Is it safe to just paint over lead paint or do we have to strip it all off first?

Painting over lead paint can be a safe and acceptable approach in many situations, but only if certain conditions are met. If the existing lead paint is in good condition — not peeling, flaking, chipping, or chalking — you can apply a high-quality encapsulant primer followed by your finish coat. This effectively seals the lead beneath a durable barrier and is a method recognized by Health Canada and WorkSafeBC as a legitimate containment strategy.

However, painting over lead paint is not appropriate in every case. If the paint is deteriorating, bubbling, or flaking, you cannot simply cover it. The adhesion will be poor and the new paint will eventually fail, potentially releasing lead dust in the process. Surfaces that experience regular friction or impact — like window sashes, door edges, and stair treads — are also poor candidates for encapsulation because the wear will break through the seal over time.

Before painting over, you should clean the surface thoroughly with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution to remove any lead dust, then apply a bonding primer specifically rated as a lead encapsulant. Standard primers do not qualify. Products like Fiberlock Lead Block or Zinsser Lead Encapsulant are designed for this purpose and are available at most Metro Vancouver paint suppliers.

The key rule is: never sand or scrape lead paint without proper containment and respiratory protection. If you need to do any surface preparation beyond light cleaning, consult a qualified lead-safe contractor to discuss the safest approach for your specific situation.

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