Lead paint?

[Dood]

I'm about to start sanding down the tailgate and bed. Should I be wearing a respirator as I strip the truck's paint? Am I likely to find lead paint from the factory? Would a chemical stripper expose me to less of it? Thanks!

[WD]

The primer is likely a lead version. Color coat may be as well.

Dust mask is sufficient. Unless you have a beard.

[Jims68]

Dood, you should always wear at least one of those disposable white "paper face" masks when sanding. Such as this: http://www.buyacehardware.com/3m-sandin ... 22079.html

I can't really recall if the original paint had lead in it at that time. I would say probably... as most paint had it then, including house paints. IF you strip the paint using a stripper first, then I would recommend rubber gloves and eye protection. Use the mask when sanding. After sanding for a few minutes, you have all that dust floating around. If you don't wear a mask... Blow your nose into a white handkerchief after about 10 minutes of sanding... then you'll see how much junk you are breathing in. I should know... I rarely wore one back in the day. Now I DO KNOW BETTER!

Good question!!

Jim

[sweatybetty]

wet sanding helps too. keeps the dust down

[rogerr]

Stripping is the best way to go. I always used Rand-O-Strip but that seems to be no longer available. Either way wear a good mask with replaceable filters and a full face shield.

[Dood]

I've done both now: mechanical and chemical. With chemical, I've found a good solution is to apply the stripper and put plastic wrap over top. It keeps the chemical from evaporates and concentrates the action. When it is complete, down to bare metal, I can peel it off and steel wool it down. I can't stand either approach and really, only mechanical will get the rust off. My . Thanks for the input!