Oil & acrylic 'Headaches'
Dear David,
I have been working in oils for a few years now and have recently been experiencing headaches and slight nausea. After not painting for a week these symptoms have disappeared. Do you know of any books or other sources of information about the toxicity of painting materials? I realize that opening windows and using fans can be helpful and I wonder if there are certain masks that are also beneficial. Perhaps you have already written about this matter; I would greatly appreciate whatever information or suggestions you might have.
Sincerely, Louise
Hi Louise,
I did write about that sort of thing a couple of years ago (may 2002 issue). There is an excellent book on toxicity of artists’ materials called 'artist beware' by Michael McCann. It shouldn't be too hard to find. I think I saw it at the amazon site recently in fact.
The symptoms you describe are not uncommon for people working in oils. What type of solvent are you using? it is the solvent more than the paint that causes such reactions. some people have switched to the water-soluble oils for this reason. Ventilation is a really good idea. Yes there are respirators too that can be used. People who use spray varnish and pastels use respirators especially. good luck, David
Hi David,
Thanks for the information about toxic materials. I am ordering the book by McCann that you suggested. I've been using Eco-House Odorless thinner. I'm thinking of changing to water-soluble oils, but someone has just told me that their pigments, too, may have some toxicity. Anyway, I'm getting myself a respirator to see how that works.
Thanks again, Louise
Hi Louise,
the pigments are by far the most toxic element of any artist's material. It is very important to realize that the same pigments (phthalocyanine, cadmium, cobalt, etc) are used in all artist paints including oils, water-soluble oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and all should be treated as toxic. pure pigments are a powder and once the powder is mixed with the binder, linseed oil in this case, you would have to eat the paint to get sick (easier to do than you think). but the pigments do not give off toxic vapors so they are not the cause of your problem, it is likely the solvent. this is why manufacturers are making water-soluble oils and why a number of artists are switching over to them. It is also quite possible to paint in oils without the use of solvents, depending on your style of painting. I know that Neil Paterson SFCA teaches oil painting without the use of solvents or mediums.
Q: I read your column in the Art Avenue and would like to know what is the best way of storing acrylic paintings (stretched canvases). At the moment, I have mine standing upright by a wall, leaning slightly on each other so that the pressure is light. Nonetheless, sometimes a few of them have their paint pulled off when I remove them from the pile.
In addition, I would like to know what is the best way to transport them in a car--eg., what materials should I use to protect them.
A: standing upright with minimal pressure is for sure the best way to store them, a storage rack with separators would be ideal so that no painting touches another. You should not put them face to face. Most galleries store them upright like you said but they put cardboard or foam-core boards to separate each painting so they won't stick to each other. Acrylic paint is thermoplastic: it is hard when cold and soft and sticky when hot. If two paintings are touching each other and it gets hot they will adhere to one another. Even after it gets cold again they will remain stuck. Art supply stores sell a type of wax paper for putting over charcoal or graphite images so that they don't smudge, that might work too for separating the paintings, but I haven't tried it.
You should be able to transport them the same way as you store them without too much problem - upright preferably, or flat if there are only a couple, and keep them separated with something that they won't stick to. thanks for the question, cheers, David
