3 ways to use oil paints safely
These days, the oil paints themselves are rarely toxic (but always research this before you buy) - but the thinners and mediums can be, so follow these three steps to stay safe while you paint.
- Use oil paints in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes. Open the windows, especially if you're using odourless mineral spirits - just because you can't smell them, doesn't mean they can affect you.
- Wear gloves to protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the paints - a must if you're a 'messy' painter.
- Properly dispose of any unused paints and solvents according to local regulations. You can't just tip mineral spirits and thinners down the main drain, take them to the right section of your local tip. I sometimes leave used thinners outside with the lid off so they evaporate, then simply clean out the gloop that's left and throw it in the bin.
Still not sure? Try water mixable oil paints - thin with a special water mixable thinner (to keep the paint lustre intact), or just use water. The great thing about water mixable oils is that you can clean-up using water, just like you would with acrylics or water colours.
What do I do?
I practice safe use as above and I also switched to non-toxic mediums. I use Chelsea Studio lavender spike oil to thin my paints and Chelsea Studio lavender Dammar varnish. Both none toxic but quite strongly scented of lavender.
This piece is painted using Chelsea studio mediums. Click the image to see more...
