Good Questions: Is there lead in Ralph Lauren Regent Metallic Paint?

Rose wrote to us with this question: I am considering buying Ralph Lauren Regent Metallic paint, but I see it has lead in it. do you think this is a good idea or what?

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Hi Rose,

To say we were concerned about your question says it mildly...lead in paint still? We did some investigative research this week and think we can set your mind at ease on a couple different points. The data sheet provided by Ralph Lauren Paints states this:

Composition: Acrylic copolymer resin and not manufactured with lead or mercury containing materials.

We also saw that Glidden, the manufacturer of Ralph Lauren Paints were recently dismissed from 18 lawsuits involving lead paint acqusations. The release of the lawsuit stated that: "Plantiff's council dismissed Glidden after it found that the company never manufactured or sold lead products for use in paint".

We think you are safe to paint away. Send us a photo when you're all done.

Comments (4)

This is the kind of question you should ask the manufacturer directly, in writing.

wouldn't you consider the data sheet provided by the manufacturer count as their legal documentation?

In this instance, yes. But generally speaking, when health and liability issues are concerned, people should really get a written response from the manufacturer.

As an added bonus, it would let RL know that there's misinformation out there, which they could try to track down and correct.

Yes, well, just make sure you don't put any Thomas the Tank engine toys on it. There's been a recall here on some of them for containing lead paint.

(PS: They're made in China).