A method of changing the response level for any chemical test kits designed for the determination of a metal or compound (such as lead) in paint and other media is disclosed. The invention solves two common problems that exist with using chemical test kits for the detection of lead in paint or other coatings and media: (1) conversion of the paint sample into particles small enough to dissolve the metal in the sample; and, (2) controlling the amount of (paint) sample that gets exposed to the chemicals. This is accomplished by using a coffee grinder or equivalent tool plus a solid (food) product to break up the paint sample into small particles and at the same time dilute the concentration of the metal, while in solid form, down to a level that results in obtaining a positive response at the desired concentration.