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>

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Get matched with top lead testing and removal specialists in Blue Ridge, VA

Q: How do I know if my water main contains lead?

• <div><p>Determining if your water main contains lead involves a few steps. First, check the age of your property, as homes built before the 1980s might have lead pipes. Contact your water utility company for information on your service line material. Then, you can hire a professional plumber to conduct an inspection or use a lead testing kit to analyze water from the main line.</p></div>

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: How long does it take to get results from lead testing?

• <div><p>Results from professional lead testing are typically available within a few days to a week (2-7 days), depending on factors like laboratory processing times and the volume of samples being analyzed. Expedited services may also be available for urgent situations.</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: What factors affect lead testing costs?

• <div><p>Costs depend on the number of samples, testing method, lab fees, and whether on-site inspections are required.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Blue Ridge, VA

*The Angi rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Blue Ridge, VA 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 Blue Ridge, VA 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 March 11, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Diprom arrived when they said they would and efficiently removed and replaced a 30 foot badly spalled walk way. The job was done at a significantly lower price than that of another Angi contractor. The contractor also added some nicely done aesthetic details. Recommended.
Diprom Concrete LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
This was a very difficult job - the juniper I wanted removed was on a slope under large trees. Despite this, the juniper was completely removed, the area was completely rehabilitated with top soil and mulch, and grass was planted where fitting. The finished project was absolutely amazing!...
B&M Landscaping
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Reviewed in August 2025
He is very polite and very thorough. Explains what he is doing and why. He made sure that the ducts were clean, filters replaced and all the way it was meant to be for clean air.
A-1 Duct Cleaning Services
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Reviewed in August 2025
He was extremely thorough with his work. He was extremely knowledgeable and displayed an expertise in removal of the fallen and stump removal. I would recommend him for any tree job but has also helped with many other odds and end jobs around my property varying from light construction and...
Jordan Gibson
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Reviewed in July 2025
They did a fantastic job! We couldn’t be more pleased with how our removal of 3 very large, close to our house walnut trees went!! They were very efficient and did an incredible job of cleaning all the debris from our very large trees! We would highly recommend them!!
Ya Tree and Lawn Services LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
These gentlemen did a thorough job removing the leaves from our yard and we have a LOT of them! They also paid attention to the important details of removing the leaves from the front porch and around the front bushes without having to be asked. Work was done in an efficient and timely manner.
5 Star Lawn Care
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Reviewed in October 2023
Highly recommend for mold removal. He removed drywall with mold and treated the whole house. Very professional and prompt.
Pure Maintenance of Southwest Virginia LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Removed a very large Elm tree, which took two days to complete. They were very professional and courteous. I would recommend this company, and will use them again in the future!
Green Apes Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2022
Removing a wall separating the kitchen and dining room. All electrical wiring, switches and outlets needed to be removed from that wall. Some switches needed to be relocated as well. Maxfield electrical did an outstanding job. He was extremely knowledgeable and exceeded my expectations. Will...
Maxfield Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
Browns tree and stump removed my tree in an impressive timely manner. And my yard looked like no one was there. Very pleased.
Brown's Tree And Stump Service
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Find Lead testing and removal specialists in Blue Ridge

Benjamin Bear Associates / O.L. TURNER & Sons Inc.

3.5(

)

Toxic Lead - AbatementToxic Lead - Testing

Serving Blue Ridge, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1968

Emergency services offered

"He showed up on time but, didn't get done what I wanted done in the time that I bought from the big deal. I think it should have taken him two hours. It was easy to schedule."

Recommended by58%of homeowners

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Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

Determining if your water main contains lead involves a few steps. First, check the age of your property, as homes built before the 1980s might have lead pipes. Contact your water utility company for information on your service line material. Then, you can hire a professional plumber to conduct an inspection or use a lead testing kit to analyze water from the main line.

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.

Results from professional lead testing are typically available within a few days to a week (2-7 days), depending on factors like laboratory processing times and the volume of samples being analyzed. Expedited services may also be available for urgent situations.

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.

Costs depend on the number of samples, testing method, lab fees, and whether on-site inspections are required.

The Blue Ridge, VA 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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