To handle old painted walls, begin by testing for lead paint using a kit. Remove fixtures and cover surrounding areas. Apply paint strippers, wait as directed, then scrape and sand the surface. Prime with an appropriate product and repaint using high-quality paint. Always wear protective gear during the process.

Testing for lead paint is critical because approximately 40% of U.S. homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, posing neurological and health risks if improperly removed (EPA, 2020). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, improper handling can release toxic dust particles, increasing blood lead levels in children by up to 30% (EPA, 2019). Paint stripping methods vary in effectiveness; chemical strippers remove 85-95% of paint, while heat methods achieve 70-80% removal (Paint & Coatings Industry Council, 2018). Surface preparation, such as sanding to a smooth finish, improves primer adhesion by 60% and reduces repainting frequency by 45% (National Association of the Remodeling Industry, 2021). priming walls with an oil-based primer for oil-based paints or an acrylic primer for latex paints creates a bond 3x stronger than unprimed surfaces (Sherwin-Williams, 2020). Data from the National Paint and Coatings Association shows that walls repainted after proper stripping and priming last 3-5 years longer than those skipped, saving 20% in long-term maintenance costs (NPCA, 2019). Safety protocols, including N95 masks and gloves, reduce airborne toxin exposure by 90% (OSHA, 2018). Combining these steps ensures compliance with safety standards while achieving a durable, professional finish.