Frequenctly Asked Questions
What proportion should I mix the powder and the gel to make smaller batches?
1 pound MBS® powder to 1 gallon gel stripper. So you can mix 1/2 pound of powder with 1/2 gallon of gel to make a half gallon. Just keep it proportional and you can mix smaller batches of any size. When storing the left over, make sure the bags are closed and the lid is on tight. (Recommend buying in quarts if the customer wants small batches).
You can buy extra quarter pound bags for $10 each and mix more MBS into the gel-stripper up to a maximum of 1.5 pounds per gallon for very high concentrations of lead.
Can you give me more detail about the coverage area?
100-120 square feet per gallon: Smooth surfaces, metal surfaces found in industrial paint removal, marine and boat paint removal, and some residential applications. One or two coats of uniform paint with low concentrations of lead.
80-100 square feet per gallon: Recommended coverage area for most residential paint removal or average concentrations of lead. Able to remove up to five layers of paint off wood, metal, and other hard smooth surfaces.
30-80 square feet per gallon: Porous, rough surfaces, many layers of paint, intricate wood-work: historic preservation, antique restoration, brick or sheet rock surfaces. High concentrations of lead need a smaller coverage area for higher concentrations of MBS powder and ensure full remediation.
Can I use a paint sprayer?
Yes. Use an airless paint sprayer for medium to heavy material with a tip size of at least 619 to spray LEAD-OUT ® onto the surface. To avoid clumps that can clog your sprayer, strain the MBS® powder through a fine metal mesh strainer before mixing the stripper. After straining, mix the powder very thoroughly into the gel. If you have a paint mixer drill bit and drill we recommend using these tools for mixing. Before loading the gel into the sprayer remove the filter from the sprayer.
If you have a “popcorn” or “mud” sprayer, this type of sprayer produces the best result.
Is LEAD-OUT® approved by the EPA?
The MBS stabilizer powder was tested and verified by the EPA “SITE” (Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation) program and shown to convert the lead paint waste into non-hazardous waste. A chemical paint stripper is generally considered by the EPA as an acceptable method of removing lead paint. LEAD-OUT® can be used in RRP regulated jobs. All RRP containment and verification procedures should still be followed.
Is LEAD-OUT® approved by OSHA?
Chemical paint strippers are one of several safety precautions OSHA prescribes for reducing worker exposure to lead during jobs that disturb lead based paint. Using LEAD-OUT® as part of your company’s plan to reduce worker exposure to lead paint will help you satisfy OSHA requirements. No employee monitoring is required when using LEAD-OUT® Paint Stripper.
I stripped a surface with LEAD-OUT® and now the new coat of paint is not adhering well to the surface.
This means the surface was not properly cleaned after the paint was stripped off. It is recommended that you remove the paint; clean the surface with water or soapy water, let it dry, and then re-paint with proper priming. No need to neutralize the surface.
Can I sand a surface after I’ve used LEAD-OUT® to remove the paint?
Surfaces can be sanded after using LEAD-OUT® to prep the surface for a new coating. Confirm the removal of all lead paint on the surface and wash the area with soap and water before sanding. Make sure no lead paint remains on any surface prior to sanding.
Can I buy LEAD-OUT ® at Lowes, Home Depot, True Value, Ace Hardware or any local hardware stores in my area?
Currently LEAD-OUT® is only available by ordering online through our website: www.Leadoutpaintstripper.com.
Can I power wash a surface that I’ve applied LEAD-OUT® to for removal instead of scraping?
Yes. Power washing will remove paint properly treated with LEAD-OUT®. Use a scraper, putty knife, or other tool to check softness and to ensure that all layers of paint are being stripped prior to power washing. Proper containment and disposal procedures should be followed.
When will I receive LEAD-OUT® after I’ve placed my order?
Please allow 3 to 7 business days for LEAD-OUT ® to arrive after placing your order. Tracking numbers are available upon request.
I placed my LEAD-OUT® order at 4:15 PM EST, when will it get shipped out?
All orders placed after 3:00 PM EST will be shipped out the next business day.
Can I get the tracking number for my order?
Yes, please forward your order confirmation to service@leadoutpaintstripper.com, and we will send you a tracking number as soon as it is available.
What should I wear (personal protection equipment, “PPE”) when using LEAD-OUT®?
We recommend that you use standard PPE when removing paint with LEAD-OUT® Paint Stripper: wear gloves, protective eyewear and a dust mask. The main concern here is to keep the paint stripper off your skin and protect your eyes. LEAD-OUT® does not have any harmful fumes and only poses mild health risks that are mitigated by standard workplace PPE.
Is LEAD-OUT® safe to use around children?
Please keep LEAD-OUT®, and all chemicals, out of reach of children.
LEAD-OUT® is non-caustic, but as a paint stripper it will irritate the skin and prolonged direct exposure can cause more damage. Although LEAD-OUT® is very safe; all precautions normally taken in a work space should be taken when using LEAD-OUT®. Children should not be in a work zone where chemicals are being used and lead paint removal is being done.
What do I apply LEAD-OUT® with?
LEAD-OUT® can be applied with a paint brush, paint roller, trowel or airless sprayer. In most situations a paint brush or trowel is the recommended application method. Airless sprayers and rollers are most appropriate when large, flat areas need to be covered. If it is a horizontal surface, we recommend pouring the LEAD-OUT® onto the surface and then spreading it with a brush or other tool. (See instructions for more information).
What type of paint brush should I use when applying LEAD-OUT ®?
Most paint brushes found at hardware stores will be work fine. Use a cheap brush, because the stripper will damage the bristles.
Can LEAD-OUT® be used when it is really cold? Hot?
LEAD-OUT® will not be effective in temperatures below 50°F. Very high temperatures and/or dry climates may cause LEAD-OUT ® to dry before fully stripping the paint. The MBS powder will work at any temperature, but the gel-stripper is most effective in temperatures from 50°F to 90°F.
How do I prevent LEAD-OUT® from drying too fast?
When applying LEAD-OUT® to a surface in the direct sunlight, covering the surface with thin plastic will allow LEAD-OUT® to stay wet longer and perform better. The more time LEAD-OUT® remains wet on a surface the more layers of paint it should remove. Under normal circumstances, LEAD-OUT® can stay wet for 48 hours.
How can I tell when it’s the right time to begin removing LEAD-OUT®
After applying LEAD-OUT® monitor the surface periodically to make sure the gel stays wet. When the gel begins getting tacky on the surface or the paint comes off easily, it is the right time to begin removing the paint. If you allow LEAD-OUT® to fully dry on the surface it will be much harder to remove. Always try to remove LEAD-OUT® while still wet.
What tool(s) can I use to remove LEAD-OUT® from a surface?
A standard paint scraper or putty knife will usually work well. Power washing also works well. See instructions for more information.
