How to remove flaking paint without disturbing lead paint underneath?

[LC26]

I'm in the middle of redoing our bedroom on a 1906 Queenslander and the walls have tested negative for lead. I am only removing chaulking and lightly sanding walls to repaint as they were is good condition. However when I got to the ceilings and started sanding I noticed the paint came away too easily and it would have to stripped off. I got a scrapper and scrapped off about a square metre very easily and underneath was what looked like a greenish paint that was chemically stripped at some point and a cream coloured paint showing under that. I tested to see if was lead and the initial test came back negative. I started sanding had a break and when I came back an hour later the test spot was a very light pinky colour. Immediately stopped work and cleaned everything in that room.

I rechecked the tester and the knob has not changed colour so wondering if the late change is due to pigments from the paint mixing with the test, which I've read can happen.

Now I don't know how to finish the ceiling. I don't have the money to spend on professionals and I don't love the idea of chemically removing all the paint, particularly if it has lead in it as I have young kids in the house.

I think the best option is to encapsulate the paint but to do this I'd need to either continue peeling off the top paint layer to have a suitable surface to stick the paint to, or paint over it with some sort of glue and hope it doesn't flake on us. 

If I knew it was safe to peel off the outer flaking layer using a metal scrapper and perhaps water then I'd do that I just don't know what the proper process to keep me and the kids safe is and I don't have alot of time to sort this out as we need the bedroom back in use.

[JacobZ]

Hi @LC26,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Considering the age of your home, there is a good chance that there is lead-based paint present. When fully encapsulated, it does not pose a risk to your safety, but by sanding and scraping, there is a risk that you are exposing it.

I understand the need to get the bedroom back in use, but considering what you have experienced with your home test, I would not recommend taking any chances and would recommend you have a certified lead testing professional come and check the ceiling before you proceed.

They will be able to recommend a solution moving forward that will ensure everything is done safely.

If the first layer of paint is not too bad, you may be able to use Zinsser Peel Stop Binding Primer to stabilise it before painting over it with a topcoat of your choice, but you should confirm this with a professional before proceeding.

Sorry that I can't be more help.

Jacob