Can I paint over lead paint?

• <div><p>You can paint over lead paint, or “encapsulate” it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-options-do-i-have-remove-lead-paint.htm">lead paint removal method</a> as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an “encapsulant” from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.</p></div>

How much does lead paint testing cost?

• <div><p>Professional testing for lead paint costs about <b>$300</b>, ranging from about <b>$250 to $700</b>, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-test-lead-paint.htm">DIY home-testing kit</a> costs about <b>$25</b>, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-test-kits">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.</p><p>Common home surfaces to test for lead include:</p><ul><li><p>Walls</p></li><li><p>Windows</p></li><li><p>Doors</p></li><li><p>Molding and trim</p></li><li><p>Railings</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Can I paint over lead paint?

• <div><p>You can paint over lead paint, or &ldquo;encapsulate&rdquo; it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-options-do-i-have-remove-lead-paint.htm">lead paint removal method</a> as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an &ldquo;encapsulant&rdquo; from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.</p></div>

Q: Can I remove lead from my home myself?

• <div><p>DIY lead removal is not recommended due to the health risks and regulatory requirements involved. Professional services ensure compliance with safety standards and effective removal.</p></div>

Q: Do all homes that were built before 1978 contain lead paint?

• <div><p>While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you&rsquo;ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.</p></div>

Q: How do professionals test for other toxic materials in a home?

• <div><p>Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to detect asbestos, radon, and VOCs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Alexandria, SD

*The Angi rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Alexandria, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Alexandria, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

Last update on November 25, 2025

Reviewed in November 2023
Removed eight stumps and hauled them away. Took extra time to clean up and backfill holes. Carter was great to work with on scheduling the project. He showed up when he said he would and make quick work of a large project at a reasonable price. Would highly recommend!
Carter Wright
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Reviewed in September 2021
We thought it went very well! The "before and after" pictures showed how well the dust and debris were removed.
Dan's Drain & Duct Cleaning LLC
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Reviewed in July 2017
Ryan Schulz is just great. He doesn't just work in tree removal. He's a total tree n***, honest and friendly, and focused on efficiency, which benefits his customers. He was able to quickly remove a giant tree from right between my house and my neighbor's house - and left NO MESS behind.
Gardener Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2016
Excellent Removed some pretty bad drink stains
NU-TECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
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Reviewed in July 2015
Everything was according to plan. I had described the problem over the phone and had been told the approximate cost. He quickly removed the moldy drywall, and placed a patch to repair it. He was quite good at keeping the work area and my house clean. My only problem would be that it took 2 weeks...
Bath Time Renovations
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Reviewed in December 2014
It was awesome! We were contacted prior to the closing by the person assigned to our file. She was friendly and helpful and made sure we knew all of the specifics of the closing process. We bought a home that was For Sale By Owner so we didn't have anyone leading us through this process. The...
DAKOTA ABSTRACT TITLE CO INC
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Reviewed in August 2014
We live on an acreage on the top of a bluff. In late winter we had a lot of cement board siding get blown off our house on the west side. (We would later learn from Tim Knoblach that it wasn't installed correctly which lead to the failure) We were planning on replacing the windows on that side...
KNOBLOCH CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in September 2012
In the process of buying a new house, I used this company to do my whole home inspection. Mike is the owner/operator and is fantastic to work with. He was very patient, and spent time with me before the inspection explaining what he was looking for, and the process of Radon testing. Their...
Tri State Certified LLC
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Reviewed in April 2011
It went lovely, she shampooed and conditioned my hair. And she also used special scissors for the hair cut that I wanted. She layed me back on the chair and tested the wax BEFORE she put it on me, so it wouldn't burn me.
Paula's Hair Studio
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Reviewed in September 2010
After a bad storm in which we had a crab apple tree uprooted and the entire top of our maple tree snapped in half I contacted this company and requested that they come out and give me an estimate to remove the crab apple and tell me if the maple tree could be saved. I was told yes, they would...
Family Man's Tree Service
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Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

You can paint over lead paint, or “encapsulate” it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a lead paint removal method as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an “encapsulant” from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.

DIY lead removal is not recommended due to the health risks and regulatory requirements involved. Professional services ensure compliance with safety standards and effective removal.

Professional testing for lead paint costs about $300, ranging from about $250 to $700, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a DIY home-testing kit costs about $25, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.

Common home surfaces to test for lead include:

Walls
Windows
Doors
Molding and trim
Railings

While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.

Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to detect asbestos, radon, and VOCs.

The Alexandria, SD homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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