Lead based paint removal can be easier and safer than you think
LEAD-OUT® Paint Stripper is easy to use and reduces the risk of lead poisoning during removal of lead paint.
Step 1: Open LEAD OUT® Stabilizer (Powder) package and mix thoroughly with LEAD OUT® Stripper (Gel). If using a sprayer or texture gun, then strain the powder prior to mixing. The two components combine to make a semi-paste.
Step2: Use a paintbrush, trowel, airless texture sprayer, or other tool to apply. If using a paintbrush apply in one direction using an even stroke of the paintbrush (do not use back and forth motion) until LEAD OUT® is on the surface up to 1/8 inch in thickness.
Step3: Allow to sit from 2 to 24 hours. After 2 hours check by using a scraper if the coating is softened enough for removal. If not, wait longer and recheck softness.
Step4: When treated area is ready, remove residue with a scraper or other stripping tool. You can also use pressure washing to remove the paint. Please contain and dispose of all waste in a responsible manner.
Surface cleanup: After use; wipe surface with a damp wet-scrub pad to remove any remaining residue. Then soak the clean area with water using a sponge, towel, or water hose. Squeegee, mop, or wipe surface clean and let dry.
Storage: Store in cool, dry area. Use LEAD-OUT® within 24 hours of mixing.
For optimum performance apply when air temperature is over 50 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Solutions to Common Issues and Mistakes:
Mix Thoroughly: Always mix powder and gel thoroughly until powder is fully dissolved into the gel stripper. Poor mixing will lead to poor adhesion to vertical surfaces or ceilings. If Lead-Out® seems too watery or runny, then continue mixing. You can let it stand for up to 1 hour to thicken. Do not allow it to dry out or it will be ineffective.
Dwell Time: Allow as much time as possible, maximum of 24 hours, for Lead-Out® to remove paint.
Application Thickness: More layers of paint require thicker application. Rough, porous, or absorbent surfaces require thicker application. One layer of lead paint on a metal surface can be removed with 1/32 inch. Multiple layers of paint including different types of paint (i.e. latex or oil based) on a wood surface will require 1/8 inch. Use common sense and your best judgment when applying Lead-Out®.
Poor Intercoat Adhesion: This causes premature lifting. Lead Out® pulls paint off the surface by breaking chemical bonds adhering paint to wood or metal or other surfaces. Sometimes, poor adhesion between different layers of paint (i.e. latex paint on top of lead paint) causes Lead-Ou t® to begin lifting the paint at this layer and only softening the lower layer. This will happen quickly – within an hour or two – if at all. Scrape the top layer off and apply another layer of Lead-Out® to remove the bottom layer of paint.
Paint Sprayers or Texture guns: Strain the powder and mix thoroughly to avoid clogs. Use a texture gun suitable for medium to heavy material. Do not use a filter. Most sprayers do not work well with Lead Out®.
Mixing Ratio: The ratio is 1 pound powder to 1 gallon gel. So, ½ pound of powder can be mixed with ½ gallon of gel or ¼ pound to ¼ gallon. The left over stripper and powder can be sealed tightly (separately) and stored in a cool dry place for several days.
Leftover Lead-Out: Do not store after mixing. Use Lead-Out® within 24 hours of mixing. Dispose of any remaining Lead-Out® in same container as the lead paint waste. Unmixed Lead-Out® can be stored for up to three years.
Sun or Wind: Try to avoid direct sunlight or harsh winds. Dry weather can cause Lead-Out® to dry out too quickly. Possible solutions: apply Lead-Out at night, cover with plastic, or erect a barrier to block sun and wind. Do not cover with plastic under normal conditions.
Very High Concentrations of Lead: Contact us if the TCLP results are not satisfactory. Adding more powder will neutralize more lead and other heavy metals. Upon receiving your TCLP results, we will send you extra MBS powder, which can be added to the lead paint waste to ensure complete stabilization of lead and other hazardous metals.
Epoxy: Lead-Out®, as it is formulated will remove some epoxies, but has a very difficult time with many epoxies. We have removed some pretty thick epoxies, but the dwell time exceeded 30 hours. Apply Lead-Out® at 1/8 inch for 35 hours for testing on epoxies. Any lead or other heavy metals will be rendered non-hazardous.
