Gaining confidence as a DIYer isn’t just about mastering the tools—it depends equally on using the right products. There’s a huge variety of options at the lumber yard or hardware store, and it's easy to get lost trying to figure out which is right for you. Join me in this series as I shop the Dunn Lumber aisles for a few of my favorite products and share some tips and tricks for using them.
The dangers of lead, like that found in lead paint, have been known for a long time. In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead paint in residential housing, since inhaling or ingesting lead can lead to serious health issues.
However, there may still be lead paint present in older buildings, and it’s important to know if you’re dealing with lead paint before you start a construction project.
Enter the lead test kit!
How to use a lead paint test at home
If your home was built before 1978, there's a chance that the paint used contains lead. It’s fine when left undisturbed, but if you’re starting construction for any reason—including sanding leaded paint down or sawing it—you’re going to create dust, which can be harmful, especially to smaller children.
Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy home test that you can do on your own to find out if paint has lead in it.
3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs are instant lead tests containing a vial with a swab at the end. Just squeeze the barrel, shake it up, and use the swab to swab the paint in question. A color indicator will then show if there’s lead present in the paint or not.
The results are immediate, and the test works on all painted surfaces, including dust.
If the paint you tested shows up as having lead in it, you can then take extra precautions to protect yourself during construction.
Looking for more DIY tips and tricks? Check out our guide to how to paint a room or how to choose the right paint color for any room.
