring the surface is clean, sound, and dry.
This means no dirt, grease, oil, wax, rust, or mildew. If you’ve got rust, make sure it’s tightly adhering. Loose or flaking paint should be removed, ideally using a scraper.
Lead dust is hazardous, so I highly recommend wearing gloves, safety glasses and respiratory protection during this step.
For high gloss or enamel surfaces, you’ve got a few options. The quickest way is to clean the surface and apply a coat of primer, letting it cure before finishing with the lead encapsulating paint.
Alternatively, you can wet sand or use a chemical deglossing agent.
Priming Bare Surfaces
Bare surfaces need spot priming to ensure adhesion. Depending on the material, choose the right primer, here are some examples:
Insl-x AQ-0400 Aqua Lock Plus
- Suitable for: Drywall, plaster, interior wood
- Features: Excellent adhesion, stain blocking, and mildew resistance
Coronado 48-11 Acrylic Masonry Primer-Sealer
- Suitable for: Masonry, stucco
- Features: Strong adhesion and sealing properties for masonry surfaces
Corotech V110 Acrylic Metal Primer
- Suitable for: Ferrous steel, galvanized surfaces
- Features: Provides excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance
Insl-x TB-1100 Blockout Primer
- Suitable for: Exterior wood
- Features: Blocks stains and tannins, providing a solid base for topcoats
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
- Suitable for: Various surfaces including drywall, wood, masonry, and metal
- Features: Strong adhesion, stain blocking, and can be used on interior and exterior surfaces
Kilz Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Latex Primer
- Suitable for: Drywall, plaster, wood, and masonry
- Features: High-hide formula that blocks stains and offers mildew resistance
Sherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer
- Suitable for: Drywall, wood, masonry, and metal
- Features: Versatile primer providing good adhesion and stain-blocking properties
Behr Multi-Surface Interior/Exterior Primer & Sealer
- Suitable for: Drywall, wood, masonry, and metal
- Features: Excellent adhesion and durability for both interior and exterior surfaces
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer
- Suitable for: Tough-to-seal surfaces such as wood, drywall, and masonry. Used by professionals and if in doubt, use this one.
- Features: Excellent stain-blocking capabilities, suitable for interior and exterior use
Benjamin Moore Fresh Start High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer
- Suitable for: Various surfaces including drywall, plaster, wood, and masonry
- Features: Superior adhesion, high hiding formula
Valspar Bonding Primer-Sealer
- Suitable for: Challenging surfaces such as glossy surfaces, drywall, and masonry
- Features: Exceptional adhesion, ensures a smooth topcoat application
PPG Gripper Interior/Exterior Primer & Sealer
- Suitable for: A wide range of surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, and masonry
- Features: Strong adhesion and bonding, suitable for both interior and exterior applications
These primers will give you a solid foundation for the lead encapsulating paint.
Now, onto the actual painting with the lead encapsulating paint!
Lead encapsulating paint, should be stirred thoroughly before use. Don’t thin it or add any other products—it’s ready to go as is.
The preferred method of application is airless spraying. This provides a smooth, uniform finish, which is essential for creating a solid barrier.
You’ll need a powerful spray pump that can handle the paint’s high viscosity and that’s why an HVLP paint sprayer won’t do since you usually have to thin the paint when using one of those.
If you decide you want to use a brush and roller, use only top-quality tools so the smoothest possible finish can be obtained.
Aim for a wet film thickness of 16-20 mils in a single coat.
If you’re using a brush or roller, you’ll need multiple coats to reach the desired thickness. Expect 6-8 mils per coat with a brush and 8-12 mils with a roller. Top-quality tools make a big difference here, so don’t skimp on your brushes and rollers.
Temperature is also a factor. Don’t apply the paint if it’s below 50°F or above 95°F (this can depend on the brand and type of paint, check the product data-sheet when unsure). And always pay close attention to the wet film thickness to ensure you’re getting the right coverage.
Final Thoughts
Properly applied lead encapsulating paint can protect your home and family from the dangers of lead exposure while preserving the beauty of older surfaces.
Whether you’re dealing with a charming old Victorian or just an old piece of furniture, taking the time to apply this paint properly makes all the difference.
So, take it step-by-step, prepare your surfaces well, and you’ll have a safe, beautiful finish that lasts.
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