Removing Lead Paint

pianistdave

I want to strip the paint off a few door frames - it's chipped off in places and I think a sand and repaint is going to look shoddy. Given the age of the property and the fact there is at least one layer of paint underneath the top coat, I'm concerned about the possibility of lead paint being present.

Can I remove safely with a heat gun, FFP3 mask, good ventilation and swift clean-up of the paint that's removed?

London50

Yes you can but use a low heat setting (below 1100 degrees F) heat gun and hand scrape it.

cyclonebri1

London50 wrote: »

Yes you can but use a low heat setting (below 1100 degrees F) heat gun and hand scrape it.

Can you qualify how you can claim that advice to be both safe and true. plus how can the op know what temp he is gunning at, ie, you can apply a low flame, but once burning physics take over and the actual temp exceeds intended.

London50

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Can you qualify how you can claim that advice to be both safe and true. plus how can the op know what temp he is gunning at, ie, you can apply a low flame, but once burning physics take over and the actual temp exceeds intended.

As I had the same problem a number of years ago {and have worked in the decorating trade} I contacted Defra about it and took their advise then bought the equivalent of the DeWalt 1800W Heat Gun with 240V Dual Air Flow and using my paint scrapers and a wire brush stripped 4 doors. I would NEVER suggest using a blowtorch on any painted wood if you do not know what you are doing be it lead based or any other paint as you risk scorching or burning the wood.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/221085/pb10973-leadpaintleaflet.pdf

cyclonebri1

London50 wrote: »

As I had the same problem a number of years ago {and have worked in the decorating trade} I contacted Defra about it and took their advise then bought the equivalent of the DeWalt 1800W Heat Gun with 240V Dual Air Flow and using my paint scrapers and a wire brush stripped 4 doors. I would NEVER suggest using a blowtorch on any painted wood if you do not know what you are doing be it lead based or any other paint as you risk scorching or burning the wood.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/221085/pb10973-leadpaintleaflet.pdf

It is still the same issue, doesn't matter what temp you scrape at, the ex paint gets well over your quoted temp and thats where the issue lies. ie, the surface temp exceeds your hot air gun temp as it consumes available oxygen and thus fires.

London50

At the end of the day I have answered the OP's question and explained to you in my reply. Lead paint is not dangerous unless ingested and it seems the OP has the choice to take the advise or not.