Lead paint question--are liquid strippers safer to use? I'm doing small areas-baseboards.?

Question

Okay, I live in an old bungalow, built 1924--I imagine ALL the paint is lead-based, I've burnt off tons of it with a heat gun and probably lost more than a few brain cells along the way. But seriously, I can't afford the HAZMAT guys in the white suits---I just have some baseboards left. Can I buy a better respirator filter thing and burn, or is liquid the way to go?

I should have mentioned that some of the "lead" paint is coming up in flaps, some is just way too thick in the details of the moldings--i.e. the surface is very bumpy so I want it OFF rather than covering it with another layer of protective or sealing paint.

Answer 1

As long as the paint stays moist during and after removal there should not be a hazard so using a liquid would be the way to go. However the rags you use to wipe with will then be hazardous waste, put them in a plastic bag and then dispose of them properly. At our local dump they have an area where you can dump that kind of stuff for free.

Answer 2

You're right, you've done yourself a bit of damage by using the heat gun.

You could seal it and then paint it; this is only a temporary fix. Plus, you may be violating some laws in your city/state re dealing with the lead paint.

You don't necessarily have to hire hazmat guys; a good contractor could deal with it.

Answer 3

I took a course some time ago. You do not have to remove, you can cover. For instance your local home center should sell a paint that can cover. They also sell test kits so that you can check for lead after your done.

Good Luck
Moskie257

Answer 4

I'd go with a liquid but that's just me...

http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/lead/leadbroc.htm
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/tools/article/0,16417,1173854,00.html

Answer 5

jasco paint stripper is the sh*t!!