Title: Painting and Drawing | Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Headings: Painting and Drawing
Painting and Drawing
Introduction
Chemical Safety Basics
Pigments
Pigments vs. Hues
Hazards
Precautions
Water-Based Paints
Hazards
Precautions
Non Water-Based Paints
Hazards
Precautions
Airbrush, Spray Cans, and Spray Guns
Hazards
Precautions
Dry Drawing Media
Hazards
Precautions
Liquid Drawing Media
Hazards
Precautions
Staff

Content: If you experience eye, nose or throat irritation while using acrylics, opening a window is usually sufficient; if not try a window exhaust fan. If you mix casein paints using ammonium hydroxide, you will need a window exhaust fan to provide ventilation. Wear gloves, goggles and protective apron when handling ammonia. An eyewash fountain should be available when handling ammonia. Non Water-Based Paints
Oil paints, encaustic and egg tempera use linseed oil, wax and egg respectively as vehicles, although solvents are often used as a thinner and for cleanup. Turpentine and mineral spirits (paint thinner), for example, are used in oil painting mediums, for thinning, and for cleaning brushes. Alkyd paints use solvents as their vehicle. In addition many commercial paints used by artists also contain solvents. Hazards
See section above for pigment hazards.