Saw this news bit on the local channel about people getting sick from disturbing old window frames because of lead paint dust. Kinda freaked me out since I just yanked out a couple of mine last weekend, no mask, just gloves and a lot of cursing at stubborn nails. My house is from the 60s, so... yeah, probably should’ve thought that through.
Anyway, makes me wonder if I should be more careful next time. Have you all run into any issues with old paint or hidden surprises when removing window frames? Also, is it really that risky or are they just trying to scare us into hiring pros? Curious how others have handled it—did you just tear into it like I did, or use any specific tricks to keep things safe (and less messy)?
Funny timing—I just finished a job in a ‘62 ranch and the homeowner was shocked at how much prep we did before even touching the frames. The risk is definitely real, especially if you’re sanding or breaking old paint. I’m curious, did you notice any thick, chippy layers or was it mostly smooth? Sometimes the worst dust comes from those crumbly, multi-layered spots. Also, did you have any issues with mess getting into other rooms, or was it contained?
That prep work is no joke. When I pulled the frames in my place (built in '58), there were a couple spots where the paint was super thick and flaky—almost like old cake icing. I tried to seal off the doorways with plastic, but dust still managed to sneak into the hallway. It’s wild how persistent that stuff is. I definitely get why pros spend so much time on containment.
That dust really does find its way into every nook, doesn’t it? I ran into the same thing—taped up plastic, even tried those zipper door kits, but somehow there was still a fine layer of grit on everything. One thing that helped a bit was running a cheap box fan in the window, blowing outwards, to create negative pressure. Not perfect, but it kept the worst of it from drifting through the house. I get why pros use those big air scrubbers... containment’s half the battle with old paint.
I get why pros use those big air scrubbers... containment’s half the battle with old paint.
Yeah, that dust is no joke. I tried the plastic sheeting thing too, but honestly, I was still vacuuming up little bits for weeks after. My place is from the mid-50s, and I’m pretty sure at least some of the paint is original—didn’t really think about it until I started scraping and noticed the layers. I get what you mean about the news making it sound terrifying, but I did a bit of reading after the fact and, turns out, it really can be an issue if you’re not careful, especially if you’ve got kids or pets around.
I’ve heard of people using those HEPA vacs, but I just had my regular shop vac and a damp rag. Probably not the safest, but it seemed to help with the mess. Next time I might spring for one of those disposable coveralls too—my clothes were covered in dust and who knows what else. The negative pressure idea’s smart, though. Never thought of that.
It’s kind of wild how much stuff is hiding in old houses. Makes you wonder what else we’re breathing in without realizing.
Funny thing, I actually tried the whole negative pressure setup once—taped a box fan in the window and everything. Honestly, it didn’t make as big a difference as I’d hoped. The dust still found its way into random corners, especially behind baseboards. Sometimes I think the pros push all those fancy tools because they have to meet regulations, but for a one-room job, careful prep and just working slow with a damp rag seemed to do the trick for me. Maybe not perfect, but I’m not sure it’s worth going full hazmat unless you’re gutting the place.
I’ve had similar results, honestly. Tried the fan-in-the-window trick when I was sanding old trim, and yeah, some dust still got everywhere—especially behind the radiators. I get why regulations are strict, but for a small job, just being methodical and cleaning as you go seems to work about as well. I do think some of the pro gear is overkill unless you’re doing major demolition.
That fan-in-the-window trick is classic, but yeah, it’s not magic—dust has a mind of its own, especially in these old houses with weird nooks and radiators that haven’t budged since the ‘50s. I’m with you on the pro gear feeling like overkill for a small patch job. The HEPA vacs and full containment setups are great if you’re tearing out walls, but for just swapping out window frames or sanding a bit of trim, I’ve found careful prep and obsessive cleaning does most of the heavy lifting. Still, every time I think I’ve got all the dust, I find more behind the baseboards... It’s like it multiplies when you’re not looking.
Still, every time I think I’ve got all the dust, I find more behind the baseboards... It’s like it multiplies when you’re not looking.
That’s the truth. I pulled out a set of casement windows last spring, figured I’d be smart about it—plastic sheeting, shop vac on standby, even taped up the vents. Thought I was ahead of the game. Nope. Two days later, I’m moving a bookshelf and there’s a line of dust along the wall like I never cleaned a thing.
I get what you mean about the pro gear. When I looked into those HEPA setups, the rental cost alone made me laugh. For a full gut job, sure, but for a couple frames? I just doubled up on drop cloths and did a slow, careful removal. Still ended up with dust in my socks. Maybe it’s just these old houses—mine’s from ‘48 and you can tell by the way the trim fits that nothing’s square anymore. There’s always some weird gap or hidden pocket you miss.
One thing that helped a bit: misting everything down with a spray bottle before starting. Doesn’t stop all the dust, but it keeps it from flying around as much. Still, I’m convinced there’s some kind of dust dimension behind the baseboards.
At this point, I just expect to be finding paint chips and sawdust for weeks after any project. Even with all the prep in the world, these houses have their own ideas.
- Pulled my 1950s sashes last summer, thought I was being clever with painter’s tape and a tarp. Still ended up tracking dust into the next room—felt like it was following me around.
- Tried the spray bottle trick too. It helped a bit, but if you’ve got those weird gaps in the trim, forget it. Dust finds its way out somehow.
- I swear, every time I move a piece of furniture after a project, there’s a trail of mystery debris. Maybe it’s just old houses laughing at us.
- Not sure HEPA would’ve saved me either. I think half the dust lives in another universe and only comes out when you’re done cleaning.