How to remove stubborn paint with traces of lead?

HappyDays

  

Hey team,

Fire compliance ripped out the doors and along with it took the paint from the walls which opened up a can of worms with paint issues. Its gone back to 1970s. So had tested and contains 0.01%. Living in a studio apartment with my dog is proving difficult!

I've got a lot off, just slowly peeling it, vacuuming and turps paint to keep dust down but I've hit a roadblock. Some of it is so stubborn to get off.

I've tried paint stripper, steamer, chisel. 

It is mortar walls so bumpy otherwise I would have painted where I could (which on photos can show I tried but the layering is too different to make it work)

Any suggestions?? 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, @HappyDays. It’s fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question on removing paint. 

Dealing with old paint layers can be quite challenging, especially in a studio apartment where managing dust and workspace is critical. The good news is that the 0.01% lead detected in your paint is an extremely low level and unlikely to pose a significant risk. Historically, lead-based paints contained far higher concentrations, often between 10-50%. Your reading may reflect trace contamination rather than genuine lead-based paint. For peace of mind, I recommend consulting with a professional or reviewing guidance from reputable health authorities to better understand acceptable levels and any precautions you should take.

For the stubborn paint on your bumpy mortar walls, there are a few methods you could try. Wet sanding is a great option, as it minimizes dust and is safer if there are any lingering lead concerns. Use fine to medium-grit sandpaper with water to keep the surface damp while sanding. Be sure to wear appropriate PPE, such as a P2-rated respirator, gloves, and goggles. While you’ve mentioned using paint strippers, not all products are the same. A gel-based stripper designed for particularly stubborn paints might yield better results. Apply it generously, allow it to sit for the recommended time, and then scrape it off carefully.

If you find the paint removal process too difficult or uneven, you might consider applying a skim coat of plaster or filler over the remaining paint to create a smooth surface before repainting. This approach can help address the layering issue you mentioned.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell