Are watercolour paints toxic?

Watercolor painting is often celebrated for its vibrant hues, fluidity, and accessibility. Yet, beneath the beauty of these pigments lies a question that many artists ponder: Are watercolor paints toxic? Let's delve into this inquiry, unraveling the complexities surrounding the safety of watercolor paints.

Are watercolour paints toxic? Learn at Artory online painting classes

The Healthier Choice: Watercolor vs. Solvent-Based Paints

Compared to other paint mediums that rely on solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, watercolor paints are generally considered to be a healthier alternative. Since water serves as the primary solvent in watercolor paints, artists can enjoy a painting experience with fewer harmful fumes and less risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Watercolor paints are typically composed of pigments suspended in a water-soluble binder, such as gum arabic. This composition allows artists to achieve beautiful, translucent layers of color without the need for harsh chemicals. As a result, watercolor painting is often favored by those who prioritize environmental sustainability and personal health.

The Toxic Truth: Cadmiums and Other Hazardous Pigments

However, it's essential to acknowledge that not all watercolor pigments are created equal. Certain pigments used in watercolor paints, such as cadmiums, contain elements that can pose health risks if mishandled. Cadmium pigments, prized for their intense hues and lightfastness, are known to be toxic if ingested or inhaled in significant quantities.

Additionally, other pigments, such as cobalt and chromium-based colors, may also contain elements that are potentially harmful to human health. While the risk of toxicity from these pigments is relatively low during normal painting practices, artists should exercise caution when handling and disposing of watercolor paints, especially in powder or concentrated form.

Precautions for Safe Painting Practices

When it comes to using watercolor paints, artists should prioritize safety by following these essential precautions:

1. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace to minimize exposure to paint fumes.

2. Avoid Ingestion: Never eat, drink, or smoke while painting, as accidentally ingesting paint or contaminated water can pose health risks.

3. Protective Gear: Wear gloves and a mask when handling pigments in powder form or when working with hazardous colors like cadmiums.

4. Proper Cleanup: Wash your hands thoroughly after painting and avoid touching your face or food until hands are clean.

The Surprising Risk: Tea and Paint Water

While the toxicity of watercolor paints themselves may be relatively low, one unexpected risk lurks in the artist's studio: the temptation to dip one's paintbrush into a cup of tea. Yes, you read that correctly. The biggest danger associated with watercolor painting is not the paint itself but the inadvertent act of dipping your paintbrush into your beverage and taking a sip.

To avoid this potentially hazardous scenario, it's crucial to designate separate containers for paint water and drinking water. Additionally, always be mindful of where you place your paintbrush to prevent any accidental cross-contamination.

Conclusion: Balance Creativity with Caution

In conclusion, while watercolor paints are generally safer and more environmentally friendly than solvent-based alternatives, artists should remain vigilant about potential health risks associated with certain pigments. By taking precautions and practicing safe painting habits, artists can continue to enjoy the beauty and versatility of watercolor painting without compromising their well-being.

So, are watercolor paints toxic? The answer is nuanced. While the paints themselves may pose minimal risk when used responsibly, it's essential for artists to educate themselves about the potential hazards of specific pigments and to prioritize safety in their creative endeavors. After all, the joy of painting should never come at the expense of one's health.

In this masterclass you’ll create a frame-worthy watercolour painting of a humpback whale swimming through the ocean. And in the process you’ll gain the skills and confidence to push yourself to new heights with the medium of watercolour! It’s perfect for adults and kids.

In part one you’ll learn:

1. What is watercolour

2. what materials to use and what not to use (the #1 mistake most beginner watercolorists make is using the wrong materials!)

3. The 2 main techniques for watercolour: wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry

4. The “Smerdon System of watercolour” (my unique techniques and terms including: glazing, moozsch moozsch-ing, sloshing and feathering).

In part 2 you’ll learn:

1. How to use watercolour to create the effect of water

2. How to let go, loosen up and stop overworking your watercolours

3. The importance of tones and why your art will always look dull, flat and lifeless without them

4. How to paint less but achieve more! Let the watercolour do the work so you don’t have to!

It’s completely free because I don’t want anyone to miss out on the joy of painting with watercolour. I wan’t everyone to try it! There’s no obligation to take things further, you’ll simply join my Artory newsletter which I rarely send out emails from (and you can opt out anytime).

Anne