Childs Chair - Lead Paint?

[Wilmayo]

I have a childs ladder back chair that I think was made in the late 30's or early 40's. It was originally painted white with multi-colored stencils. The chair has fallen apart and I am in the process of cleaning it up and preparing to reassemble it. My original thought was to clear coat it after assembly to preserve the paint; or what's left of it (it is old, chipped, scratched, faded, etc). However, it has occurred to me that the original paint could be lead based. I've checked on testing kits, but I understand that they are not real reliable. So, I'm now contemplating stripping it and repainting to copy the original paint and stencil work. I don't know that the chair has any antique value. However, I also am aware that having the original finish can affect what ever value it may have. I guess I am really more concerned about any children that may use it in the future. Any advice?

Sorry for the second posting. I didn't appear  to post on the first try so, I tried again. Moderator, please remove the duplicate.
Thanks

[mart]

Yes I also get an error message when using a new post !!  I would not worry about the chair !!  Clear coating seals any lead based paint !! I am  assuming the children using it will not eat  the paint !!  It was lead based paint when I  was a kid and likely I did eat my share !!  I  am still here at 68 years old and in pretty good health !!  Just clear coat it and let the kids use it !!

[ghopper1924]

Welcome!

If the chair was painted before 1978, which of course it was, then the paint has lead in it. The real issue is if the paint is peeling or aged in a way that a child could ingest it. If the paint if properly sealed then it's OK. Good thing, since every house built before 1978 has lead paint as well. As long as the paint is sealed then it's OK. Otherwise, we'd all be dead, right?

But back to your chair. If it has little value, then I'd do whatever best suits your peace of mind. Stripping the old paint, then replicating the old finish with new paint might give you that peace, but the labor involved would be intensive for a piece of such little value. But don't worry about the original finish on the chair; it probably wouldn't affect the value too much anyway.

[Wilmayo]

My worry is that clear coating the existing paint will not protect a small child if they chew on it somewhere.

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether it might have some significant value?

I took a picture of three pieces to show the paint and it's condition:

[cogar]

There are not many old examples of “stencil painted” children’s furniture.   

[Wilmayo]

Here is another photo of the whole chair minus the seat. the seat was a piece of plywood with a red padded cover. I'll replace that. At this point it is temporarily assembled and wants to have a slight backward lean (+- 3*). I'm thinking that backward lean might be by design. Does anyone know?

[mart]

Some did have a slight backward lean !!  As far as the lead based paint,, I would not worry about it as long as the original finish is clear coated !!  Lead poisoning happens after prolonged exposure !!   I can`t imagine a kid would chew on a chair more than one !!  They are not very tasty !!

[ghopper1924]

Some did have a slight backward lean !!  As far as the lead based paint,, I would not worry about it as long as the original finish is clear coated !!  Lead poisoning happens after prolonged exposure !!   I can`t imagine a kid would chew on a chair more than one !!  They are not very tasty !!

Unfortunately, lead paint has a sweet-ash taste, so once a toddler started chewing on it, it could become habit-forming. That's when the problems start. Of course this is over a certain period of time; I would not let this be the guiding factor in whatever decision you make.

The condition looks good enough to clear coat. I'd put the value at less than $100, so no worries no matter what you decide to do.

[Wilmayo]

Thanks for all the great advice. I think I will proceed with my original plan; glue it up and clear coat it.
I did a little looking around on the internet and found some similar ones ranging in price from $35 to $100+ confirming what ghopper said. So, I'm not concerned about affecting the value.
Thanks again.

[KC]

Topics merged! 

If it was a family piece that I was keeping, I would put several coats of clear coat and just keep an eye on the kiddos.