lead based paint detectors

samf

I have never tested paint for lead. My local hardware store (Lowes) has a paint tester kit and I'm wondering how accurate this is. I bought a 2nd house and am remodeling it, not sure when paint was applied but likely after the 70s. Anyway, I'm just wondering if they're as accurate as a pregnancy test :-) or less.

Samuel

elementx440

From my limited research...

no the commercial "swabs" are not very effective as they only test the surface of the paint They're a good start if you got a few bucks to spend, but in no way are they conclusive. As long as the paint is in good repair, you're usually ok. If it is flaking or "dusty" then you need to do something about it.

They make special sealant paints to coat the lead paint with.