Replies

1. 
   jackson | Apr 27, 1999 04:21am | #1

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   We will be repainting our house which has 4 layers of existing paint up to 90 years old. I would like to do a good prep job, but am worried about releasing lead into our air and ground, as my wife is pregnant. i am considering water blasting the house first, and then scrapping off any loose paint chips, collecting debris on a tarp, and then carefully inspecting and removing any paint on the ground. I will make sure to wear a respirator and have my wife leave for the week of work. does this sound cautious enough?

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 27, 1999 04:41am | #2

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   HI Jackson,

   It's your piece of mind, so be as cautious as you need be. Safety failures are full of "I should have's".

   As an alternative, I personally don't recommend water blasting paint off wood siding. I prefer to scrape, by hand or mechanically, all the paint off the wood.

   The worst enemy of painted wood siding is moisture in the wood prior to painting. To introduce water to your siding, be prepared to wait significantly and use a moisture meter before you try to reseal the siding.

   Good luck

   Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 27, 1999 07:46am | #4

   *We stripped our interior woodwork with peel-away. It isn't as easy as they make it appear, but one big advantage is that there isn't any dust. Plus it pulls the pigment right out of the pores, if you want to use a stain.peel-away is really just lye and cornstarch. You can find home made reciepes in several places. Lye does affect some woods differently than other though, so think carefully.And speaking of carefully, consider hiring out the paint removal to a certified lead abatement specialist. But if you do it yourself, send the wife and kids away. Lead dust is very bad for children, and no good for adults either!

3. 
   jackson | Apr 27, 1999 07:46am | #3

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   preping for exterior paint job over existing lead paint