So many layers of paint in house! What to do?

[Anonymous]

We have an old DC rowhouse whose woodwork (moldings, balusters on stairs, window sills, etc) is caked in so many layers of paint. Any ideas of how to deal with this without tearing everything out and starting over? I don't want to spend a fortune but know from experience that stripping paint is a major undertaking.

[Anonymous]

don't do vigorous sanding -- lead paint

either paint over or Google peel away 7

[Anonymous]

Honestly, replacing is easier.

[Anonymous]

Start stripping and scraping. We did ours. It sucks.

[Anonymous]

We found a heat gun was much easier, less messy, and cheaper than peel away.

[Anonymous]

If you have kids, I'd hire a lead professional. Even window dust (from opening and closing) can bring a child's lead level to 12 its absolutely unbelievably dangerous. I know this because my mother was a PG county lead expert. So after you do the work, definitely wipe down the window sills (inside and out) with a wet paper towel when you open the windows. Regardless as to whether you paint actually.