My family and I recently moved into a home built in 1945. It has lots of character (original door hardware, etc.) but it also has a lot of lead. I spent about $3200 professionally abating and encapsulating the lead so that it would be safe for my family (We have an 8 year old son and a 7 month old daughter). So on the safe level it is fine. I would however like to do some work my self. I'd like to restore the door hardware and I would also like to redo the doors leading outside. I did not have the pros work on the doors unless the paint was cracking, simply because they were already painted over with non-lead. This however is only a temporary fix. Should I have the professionals come back and do this or can I? I have read countless articles and pamphlets on working safely with lead. I've read about soaking the hardware in a crock pot, only wet sanding wood, etc. I guess my question is, what can I safely do with children living in the home? Is simply taking the door hardware off going to release too much lead in the air? Should I have it all professionally done or can I do some of it myself? Anyone with this kind of experience please let me know.

*I tried to upload pictures from my computer but I kept getting an error saying it was an invalid file type. They are all .jpg so I am not sure why it is doing that. Either way, here is a link to the pictures...

Door Hardware that I would like to restore




Backdoor with underlying cracking lead. (This was not done by the pro's. I figured I would get it done later, or maybe I could do it myself. Or maybe it is fine? Not sure if I should sand, replace the door, or just let it be)



Backdoor also needs to be planed (so do some interior doors) so it doesn't rub against the frame


Thank you!

 

None of the photo links worked for me.

I think the fears of lead are greatly overblown. Use common sense and you will be fine like don't lick your fingers when working with lead. As you already know you want to avoid sending clouds of lead based dust through the house. So, if dry sanding work outside if possible. The doors can be wiped off with a damp cloth before bringing them inside to remove any residual dust. You can also use chemical strippers that you scrape off with a putty knife. They don't generate dust and the goo that comes off is easy to put into the garbage can. The same can be done with the hardware. For intricate shapes a stiff bristled brush or wire brush is handy. Then whenever you finish working don't forget to wash your hands.

 

Easiest way to add images is: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/li...rt-images.html

If you want to use an image from Photobucket chose Share and copy the full link under Direct. Paste it directly into your post.

 

Thanks for the tips. I have updated the post with photos, if that helps at all.

 

Whenever possible it's best to NOT sand lead based paints. The main dangers from lead come from ingesting paint chips and/or inhaling lead dust. Children are more susceptible to lead poisoning than adults.

The alligatoring on the back door poses no problem at this time but should be monitored so you can address any peeling that might take place later. When you get ready to remove the lead you can use a paint stripper, just be sure to properly dispose of the paint you scrape off.

almost forgot welcome to the forums!

 

Thank you for the reply! Someone recommended getting Soy Gel to remove the lead. I did have another question. A gallon of white LeadBlock encapsulate paint came in and it says to not use on impact areas. This poses a little problem since that is exactly what I need it for. Even if I strip the paint the lead has soaked into the wood and I would rather use this than just normal paint of primer. Anyone use Lead Block? Can I realistically use this on the impact areas or should I just use regular paint?

Also, if I want to plane the edge of a door so it doesn't rub against the frame do I need to strip it first or can I just spray it with water to minimize dust particles. I'll take the door outside if I need to but I'd rather do it in the house. I have never worked with lead before so forgive all of the questions!

 

The lead based initiative was uniquely designed to releave me and my co-workers each of several hundred dollars in the pursuit of political correctness. Now, to prevent the authorities from auditing my books, what you need to know is common sense. Don't scrape, sand or disturb you paint in an enclosed environment. Take the door outside to plane, Take it outside to sand. and if there are any large chips, remove and over paint to keep junior from ingesting the paint chips. Your whole house is lead based...know this and live appropriately to protect you family. No need to freak out, just monitor everything.

 

I'm not familiar with it could you provide any more info on it?
I never took the lead abatement classes as those new regs were coming in as I was going out
I wouldn't think any minor lead residue in the wood would be a real issue. The main danger is ingesting lead chips or breathing lead dust! The lead encapsulating that I have done was basically just removing any loose paint and then applying primer/paint to give a good sound painted surface. Stripping was either sent out or chemically stripped on site and then coated with oil base primer followed by the customer's choice of top coat.

With children in the house it is important to do no sanding inside and pick up any/all suspect paint chips!