I stole bought a truckload of doors a few months ago, but they all needed to be cleaned, sanded, and sealed before I could use them in my home. Anyone who's bought a paint can and read the label on the top knows that lead, and therefore lead paint, can be toxic. Now, don't panic. It's only toxic if it's inhaled or ingested, so you only need to be concerned if it's chipping, flaking, or you're messing with it. It's also only an issue in paint that was made before 1978. So, here's what you need to do to make them safe.
First of all, wear the cutest respirator mask you can find. They come in all kinds of styles and colors that will flatter any outfit, face shape and eye color. Just kidding. They look ridiculous on everyone, but you really need one if you're doing this kind of work. Don't settle for a flimsy dust mask. Get a respirator mask, which is a bit more expensive, but we're talking about your health, so get it. You'll also want to wear one of these when you're working with stinky paints, spray paint, paint sprayers, etc. It will really protect your lungs.
Second, work outside or in a workshop area. Don't do this in your living room. It's just not smart.
Sand the surface with your paper and method of choice. I used a small grit sanding sponge for this door, because I wanted to retain the look of the layered paint. Use a wet cloth to wipe off the dust and chipping paint and dispose of it in a tied off bag.
Clean your door with a damp cloth until all of the dust and chipping paint are removed. Allow it to dry and then seal the surface with a topcoat. I used a water based polycrylic (to prevent yellowing) and sealed every surface, including the hardware.
Allow it to dry and then it's safe to use. Now, if you have kids who gnaw on your furniture, this may not be enough, but, as a rule, this will do the trick. Keep an eye on it as the years go by to make sure it doesn't start chipping again.
Please remember to read labels, do your research, and don't just rely on my opinion. People have died from lead exposure and any pretty, chippy piece that you love is not worth putting people in harm's way. Ok? Be smart.
Because I do work with a lot of old and chipping furniture, I do have my kids tested for lead exposure, just to be on the safe side. If you do a lot of work like this and have small children, it's worth asking your pediatrician for their opinion.
Does anyone have any corrections or additional safety tips they'd like to share?
