How do you restore a dresser painted with lead?
@happythoughts (4109)
United States
October 1, 2008 4:33pm CST
We have been looking for a dresser for a while now and we found one we can afford and like. It is nice sized with 6 drawers, but the problem is it is painted with lead. I know we can sand off the lead paint but had the lead seeped into the wood? If we sand and paint it are we done or is there more?
It is for my hubby and I so I am fairly sure that it wont be bit or chewed on. If it is damaged we can re paint fairly fast.
Does any one have any tips for us?
3 responses
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
2 Oct 08
i am not sure, but I am sure the health department could answer your question.
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
2 Oct 08
Good idea. Thanks for the great idea. I will call tomorrow morning and find out.
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
1 Oct 08
Well, I would not sand it off. The dust will be full of lead and it'll get everywhere. You'd be best using a chemical paint stripper, that will take it back to the bare wood and not cover you with toxic dust. I don't know if the lead in the paint will have worked it's way into the wood, but I would not worry about that as even if it has, the amounts will be minute and will be sealed in by the new paint which you'll be putting on.
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
2 Oct 08
Good point on the toxic dust thing. We have dust masks but it is much better to not have to deal with it at all. Thanks for the great life saving tip.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
3 Oct 08
If there are no children or pets who might ingest it, it should be safe to use as is. Lead very probably did not seep into the wood and if it did, it wouldn't cause any damage to anything. You have to eat it or have it get into your body somehow. Even then, adult bodies can store more lead than children's without adverse affects.
If I were you, I'd just paint over it if you need to paint the dresser.
