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We have an iron gate with lead paint (and several layers of other paint on top of it) protecting the garden entrance to our brownstone.

We want to have it protected and sealed up (since some of the paint is flaking off), and I have received several suggestions on how to deal with this. Since it would be difficult to have the gate removed, I think I am going to have the gate encapsulated in place. A few questions:

1. Do I need to have the paint in the impact services stripped before encapsulating? While some contractors have suggested this, given that these areas (e.g., the jamb) are covered by layers of intact non-lead paint, I am worried that the stripping may create more problesm rather than less.

2. Is it safe to have a contractor working with Rock Miracle (methylene chloride) on the gate to the front door with my baby inside on the other side)?

Thanks for any advice!