Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 10/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 lovely early 20th century wicker chairs...A "reputable" local "restorer"
repainted or sprayed both with flat white paint , but claimed she couldnt strip
the original paint because it was lead based....before we got them out of the
store they had begun to  chip...is this accurate....(and she charged me $1,400)
)...... ...very sad, R M

ANSWER: I'm hard pressed to comment on someone else's work. You don't say if the wicker items are reed or fibre so I'll comment on both.
In OUR shop, we won't paint anything that has loose or chipping paint.Painting over it will only work a short time, very short as you have seen.Loose or flaking paint must be removed to get a good "base" for the new paint, lead base or not. Lead base paint con be removed safely. The loose paint can be removed with a wire brush by hand if nothing else. A good primer is also a good idea to bond the old paint with the new.Fibre or paper wicker is a little harder but still can be redone without chipping so soon.I also wouldn't have used flat white unless that's what you requested. We always use an exterior oil based paint with the customer picking the sheen and color.
As far as the cost, I can't comment on what someone else charges.

  If you want to, contact me direct with any other questions.
   Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks very much for your prompt reply...my problem was not the price charged
.. but  the "restorer"  not removing the paint ..and over painting the chipped old
paint  because it was" lead based" ..she said  it was against the law....to remove
it.........You've answered my question...LEAD PAINT CAN BE REMOVED
SAFELY...Thankyou, R Maxwell (Hudson NY)

Answer
Your welcome for the advice. She may be right in your area that there are "laws" covering the lead paint issue, but it can be removed safely and disposed of properly. I also wonder how she determined it was "lead" paint? Did she test it with a test kit?
 Just wondering.
  Rob