Myth or Fact: How Toxic Are Oil Paints Really?
In brief: Oil paints themselves are almost odorless and are safe as long as you don't eat them. The only pigments to handle with care are lead white, cadmium, and cobalt. The real risks are turpentine, thinners, and varnishes, whose fumes can be harmful. The solution is simple: close containers, ventilate the room, use materials in moderation, and choose solvent-free mediums or water-mixable oil paints if needed.
The harmful effects of oil paints are a common topic among professional painters and those who paint as a hobby. Some are bothered by the strong smell, which is very noticeable in studios where oil paints are used. Others dislike the idea of working with toxic materials in general. Some painters are pregnant, some of us have kids or pets running around the easel while we paint, and some are simply trying to live a healthy lifestyle. So, are oil paints really something to avoid?
The Smell of Oil Paints
When people talk about the smell of oil paints, they are actually talking about the smell of turpentine, which is used to thin paint or clean brushes. Oil paint itself has no smell. You may notice only a faint scent of oil. It is not dangerous unless you eat it, although eating most oil paints wouldn't be disastrous either (but, of course, it isn't recommended).
Oil paint is made from oil and pigments, and almost all of them are safe. You only need to be careful with lead white, cadmium, and cobalt, meaning you should not inhale or consume them with food. So, as long as you wash your hands thoroughly after painting, you have nothing to worry about.
Toxic metals in some paints are not actually dangerous when used in moderation. But if you don't want to think about it, you can simply avoid them when shopping and use alternatives. For example, you can use synthetic substitutes instead of lead white or cadmium paint.
Are Turpentine Fumes Harmful?
The only risk of toxic substances comes from the solvents and mediums used with oil paints. In other words, turpentine fumes are bad for your health. Since they are almost impossible to avoid, you need to find a sensible way to use these liquids: keep the lids closed and the windows open.
Some artists use them every day without any noticeable harmful effects, but always listen to your body. You may find that turpentine from one manufacturer doesn’t agree with you, while you can use other brands without any problems. If you notice any changes, such as dizziness or nausea during or after painting, it’s best to put aside or give away the bottle of turpentine or other solvent you used on that occasion. It’s clearly not doing you any good.
If you want to avoid harmful fumes altogether, you can choose solvent-free mediums or simply use oil paints that are thinner on their own and often don’t need to be thinned. Rembrandt paints are one example.
You can also avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful substances by cleaning your brushes outside in the open air. While painting, you can simply wipe them on a rag or paper towels, so you won’t need to keep an open container of turpentine on your table. Read more about the solvent itself in the article The Eternal Dilemma: Turpentine or Linseed Oil.
Varnish Toxicity
Restorers recommend varnishing your painting, too. But most varnishes contain solvents, which means their fumes are harmful as well. So if you want to varnish your painting, always do it outside or at least with the windows open, then air out the room well.
Be sensible and patient when shopping, and choose varnishes with low levels of toxic fumes and odor. As a last resort, you can decide not to varnish your paintings. Some painters skip this step because they simply don’t like the way a varnished painting looks. We discuss whether varnishing is really necessary in the article Is Varnishing a Painting Necessary?.
Water-Mixable Oil Paints and Their Benefits
If you don’t want to give up oil paints but dislike the smell of turpentine and the unhealthy effects that come with it, water-mixable oil paints, such as those in the Cobra line by Royal Talens, may be a good solution for you. When using them, you clean your brushes with water. Specially made mediums that are also solvent-free are available for thinning the paint and creating other effects, and you can varnish the painting with varnishes from this line.
Many painters create with these paints successfully and happily, which shows that they have their place. To learn much more about the properties and pigments of this type of paint, read the article Oil Paints: Properties and Basic Pigments.
Painting with oil paints without toxic substances is actually very simple, so they shouldn’t and mustn’t be the reason you avoid oil paints. There are two basic rules: first, remember to put the lid back on the bottle when using turpentine or other thinners, and second, use them in moderation and regularly air out the room where you paint. As you’ve seen, there are also ways to avoid any contact with them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share experiences with other painters. You’re sure to find a way to fully enjoy oil painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil paints toxic on their own?
Oil paints themselves have almost no odor and are not dangerous unless you consume them. They are made from oils and pigments that are mostly safe. Take care with lead white, cadmium, and cobalt, for which synthetic alternatives are also available. Just wash your hands thoroughly after painting.
What actually causes that strong smell in the studio?
The smell doesn’t come from the paint, but from turpentine and thinners, which are used to thin paint and clean brushes. Their fumes are harmful, so use them in moderation, with the lid closed and the window open.
How to Use Turpentine and Varnishes Safely?
Keep lids closed, windows open, and ventilate the room regularly. Varnish paintings outdoors or near an open window, and choose varnishes with low levels of toxic fumes. If you feel dizzy or nauseated, stop using the product.
Are There Solvent-Free Oil Paints?
Yes. Water-mixable oil paints (for example, the Cobra line from the Royal Talens brand) can be cleaned and thinned with water, and there are also solvent-free mediums and varnishes to use with them. This is a great solution if the smell of turpentine bothers you.
Can I Paint with Oil Paints If There Are Kids or Pets at Home, or If I’m Pregnant?
You can, if you follow safety precautions: choose paints without toxic pigments, use solvent-free mediums or water-mixable oil paints, ventilate well, and keep materials out of reach of kids and pets. This reduces the risk to a minimum.
Read More from Our Blog
- Oil Paints: Properties and Basic Pigments
- The Age-Old Dilemma: Turpentine or Linseed Oil
- Is Varnishing Paintings Essential?
- What the Labels on Paint Tubes Mean
Paint with Oil Paints, Safely and Without Worry
Close the lid, open a window, and choose your materials wisely. Toxicity doesn’t have to be a reason to give up oil paints.
Ready to create?
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