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If you own an older home in New Smyrna Beach or anywhere in Volusia County, there is a real chance your walls contain lead paint. Homes built before 1978 commonly used lead-based paint, and Florida homeowners face unique challenges when dealing with it. This guide covers everything you need to know about painting lead paint safely, from testing and encapsulation to full removal and EPA regulations.
JPL Painting has helped hundreds of homeowners safely address lead-based paint in older homes. Whether you need exterior painting or drywall repair on a pre-1978 property, we follow EPA lead-safe practices on every job. Call (386) 402-1122 for a free estimate.
What's Inside
What Is Lead Paint?
Lead paint contains lead compounds like lead carbonate or lead oxide. Before 1978, lead was added to paint for vibrant colors, faster drying, and moisture resistance. The problem: lead is a toxic heavy metal that causes serious health problems, especially in children.
The federal government banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978, but millions of homes still have it under newer paint layers. The EPA estimates 87% of homes built before 1940 and 69% of homes built from 1940-1959 still contain lead paint. Many older homes in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill fall into these age ranges.
Lead paint becomes dangerous when deteriorating - chipping, peeling, chalking, or creating dust. Intact lead paint under newer layers is not an immediate hazard, but any disturbance during renovation can release lead dust.
Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?
Yes, but only if the existing lead paint is in good condition and you follow safety protocols. Painting over lead paint is called encapsulation, one of three EPA-approved methods. The other two are enclosure and removal.
- The existing paint must be intact - If chipping, peeling, or chalking, you cannot paint over it. New paint will not adhere to a failing surface.
- You need the right primer - Use a lead-encapsulating primer or high-adhesion bonding primer rated for lead paint encapsulation.
- Prep work must be lead-safe - Even light sanding creates hazardous dust. Follow EPA lead-safe work practices.
- It is not permanent - Encapsulation can be damaged by impacts, moisture, or future renovations.
Worried About Lead Paint?
JPL Painting follows EPA lead-safe practices on every pre-1978 home. Call (386) 402-1122 for a free estimate.
Call (386) 402-1122How to Test for Lead Paint
Before painting in a pre-1978 home, test for lead paint. Three methods:
1. DIY Lead Test Kits
Available at hardware stores for $10-$30. A chemical swab changes color when it contacts lead. These only test the surface layer - lead paint may be hidden under newer coats.
2. XRF Analysis
A handheld device reads lead levels through multiple paint layers without damage. Most accurate method, costs $200-$500 per inspection, must be done by a certified lead inspector.
3. Lab Paint Chip Analysis
A certified inspector collects paint chip samples for lab testing. Provides exact lead concentration levels but involves removing small paint sections.
Never sand or scrape paint in a pre-1978 home without testing first. Sanding lead paint creates fine dust that contaminates your home. If lead is found, follow EPA RRP protocols and work safely.
Lead Paint Encapsulation
Encapsulation covers lead paint with a special coating that bonds to the surface and creates a durable barrier. It is often the most practical and cost-effective approach.
Two types of encapsulants:
- Coating encapsulants - Thick paints that form a hard film over lead paint, like Fiberlock Lead Barrier. Resist impact and wear.
- Adhesive encapsulants - Thicker, rigid materials that mechanically bond to the surface. Used on high-wear surfaces like floors and stairs.
The encapsulation process: Clean the surface with HEPA vacuum and wet methods, repair damage with lead-safe techniques, apply encapsulating primer rated by the EPA, then top coat with two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint.
Encapsulation works well for walls, ceilings, trim, and doors in good condition. Not recommended for floors or areas with active water damage.
Lead Paint Removal Methods
When lead paint is severely deteriorating, removal may be the best option:
Wet Scraping
Misting the surface with water while hand-scraping keeps lead dust from becoming airborne. The safest DIY method but slow and requires careful HEPA cleanup.
Chemical Stripping
Lead-specific chemical strippers dissolve paint so it can be scraped off wet. Avoids airborne dust but requires careful chemical handling and ventilation.
Low-Temperature Heat Gun
A heat gun below 1,100 degrees F softens paint for easier scraping. Never use high-temperature heat guns or open flames on lead paint - they create dangerous lead fumes.
Never sand lead paint dry, use open flames, or use power sanders without HEPA attachments. These create hazardous lead dust and fumes. Always hire an EPA lead-safe certified contractor for lead paint removal.
EPA Rules for Florida Homeowners
The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to work that disturbs lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes:
- Contractor certification - Any contractor disturbing lead paint must be EPA lead-safe certified. JPL Painting maintains current RRP certification.
- Homeowner notification - Contractors must provide the EPA's "Renovate Right" pamphlet before starting work.
- Work area containment - Plastic sheeting must prevent lead dust from spreading. Seal doors and windows.
- Dust control - Wet methods and HEPA vacuums minimize dust during work.
- Cleanup and verification - HEPA vacuum and wet wipe cleanup, then visual inspection.
RRP violation fines reach $44,539 per violation per day. Working with a certified contractor like JPL Painting ensures compliance and protects your family.
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
JPL Painting is EPA lead-safe certified and follows all RRP protocols on pre-1978 homes. Call (386) 402-1122 today.
Call (386) 402-1122Florida-Specific Lead Paint Challenges
Florida homeowners face unique lead paint challenges:
- High humidity accelerates deterioration - Florida's moisture causes lead paint on exterior surfaces to peel and chalk faster, creating more lead dust.
- Hurricane damage - Storms can suddenly expose large areas of lead paint. Post-hurricane repainting on pre-1978 homes must follow lead-safe protocols.
- Older housing stock - Many Volusia County communities have a high percentage of pre-1978 homes. The stucco and plaster common in these homes often contain lead paint underneath.
- AC systems - Central air conditioning can circulate lead dust throughout the home if not properly contained during renovation.
