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Once lead paint is confirmed, the work changes shape. It's slower and more methodical, and most of the effort goes into keeping the dust in one place.
Containment first
Plastic sheeting seals off the work area, drop sheets catch everything, and garden beds and play areas get covered. Windows and doors stay shut. This is the step that protects the rest of the property.
Wet methods, not dry
Dry sanding is what turns lead paint into a health problem. Instead:
- Wet sanding keeps the dust bound in water
- Chemical strippers lift the layers without airborne particles
- Low-temperature infrared can soften coatings without vaporising lead
Encapsulation as an option
Sometimes the better answer is not to remove it at all. If the existing layers are sound and well-adhered, a specialised encapsulating coating seals them permanently. It's less invasive, cheaper, and often the recommendation for sections that aren't high-wear.
Disposal
Waste goes into sealed bags and to a facility licensed to take it — not into the household bin and not onto the verge.
The DIY question
We get asked whether it's manageable over a weekend. Honestly, no. The equipment matters less than the method, and the method is what keeps lead dust out of the soil, the roof cavity and the people living there.
