3 warning signs your home might have lead paint—and what to do next

If your home was built before 1978, it’s worth checking for lead paint before tackling DIY updates. Here’s how to identify it and move forward safely.

Key Takeaways

• Homes built before 1978 might contain lead paint, and testing is recommended to avoid exposure to lead dust.
• Lead paint can be identified through test kits, paint chip sampling, or professional XRF devices.
• Safe handling options include encapsulation, enclosure, or replacement, with some areas best addressed by pros.

Lead paint was banned about 50 years ago, but it can still be found in many older homes (often undetected). While lead paint is typically buried under layers of newer, non-lead-based paint, this isn’t always the case. Either way, it could still pose a risk if disturbed during a home renovation, demolition, or repair.

Because lead paint is a known hazard, there are expert-approved ways you can identify, test, and address lead paint in your home. Before starting your next DIY project, learn how a paint professional checks for lead paint and handles it safely.

Meet the Experts

Patrick Eby is a paint expert and the founder of Brothers Colors Painting in South Bend, IN.

How to Tell If Your Home Has Lead Paint

Before any DIY involving a painted surface, it’s a good idea to check if your home has lead paint to avoid accidentally exposing yourself or others to lead dust and paint chips. “One of the quickest ways to identify if a home has lead paint is by its age. Lead paint was banned in residential homes in 1978, so any home constructed before this date has a decent chance of containing lead paint,” Patrick Eby, paint expert and founder of Brothers Colors Painting, says.

The EPA notes that lead-based paint can be found in single-family homes, apartments, public housing, government-assisted housing, as well as urban, suburban, and rural areas, so you cannot assume that your house is lead-free simply by the type or location.

Key Warning Signs That Your Home Has Lead Paint

If you have an older home, it’s important to be on the lookout for indications of lead paint. Key warning signs to watch out for include the following:

• Peeling: “I always look for peeling paint. Look for ‘alligatoring’ peeling; it resembles reptile scales. I also sometimes describe its peeling as Fritos chips (the peeling can curl a little and break off like one),” Eby says.
• Chalking: Lead paint can form dust with or without sanding, so you may see dust piles or a powdery residue forming naturally on window ledges or flat surfaces around the home.
• Multiple paint layers: Several layers of paint (especially in a home built before 1978) can be a clue that older lead-based paint was covered rather than removed.

How to Test for Lead Paint

You can test the paint in your home to determine whether it is lead-based in several ways. “The quickest and most cost-effective way to confirm is a lead paint test kit. Local hardware stores have them,” Eby says. “Typically, the kit has two test sticks. I always test the paint’s outer layer and the back side. I test the back side, as many people paint over old lead. Most paint companies also offer a free test when they come out for an estimate.”

In addition to this basic test, you can also perform a paint chip sampling test in which you scrape a small, layered sample of paint from the wall and send it to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program-certified laboratory for detailed analysis. This method is highly accurate, although it is more invasive than a simple swab test.

If you don’t feel comfortable testing the paint, hire a professional to use a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device to scan through all the paint layers without scraping or damaging the surfaces. However, this method is the most expensive.

What to Consider If Lead-Based Paint Is Found

If you confirm your home has lead-based paint, don’t panic. The right next steps depend on the paint’s condition and whether you’ll be disturbing it during a project.

1. Understand Containment Strategies

If you find lead paint in your home, there are several ways to address the issue safely. “I wouldn’t panic; lead is typically safe if it is in good shape and not peeling or flaking,” Eby says. “If it is in good shape, you can encapsulate it with a thick coating of primer, apply drywall over it if it’s inside, or rent a HEPA vacuum and clean it up. Wearing a HEPA respirator is always recommended as well.”

• Encapsulation: If the lead paint is in good condition, paint over it with a specialized, thick elastomeric or polymer coating that will bond to the lead paint and prevent chips or dust from escaping.
• Enclosure: If you have room to spare and don’t want to come into direct contact with the lead paint, you can cover the painted surface with a durable, dust-tight barrier, such as drywall, vinyl, aluminum, or plywood paneling. This traps the lead safely behind the new finish.
• Replacement: If the lead paint is in poor condition or you would rather get rid of the affected surfaces, the most surefire way to handle lead paint is to completely remove and replace the contaminated architectural components, such as the trim, doors, windows, or drywall. This process should be handled by a certified lead removal company in your area.

2. Know When to Call a Professional

Just because you find lead in your home doesn’t mean you need to hire a pro to handle it. “I think if it’s a small area like one door, it should be fine, but I always recommend handling this only if the lead is in good shape, with no peeling or flaking,” Eby suggests. “When you sand lead, it becomes dust and a respiratory hazard. If the lead paint isn’t failing, priming and painting over the small section is typically OK as well. However, if it is a bigger job, look for lead-certified companies in your area to assess the issue.”

Larger jobs aren’t only more risky for you to take on, they are also more expensive, since you need to either purchase or rent HEPA vacuums and respirators, and pay a fee to dispose of the contaminated debris. Ultimately, it’s easier and safer to call a certified lead removal company to handle large jobs or deal with lead paint that is peeling, failing, or otherwise in poor condition. If you do choose to handle the issue yourself, make sure to use the EPA’s lead-safe work practices for DIY home renovation projects.

3. Understand DIY Removal Is Risky

Removing lead paint yourself can expose you and others to lead, especially if it is not handled properly. “It is risky because of containment. Most people initially think, ‘I’ll sand and smooth it out or remove it myself.’ Doing this creates microscopic dust, which is an immediate health hazard. The dust can also get into the HVAC system, carpet, and other surfaces, making it a long-lasting issue,” Eby advises.

The equipment necessary to safely remove lead paint is also a factor to consider, since opting for low-cost alternatives can leave you vulnerable to lead paint dust and debris. “HEPA vacuums and respirators are needed, and the vacuums alone can cost a few thousand dollars to purchase. Renting is available, but can quickly become expensive for larger projects,” Eby says.

Related: How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens