How Do Lead Encapsulating Sealers Work?

 How Do Lead Encapsulating Sealers Work?

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It's common knowledge at this point that lead paint brings with it certain environmental hazards that you would do well to avoid at all costs. But at the same time, you can't just paint directly over lead paint and assume that everything is okay. You'll need to use what is called a lead encapsulating sealer, which is a material applied over top of the lead-based paint to prevent both paint chipping and dust in the future.

Depending on the lead encapsulating sealer you choose, you may be working with either a liquid or an adhesive. But regardless, the end result is the same: you're creating a new barrier between the lead based paint and the surrounding environment, thus dramatically reducing the possibility of issues and health hazards moving forward.

Are All Lead Sealers The Same?

All told, there are three main types of encapsulants for you to choose from depending on your needs. In addition to cement-like materials with polymers that form a very thick coating, there are also epoxy or polyurethane polymers and chemical compounds. The chemical compounds form a flexible membrane and are usually applied with either a brush or a roller. The epoxy polymers still form a hard surface, but it also remains flexible for your convenience. These usually get applied with a roller or an airless spray gun depending on your preferences.

The cement-like materials that form a much thicker coating are usually applied with a trowel. The original manufacturer's directions for the lead encapsulating sealer that you choose will always indicate which method of application is best, so be sure to read them carefully before you proceed. 

What Are The Best Products To Use For Lead Encapsulating

Of course, the lead encapsulating process will be significantly easier if you make sure that you have the right products by your side in the first place. One of the most important of these is Barrier Coat II Lead Encapsulant Coating, which itself is a cost efficient copolymer, acrylic-based coating that exceeds all known published standards for lead encapsulants. It offers excellent film flexibility and creates a tough surface, all with superior impact and abrasion resistance when compared to alternatives.

Another handy product to have around is this Lead Barrier Compound, which forms a barrier between your lead-based paint and the environment to not only maintain aesthetics, but to also preserve both historic and architectural detail as well. Finally, we have Fiberlock ChildGuard - a product that was designed to serve as both a safe and efficient  alternative to the often time consuming (not to mention expensive) process of lead-based paint removal. Fiberlock ChildGuard also holds the distinction of being accepted in all 50 states as a permanent abatement method.