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Thinking about repainting your home? If your house was built before 1978, there’s one thing you should check before any sanding, scraping, or priming begins: lead paint. Yep, we’re going there. It’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s an important one especially if you’re planning interior or exterior painting on an older home here in Denver.
So, what’s the deal with lead paint? And what does it mean if you’re repainting a house that might have it? Whether you’re just exploring options or already calling around for quotes, here’s what you need to know.
At Kind Home Solutions, we specialize in painting older homes, and that includes safely handling lead-based paint. Whether you’ve already heard of lead paint hazards or this is your first time dealing with it, this guide walks you through what to expect, what to avoid, and why hiring a certified lead painter in Denver makes all the difference.
Lead, a chemical element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82, is known for its density, malleability, and toxicity.
Lead-based paint is a type of paint that contains lead, a toxic metal, as a pigment or drying agent. It was commonly used in homes, buildings, and bridges until the 1970s, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use due to its health risks.
Lead-based paint is characterized by its high density, low melting point, and ductility, making it a useful material for various applications.
However, its physical properties also make it a hazardous substance, as it can easily chip, flake, or crumble, releasing lead dust into the air.
Lead paint was banned in 1978 for good reason. When it chips or cracks, as mentioned above, or gets disturbed during prep work, it releases lead dust—a fine, toxic powder that’s dangerous when inhaled or ingested.
Lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children and pose health risks to adults and pets. The problem? Many homes in Denver were built before that ban, so painting lead paint without proper safety measures can be a serious concern.
It is crucial to follow the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) to make sure lead renovation is conducted safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Here’s the general rule of thumb: If your home was built before 1978, you’ll want to test for lead paint before starting any painting project.
Even if your home’s been repainted over the years, older layers underneath could still contain lead.
Testing painted surfaces is important because disturbing those layers, especially during scraping or sanding, can release dangerous particles into your home and yard.
Deteriorating painted surfaces can release lead dust, posing significant health hazards.
Before booking your estimate, ask if the lead test is included and whether your painter is EPA Lead-Safe Certified.
No need to panic. A lead-positive result doesn’t mean your home is unsafe—it just means extra precautions are needed during repainting. The goal is to contain and remove the risk, not to remove every trace of lead from your home.
Following lead safety measures helps protect both residents and workers from the serious health risks of lead exposure.
At Kind Home Solutions, we’re proud to be EPA Lead-Safe Certified—and that’s not just a label. It means our team follows every safety step from start to finish.
We’re all for DIY, but painting lead paint is not a job for a weekend warrior. Even lightly sanding lead-coated walls can release harmful particles into the air. Lead chips can pose significant risks during DIY projects, and proper disposal is very important to avoid contamination.
It takes specialized tools, proper disposal, and serious know-how to keep your space safe. That’s why it’s critical to work with a certified lead painter in Denver—not just someone who claims they “know what they’re doing.”
Even if your home got a paint refresh in the ‘80s, ‘90s, or early 2000s, lead paint can still be present beneath newer layers.
As soon as a contractor starts scraping or sanding, they might expose that old lead base.
That’s why we always recommend testing, especially for homes built before 1978.
Lead compounds in older layers of paint can pose significant health risks, making testing and safety measures crucial.
The real concern with lead isn’t the paint itself—it’s the dust. Once lead dust becomes airborne, it can settle into carpets, furniture, soil, and even HVAC systems.
This is especially risky for:
Monitoring blood lead levels, especially in children, is crucial to track exposure and prevent health risks.
If your family includes any of the above, lead-safe painting is non-negotiable.
Unfortunately, not every painting contractor follows the rules. Here’s how to spot a potential problem:
Ask direct questions like:
A reputable lead painter won’t hesitate to walk you through every step.
Yes, working with lead paint adds a bit to the overall price—but it’s still manageable. Think of it as a safety investment that protects your family, your neighbors, and your home value.
Properly managing paint chips during the painting process helps prevent lead contamination.
We provide detailed, honest estimates and we break down everything so there are no surprises.
Your home deserves more than a fresh coat of paint—it deserves peace of mind. If your house was built before 1978, don’t guess. Let our team handle testing, preparation, and painting lead paint safely and professionally.
At Kind Home Solutions, we don’t cut corners—we contain, control, and repaint the right way so you and your family can feel safe and secure.
Call us today to schedule your lead-safe estimate in Denver or request a quote online. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision, from start to finish.
No. Many painting companies skip this step or leave it up to the homeowner. Always ask whether the painter tests for lead or requires you to provide results.
Not exactly. But if your home has lead paint and it’s being disturbed during a renovation or paint job, EPA regulations require lead-safe work practices by certified professionals.
Not necessarily. But testing is the only way to know for sure. Many homes do—but not all.
In some cases, yes. If the existing paint is in excellent shape, encapsulation may be an option. But if you’re doing prep or sanding, you still need to follow lead-safe practices.
EPA Lead-Safe Certification means the company is trained and certified to follow federal safety standards for working around lead-based paint.
Full lead abatement can be expensive, but most painting projects don’t require it. We focus on safe containment and repainting, which is far more affordable and just as effective in most residential cases.