Recycled, reclaimed, repurposed—whichever word you choose to use when describing the use of old materials in decorating—there are some tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, you should assume that any piece of reclaimed wood that is painted has lead based paint. To remedy this and make the wood safe to use in any application, you could cut off any portion of the wood that is painted, remove the lead based paint, or you could coat to create a protective barrier, or in other words, encapsulate the lead based paint. Lead-based paint is a health hazard because the dust chips and fumes can be ingested or inhaled.

In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission limited the amount of lead allowed in paint. Any surface painted before that year has the potential to be a lead hazard. Encapsulating lead paint is a common way to prevent exposure to lead-based paint, because in many cases it is the least expensive, easiest route to take. Encapsulants are materials that are applied over lead-based paint to seal the paint to a surface and prevent the release of paint chips or dust. The material may be either a liquid or an adhesive. Encapsulation provides a barrier between the paint and the environment. There are three types of encapsulants: Polymers (chemical compounds) that form a flexible, resilient membrane. They are applied with a brush, roller, or airless spray gun. Epoxy or polyurethane polymers that form a membrane with a hard, but flexible, surface. They are applied with a brush, roller, or airless spray gun. Cement-like materials with polymers that cure to form a thick coating. They are generally applied with a trowel.

It is important to remember that conventional paint is NOT an encapsulant. Encapsulants cover lead paint so that the paint cannot produce dangerous dust, and humans cannot come into contact with it. Encapsulants work best on clean, dry and solid surfaces. But, encapsulants cannot be used on the following: Surfaces that are walked on; Surfaces that rub together; Surfaces that are badly deteriorated (so some reclaimed materials may not be good candidates for encapsulation and would require complete removal of the lead paint) In addition, the only permanent solutions that do not require periodic maintenance and inspection include replacement or complete removal of lead paint.

Lauren Bunting is a licensed REALTOR®/Associate Broker with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin, MD.

Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.