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: Sometimes artists add preservatives when they make their own paints. Although present in small amounts, certain preservatives may cause allergic reactions in some people. Precautions
See section above for precautions when mixing dry pigments. If you add your own preservative, avoid using sodium fluoride, phenol or mercury compounds. For tempera, a small amount of pine oil works for short periods of time. 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.