You may have seen DIY Lead Paint Test Kits at your local hardware store. Typically, these are just a surface test, meaning that they just test the topmost surfaces. They do not tell you if there are lead paints below the top layer that you are testing. With this type of kit, you would rub painted surfaces such as door frames, windowsills, baseboards, and walls with the test kit. If it detects lead it will change color. The downside is that it will also stain the surface. If lead is not detected on that top surface, then it will not change color. The results don’t offer any insight into if the paint below the topcoat is lead paint. So, if you’re planning on doing home repair and painting then it’s a good idea to have a professional test.