How do you prevent breathing in oil/acrylic paint?

Question

Ive been wearing this face mask while painting, but it is really uncomfortable and doesn't bring in any fresh air. How do other painters do it? I feel nauseated after I paint. Are these oil/acrylic/watercolor fumes poisonous?

Answer 1

You mean like, painting on a canvas or a mural on a wall? Theres no reason to wear anything for a small job like that.

If you're painting an entire room it should suffice to open the windows and bring in a small fan to keep air moving.

If you're still worried about fumes you can get an actual resperator and not a paper mask, which do little more than prevent dust from entering, and absolutely nothing about fumes or chemicals.

Answer 2

The basic difference is, of course, that they are made from different materials. But artistically, the differences are much greater than their mere physical capacities. Watercolour is the most delicate of the three. And, because the colours are water-soluble, they may not be painted over each other, as this results only in a blurring the image and producing a muddy colour. Water colour might be likened to sketching. There is a freshness and an immediacy to it, and you can not go back and re-do it. Oil is a traditional painting medium. The old masters worked in oil, and oil remains popular today. The oil paints can over overlayered -- this is a popular technique when painting sky, water, or shadows -- to paint an underlayer, which may be contrasting, or which may suggest details, and then paint over it with a different colour. This gives a very lively result. While the viewer can not see the undercolour, it does affect the texture and tone of the picture. This is especially true in portraiture, where the undercolours affect the appearance of skin tones. Where watercolour is muted, oils are quite lively, but nowhere near as alive as the acrylic paints. These have a glossy finish, and are most popular with modern style art. Portraiture is seldom done in acrylics, as the hard, shiny finish doesn't replicate the skin tones as well as oil paints do. Modern art, which so often relies on the hard edge for effect, is perfectly suited to acrylic paints. Underpainting has no effect in acrylics but the intensity of colour which can be achieved in acrylics is matched by no other paint. Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

Acrylic paints normaly don't have any fumes. The main thing with paint is to be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS and not ingest any of it, especially red! Keep your brushes and fingers away from your mouth. As it was mentionned, read the labels of all the products you use.
If you are spraying your paints (like aerosols and such), wear a gas mask. Dust masks and filter masks don't do anything when it comes to lead and fumes.

Answer 4

Artists should be aware that the regular use of products consisting of synthetic resin solutions that contain aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, or xylene may be a serious health hazard.

PAINT
“Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes [of such health hazards].”

“Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of solvents or VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. Some of these VOCs are benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and formaldehyde which serve as “spreadability” enhancers, biocides, and fungicides. During and after painting, these VOCs outgas and can cause adverse health effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness and eye, throat, and lung irritation. Exposure to airborne formaldehyde, for example can cause eyes to water and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. It can cause chest tightness and wheezing. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.

Oil-based paints release more VOCs than water-based (latex) paints, but even latex paints still emit vapors that can cause adverse effects. It is unsafe to be exposed to these compounds in large quantities or over extended periods of time.” Reducing exposure to harmful VOCs from indoor paint products:

* Read labels and product literature thoroughly. Look for low levels of VOCs and high solids content. Seek products that do not have registration numbers with the EPA, OHSA or DOT. If they do have registration numbers with one of these agencies, it means that they contain toxic ingredients that must be monitored.
* Avoid cleaning rollers and brushes. Paint brushes and rollers can be saved overnight or even up to a week without cleaning at all. Place them in a plastic bag and squeeze out excess air and store in a dark place.
(This will work for water and oil-based paints and stains, but not for lacquers and varnishes).
* Circulate fresh air through your home as frequently as possible.
* Buy no more paint than you need. Ask your retailer for help assessing how much product you will need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe responsible manner.

Answer 5

Jeez, use a fan! I personally love the smell of oil paint, but the turpentine/paint thinner can give me a headache. You need proper ventilation, you don't need a mask unless you are sanding a piece.

Answer 6

Maybe your a sensitive person to these things, I've painted for many decades with no problems

Answer 7

Where a face mask! or if you live in courtry where people are given gas masks, then us a gas mask!

Answer 8

i buy odorless diluents, and make sure the room has a good breeze going through.