1930 house with 2 paint layers on woodwork. Do you think I have any lead paint?

Question

I just purchased a house built in 1930. I am considering stripping the painted woodwork which is peeling. On the interior window sill is where the peeling is the worst and it appears that I have two layers of paint chipping right down to the bare wood. I was just assuming I have lead paint because of the house's age but since I'm seeing only two paint layers it seems strange to me that the bottom layer could possibly go as far back as the lead paint years. The top layer is white and very clean so I think it's pretty new. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

if there are only 2 layers of paint i would very much doubt it is lead based,the reason for this is the fact that lead paint was discontinued in 1978 and unless it has only been decorated once in the last nearly 30 years then it is doubtful,also as you have said there is only 2 layers then it would suggest it has been stripped back to the bare wood at some point in recent years.you really i dont think have any worries,if you are concerned then use a liquid brush paint stripper and repirator,that way you will not have the dust flying arouind that would be caused by sanding,if this does not leave a satisfactory finish then wear a respirator and sand afterwards,i stipulate wear a respirator as it is something you should always do even with modern houses and paint finishes.not my favourite pastime but enjoy your decorating.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

I've applied thousands of gallons of paint,and offer no offense to any others who answer but I suggest the initial layer has lead base. Even in the 30's without the benefit of chemical treatments to retard wood degradation, etc. There was no Acyrilic latex yet invented. Unless it's a log cabin or Cedar Shake siding, or worse, Asbestos, you very likely have Lead based paint as the initial paint coating, and perhaps the initial lasted long enough? Without knowing when the second coating was applied, or its substance, perhaps have both checked.

I don't have the exact date but have seen this similar Q asked here,,,in fact if you do the Q&A browser search you may find the answer. Certainly in a general WWW search using keywords you can determine when LEAD was outlawed.


LEAD paint was not yet thought to be a hazard in the 30's and likely may have still exisited when Acrylic Latex was introduced.

If you NEED a test, any decent paint store can steer you right. The larger issue might be IF it is lead, even in the first painting, you now have a conumdrum in its removal, similar to asbestos shingles.

After you determine the TRUTH I suggest you hook up with some local municipality agencies to advise you.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

I would say probably, since lead paint "peels" in an interesting way - it curls up. You see, lead paint is hard. As it loses its grip with age, its edges turn up and curl. The paint on the top layer is likely normal, these days' paint, which is kind of plasticky in nature. It stretches. You can tell this paint by it peeling in sheets, like the skin on someone's sunburned back. Lead paint can not be controlled by varying pressure like other paint can. Does this make any sense?

Good luck!

Answer 6

a good rule of thumb is to asume that any house that age would contain some sort of lead base products. You can go to your local hardware store and buy a simple test kit to be sure. as for stripping the paint, try to stay away from any scraping, or dust creating situations and wear proper respritory protection at all times. my suggestion would be to use a chemical base stripper.

Answer 7

If the wood underneath is bare and appears to be original, then you probably do have lead paint. Any good hardware store or home center, like Home Depot will have test kits you can buy for very little $ that will tell you for sure.

Answer 8

You can purchase a lead test kit in a paint store or hardware store. Also if you are sanding it and have a sweet flavor in your throat that means that it is lead and stop and immediately put on a respirator.

Answer 9

the bottom layer could definitely be lead based. Lead based paints were used much later than the thirties too. I would strip it down to the wood and start over.

Answer 10

It possibly has lead paint. just strip it and refinish or paint it with a lead blocking paint. Dont eat the paint chips..That is the only way lead paint will hurt you.