Self-healing coatings incorporate microcapsules of about 60-150 microns diameter that contain film formers and dust suppression compounds suitable for controlling spalling of lead dust, for example. In one embodiment, a primer paint is mixed with these microcapsules and applied by brushing or rolling. After the coating has cured, any physical compromise of the coating results in microcapsules bursting to release liquid that fills and seals the compromised volume. The microcapsule contents protect the underlying substrate from damage and repair some of the outer coating. In one application, embodiments of these self-healing coatings seal existing lead-based paint for suppression of lead dust. In another embodiment, microcapsules are provided separately to enhance commercially available products. For example, if a paint formulation is known a priori, specifically configured microcapsules, packaged separately from the paint and designed for use with the paint formulation, are added to the paint just prior to application.