Fiberlock LBC White Lead Paint Encapsulant, Interior and Exterior

Fiberlock LBC: the permanent encapsulant for lead paint

FIBERLOCK manufacturer code: 5801-White

LBC (Lead Barrier Compound) is a permanent type III encapsulant for lead paint, indoors and outdoors. Instead of stripping, the paint is covered with a thick film that prevents contact with and ingestion of lead, while preserving historic and architectural details. Its high solids water-based formula contains Bitrex, a bitter-tasting agent that discourages ingestion, especially by children. The coating must be inspected regularly: once damaged, it no longer protects against ingestion of the encapsulated lead. LBC comes in a 5 gal US pail or a pack of 4 x 1 gal US cans, handy for handing out product to several workers on site without decanting the pail.

On glossy lead paint, first apply Fiberlock Grip-Tack (SAH64085) lockdown adhesive as an adhesion primer: LBC goes on one hour later.

LBC is available in two formats:

Characteristics of LBC lead paint encapsulant

• Permanent type III encapsulant, interior and exterior
• High solids water-based thermoplastic elastomeric copolymer (59% by weight, 45% by volume)
• Contains Bitrex, a bitter taste against ingestion
• Tintable white (up to 2 oz of universal colorant per gallon, otherwise the warranty is void), flat finish
• Meets ASTM E-1795 (interior and exterior) and EPA and HUD requirements for lead paint encapsulants
• LEED EQ credit 4.2 (low-emitting materials), VOC of 88 g/L
• 5 gal US (18.9 L) pail or pack of 4 x 1 gal US cans (4 x 3.78 L)

LBC encapsulant applications on lead paint

Ready to use: The manufacturer indicates no dilution; mix thoroughly before use. For permanent encapsulation of lead paint, indoors and outdoors. Coverage: 120 sq ft/gal on smooth surfaces and 80 to 120 sq ft/gal on porous surfaces.

How to apply LBC on lead paint

1. Check the regulations; some jurisdictions require an assessment by a certified lead inspector before application.
2. Prepare the surface: clean, dry, free of dust, rust, grease, oil, mildew, glue, wax, soap and peeling paint. Clean with a HEPA vacuum or damp cloth and repair irregularities.
3. On glossy or freshly painted surfaces, wet scrub (Fiberlock LeadSafe wipes or equivalent) or degloss, then rinse off deglossing agents.
4. Prime only if needed: bare metal (100% acrylic rust-inhibiting primer), water damage (stain-blocking primer), bare wood or drywall (all-purpose primer), brick or masonry (masonry conditioner), chalky surfaces (chalk-binding primer).
5. Mix thoroughly, ideally with a drill-mounted mixer, fully blending in the clear liquid found on opening.
6. Apply when air and surface are above 45 °F (7.2 °C), at the time of application and for the next 12 h.
7. Apply 14 wet mils to reach the minimum of 7 dry mils, checking with a wet film gauge. By brush or roller, apply at least 2 generous coats.
8. Clean tools and drips with warm soapy water before drying.
9. Inspect regularly: a damaged coating no longer protects against ingestion of the encapsulated lead.

LBC spray tools and settings

Synthetic bristle, nylon or polyester brush; synthetic fibre roller with a 3/8 to 1/2 in nap; airless sprayer set at 1300 to 2000 psi with a .015 to .021 in tip.

Dry to the touch in 1 to 2 h and recoatable in 8 to 16 h at 70 to 77 °F and 50% relative humidity.

LBC storage, care and inspection

Store in a dry place between 40 °F (4.5 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C), protected from freezing. The product is sensitive to heat and time: do not store or apply above 100 °F and rotate stock. In its sealed original container, it keeps for at least 24 months. Inspect treated surfaces regularly and promptly repair any damaged coating.

Safety and protection during lead encapsulation

The safety data sheet carries the signal word DANGER: may cause cancer (carcinogenicity 1A), skin sensitization category 1, mutagenicity category 2 and respiratory tract irritation. Wear MSHA/NIOSH respiratory protection suited to the contaminants. Caution: scraping or sanding lead paint releases lead dust.

Fiberlock LBC encapsulant FAQ

Does LBC need to be diluted?

The manufacturer indicates no dilution: LBC is used as is, after thorough mixing.

What thickness should be applied?

14 wet mils to reach the minimum of 7 dry mils. By brush or roller, at least 2 generous coats.

Can LBC be used outdoors?

Yes. LBC is a type III encapsulant for interior and exterior use, compliant with ASTM E-1795 in both cases.

At what temperature can it be applied?

When air and surface are above 45 °F (7.2 °C), at the time of application and for the next 12 h.

Why choose the pack of 4 x 1 gal cans?

To hand out product to several workers on site without decanting the 5 gal pail.

Complementary suggestions for lead encapsulation

For the painter restoring older buildings with lead paint: a 3M 6200 half mask (R6200) from the 6000 series, 3M 2091 P100 filters (R2091), a Tyvek 400 open collar coverall (V55544), green nitrile gloves (GL37185), 3M Virtua Max safety eyewear (YA11329) and anti-slip Tyvek boot covers (VC1451).

To prepare and protect the work area: a Nilfisk 4 gal HEPA vacuum (SAD4) for surface cleaning, 2.5 mil clear polyethylene sheeting (SACCT1) to cover the floor, a ZipWall barrier (SAHC4PL) system for containment, red tape (SATR2) for the sheeting and a flexible putty knife (SAED7) to repair irregularities.

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