When all of the chipped paint has been removed and repairs have been made, sand the wall with a fine-grit sandpaper. Paint adheres better to an evenly sanded surface. Use a damp rag to clean off the sanding dust from the entire wall. Be sure the wall is completely dry before proceeding.
Painting over the chipped/peeling paint will do nothing but change the color of the chips and peelings, unfortunately. Removing the chipped paint and sanding it would release lead into the air and thus increasing exposure, which is what you're trying to avoid.
Painting over lead paint can be considered a form of “encapsulation,” which is one of the EPA-approved ways to remediate lead paint hazards. However, this requires the use of a special material called an “encapsulant.” Regular store-bought paint by itself is not sufficient to safely encapsulate lead paint.
You can paint over chipped paint if the chip is small and the edges aren't peeling. For a better look, fill the chipped area with spackle or joint compound, sand the filler so it's flush with the surrounding paint, and then prime and paint.
Chipped painted can be fixed by filling in the chip with wood putty or acrylic latex filler, sanding it smooth, then painting it.
The success of a sleek, vinyl car wrap installation requires a smooth, even surface for the vinyl to bond to. A deep scratch, or just chipped paint, mars this surface, and will lead to bubbles and other distortions in the vinyl.
Encapsulants are a safer alternative to lead paint removal, especially when complete removal is impractical or would be too costly.
If you notice alligator cracks on the walls, there's a good chance your paint contains lead. Lead paint also produces a chalky residue when it rubs off, which is another great way to identify it.
Paint film stabilization is a way to temporarily fix loose paint by creating a smooth surface that generates less lead dust. First, wet the area with a spray bottle and water before scraping or sanding. Then, prime and re-paint, and clean up thoroughly (for more detail, see EPA resources).
Clean the chip, apply primer, and then use a fine-tipped brush or an applicator pen to carefully fill in the chip with matching touch-up paint. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next, and finish by blending the repair with polishing compound.
Peel Stop® is a clear, flexible bridging sealer for surfaces where peeling, flaking, dusting or chalking is a problem. Use indoors or out to form a breathable membrane over questionable or faulty substrates. Peel Stop® tightly bonds to old paint and problem areas forming a sound surface for new paint.
A bonding primer or an oil-based primer is recommended for surfaces with peeling paint issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific primer you're using. If there are any visible cracks, holes, or imperfections on the surface, use a suitable filler or spackling compound to repair them.
If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.
Any house or apartment built before 1978 could have lead paint. Houses and apartments built before 1960 have the most lead paint. Common household repairs (like painting or fixing a door that sticks to the doorframe) can produce lead dust or paint chips.
CAUTION: Higher-temperature heat gun models can easily vaporize chemicals in paint, including lead, making them easy to inhale.
Management and Treatment
The effects of lead poisoning aren't reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child's home or environment.
You must use an encapsulant to paint over lead paint. This acts as a sealant. There are three types of encapsulation paint; epoxy, polymer, and cement-type materials, but epoxy and polymer types are more suitable for home DIY projects.
When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves, and blood. Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and in extreme cases, death.
There are several ways to remove lead-based paints: Wire brushing or wet hand scraping with the aid of a non-flammable solvent or abrasive compound. Liquid paint removers can be used on small areas, such as windowsills, doors and woodwork.
Even though you can quickly grab a brush and paint over chipped paint, you'll regret it in the long run. Nothing beats the benefits of proper prep so remove as much of the chipped paint as possible, make needed repairs, then sand and clean the wall before painting.
While vinyl wraps have their merits, they are not the right choice for vehicles with deteriorating paint, such as lacquer peeling. Attempting to hide paint issues with a vinyl wrap is akin to putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches.