# Lead Based Paint Testing **URL:** \ **Category:** Misc. Discussion\ **Created:** [January 27, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488 "2026-01-27T02:07:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jprice25](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jprice25/32/279912_2.png) [@jprice25](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jprice25)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/1 "2026-01-27T02:07:16Z")
Are there any TN or VA inspectors that are keen on lead paint testing? Any help is greatly appreciated. I want to provide the service and don’t really know how to get started. ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/2 "2026-01-27T02:35:40Z")
> [@jprice25](#): > > Are there any TN or VA inspectors that are keen on lead paint testing? Any help is greatly appreciated. I want to provide the service and don’t really know how to get started. > > … Just my two cents worth for consideration. - Since lead based paint was banned in 1978 unless it is a dog of a house with peeling paint you are going to have to perform a destructive inspection down to the base material. Even a small patch is destructive. I seriously doubt any homeowner is going to allow this. You best have a very good signed agreement by the homeowner before doing it. - There is way to much of a chance to miss lead based paint. You can easily select an area that the paint was either removed or the base material was removed and replaced thereby eliminating the paint there. However you can have other areas where it may still exist and you did not select those areas for testing. - Even if you have some type of exclusion/disclaimer on missing areas your client is not going to care about that when they find out they have it and you missed it. A good Attorney will find a way around any exclusions/disclaimers you think are protecting you. If it goes to a jury trial you will get screwed as they would most likely side with the client whose children or other got sick over it. - Check the State laws to ensure you do not need a license for testing or even inspecting and sending in a test to a lab. Here in Texas it is a licensed function just to inspect for it. - Check your E&O insurance as I have not seen one that would cover this. You may need to get a separate policy for it. Also check your GL insurance if you have it to ensure you are covered for destructive testing even if the homeowner agrees to it. Myself the most I ever did was to identify a home that can potentially have lead based paint and recommended a specialist inspect/test for it. I also provided the client the State licensing link so they can find a licensed individual. ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:48am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/3 "2026-01-27T02:48:53Z")
Government funded housing also has requirements for those performing tests. I do not perform testing. I provide the client with this information. > **[lead-in-your-home-portrait-color-2020-508.pdf](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/documents/lead-in-your-home-portrait-color-2020-508.pdf)** > > 1261.89 KB ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/4 "2026-01-27T02:54:56Z")
> [@jprice25](#): > > I want to provide the service and don’t really know how to get started. Do you plan on investing $10,000 - $20,000 on a XRF gun? ---
**Author:** ![jprice25](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jprice25/32/279912_2.png) [@jprice25](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jprice25)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/5 "2026-01-27T03:16:07Z")
Maybe, I don’t think it would be a horrible investment. I just wonder what kind of professional designation I’d need to use it. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 3:39am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/6 "2026-01-27T03:39:27Z")
You did ask specifically about TN & VA inspectors. Maybe it is a regional thing and there is a lot of call for testing there. If so, that is great. In 18 years of business, I don’t think I have been asked more than once for the service. Everyone here just treats everything built before 1978 as if it has lead based paint and encapsulates everything. It lines up with what we were taught when I took the eight hour lead safe renovators’ certification. After a couple of hours of leaning about how to test with swabs, we were told to forego testing and just treat everything as if it contains lead. You have to remove paint down to the base and nobody wants this done on a test. As Emmanuel already pointed out, it is easy to miss it. Lead was in more than just paint. I can’t remember how many years of experience the instructor said that he had in testing. One thing he commented on was that he could almost guarantee that a windowsill had lead based paint in it by the number of teeth marks are on it. The sill are the perfect height for toddlers to bite. Lead based paint taste sweet so it keeps them chewing on it. ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/7 "2026-01-27T03:44:01Z")
> [@jspencer](#): > > > [@jprice25](#): > > > > I want to provide the service and don’t really know how to get started. > > Do you plan on investing $10,000 - $20,000 on a XRF gun? Learned something new, never knew about the XRF Guns. I did read up on them and from everything I found they can only scan surface paints for lead. They do not appear to reach beyond that. That would mean if the owner or previous owner encapsulated it with some type of other covering (sheathing, drywall, etc.) then this tool could not go past it. Yes it is encapsulated well that way but can still be in other locations such as inside built in cabinetry, etc. ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 3:46am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/8 "2026-01-27T03:46:14Z")
> [@jprice25](#): > > Maybe, I don’t think it would be a horrible investment. I just wonder what kind of professional designation I’d need to use it. If you are still interested I ran across this INACHI members WEB site who performs lead testing with an XRF gun. Try contacting them and maybe they will give you a primer on how to approach it. > **[Lead-Based Paint Testing - Knockout Inspections™](https://koinspections.com/lead-based-paint-testing/)** > > Lead-Based Paint Testing Breathe easy knowing your home is safe. Living in a home built before 1978? Lead-based paint could be lurking beneath the surface, posing a serious health risk to you and your family. Don’t take a chance – get your home... ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 11:01am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/9 "2026-01-27T11:01:32Z")
> [@escanlan](#): > > Since lead based paint was banned in 1978 unless it is a dog of a house with peeling paint you are going to have to perform a destructive inspection down to the base material. Morning, Emmanuel. Hope to find you well. Manny; There are several lead paint testing kits on the market that require no destructive testing and samples sent to a laboratory. Home Lead Test Kits Swabs. By moistening the swab “often with vinegar for accuracy” and wiping the surface paint, a color change to pink or red indicates lead. Yellow means no lead. Test are sent to a laboratory for certification. ---
**Author:** ![tsayre3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tsayre3/32/363444_2.png) [@tsayre3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tsayre3)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 12:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/10 "2026-01-27T12:45:01Z")
according to [this article](https://www.vrxrf.com/blog/penetration-depth-xrf-measurement-accurate-analysis-layers) it can be done up to a few milimeters deep. it doesn’t just scan the surface, it illuminates the things underneath and measures them when they come out, as long as they aren’t blocked by what’s on top. i’ve seen one at the scrap yard but never thought it could be used like this. i doubt it would be cost effective to get into but would be fun to play with were it not so expensive. ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/11 "2026-01-27T13:46:06Z")
> [@ryoung7](#): > > > [@escanlan](#): > > > > Since lead based paint was banned in 1978 unless it is a dog of a house with peeling paint you are going to have to perform a destructive inspection down to the base material. > > Morning, Emmanuel. Hope to find you well. > > Manny; There are several lead paint testing kits on the market that require no destructive testing and samples sent to a laboratory. > Home Lead Test Kits Swabs. By moistening the swab “often with vinegar for accuracy” and wiping the surface paint, a color change to pink or red indicates lead. Yellow means no lead. Test are sent to a laboratory for certification. Yes there are however I know of no lead paint, or any paint, that can last 40+ years unless nobody lived in the home and it was encapsulated in a bubble to protect the exterior from weather conditions. As a result it has most likely already been painted over during a normal maintenance “unless it is a dog of a house with peeling paint” and then swabs are not needed since you can peel the flaking paint off and send it in for testing. Swabs are for surface testing and lead paint encapsulating coatings/paints will block any surface testing. ---
**Author:** ![lhenderson2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lhenderson2/32/58205_2.png) [@lhenderson2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lhenderson2)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/12 "2026-01-27T13:59:05Z")
The question comes up about every other year for me. I simply say, “The house was built prior to 1978. You have lead based paint under that coat of paint. I just saved you $500 in testing. Don’t eat the paint and you’ll be fine.” ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/13 "2026-01-27T14:02:41Z")
> [@tsayre3](#): > > according to [this article](https://www.vrxrf.com/blog/penetration-depth-xrf-measurement-accurate-analysis-layers) it can be done up to a few milimeters deep. it doesn’t just scan the surface, it illuminates the things underneath and measures them when they come out, as long as they aren’t blocked by what’s on top. i’ve seen one at the scrap yard but never thought it could be used like this. i doubt it would be cost effective to get into but would be fun to play with were it not so expensive. Good article and more simplistic than what I was finding. This old brain needs a break anymore from trying to decipher stuff. Yes they are expensive. I was not able to find any definitive answers on the depth it could read and specific XRF Gun manufacturers are cryptic on their products depth range. 1mm is approximately .04" and a typical paint layer is .005" so several layers of older paint with lead paint under them would be well within the range I would expect for even the lesser expensive XRF Guns. Interesting that a scrap yard would be using one. Were they just verifying metal types before payout or hunting for precious metals? ---
**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:04pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/14 "2026-01-27T14:04:09Z")
> [@lhenderson2](#): > > The question comes up about every other year for me. I simply say, “The house was built prior to 1978. You have lead based paint under that coat of paint. I just saved you $500 in testing. **Don’t eat the paint and you’ll be fine.** ” Kind of like “Don’t eat that yellow snow”? 🤣 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/15 "2026-01-27T14:10:06Z")
> [@tsayre3](#): > > i’ve seen one at the scrap yard I owned a consulting business that helped remove steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and other metals from the waste stream of a massive durable medical equipment company. I turned that waste into cash for them (and for me). Those XRF tools were incredibly valuable (they cost about $30K at the time). They graded the stainless steel, aluminum, and brass for maximum payout. ---
**Author:** ![rkenney](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rkenney/32/405447_2.png) [@rkenney](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rkenney)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/16 "2026-01-27T15:14:28Z")
Maryland licenses lead paint testing (like everything else). They provide a list of licensed testers on their website. The people who are most licensed are the large home improvement contractors. They need to know the level of remediation necessary to complete a job. ---
**Author:** ![tsayre3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tsayre3/32/363444_2.png) [@tsayre3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tsayre3)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/17 "2026-01-27T20:31:26Z")
testing metal that was brought in. i thought it had silver in it, and it did, just not much. > [@lhenderson2](#): > > The house was built prior to 1978. You have lead based paint under that coat of paint. I just saved you $500 in testing i got the same thing from the lab when i asked about it. but it was a $25 test on a school painting job. we suited up and put a tent up to catch the dust. it was just two door jambs that wouldn’t close so it was easy and quick. ---
**Author:** ![wjones18](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wjones18/32/397367_2.png) [@wjones18](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wjones18)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/18 "2026-01-27T22:06:21Z")
> [@jspencer](#): > > nvesting $10,000 - $20,000 on a XRF gun? They make lead detecting swabs, very cheap. I took the required epa lead paint class years ago. ---
**Author:** ![wjones18](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wjones18/32/397367_2.png) [@wjones18](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wjones18)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/19 "2026-01-27T22:08:00Z")
You need to take the proper EPA lead paint classes and get your license to test for lead. Just assume there is lead paint in older houses. Just add a comment in your report and move on. ---
**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488/20 "2026-01-27T22:42:20Z")
> [@wjones18](#): > > They make lead detecting swabs, very cheap. I took the required epa lead paint class years ago. The false +/- on the swab tests is around 30%. To use them, you have to remove the paint down to the base. When testing a window, you have to test it in 3 places. When I went through the lead safe renovator class, I was taught that the swab tests can only be used by renovators for their own work. They are not allowed for an actual lead test. That was 16ish years ago so it might have changed. [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/lead-based-paint-testing/264488.md?page=2)