Myths About Artists Oil Paints

Have you heard the myth that oil paints are toxic? This is absolutely false.

I’ve met many artists even recently who have either never tried oil paints or stopped using them simply because someone told them that using oil paints would have detrimental effects on their health.

Is this misinformation keeping you from trying this amazing medium?

Here are some actual FACTS!

Oil Paint is NOT toxic

The generalization that artists oil paints are toxic has kept many from using this most loved medium. In fact, unless you eat the oil paint (probably not a good idea) there are NO ill effects from using most oil paints.

Oil paint colours are rich and juicy and provide artists with brilliant colour that glows and achieves life-like results without the use of solvents. Its simply a matter of learning HOW to use them.

Myth 1: Artists Oil Paints are Toxic

This misinformation is fairly common. However, the vast majority of oil paint is not toxic. In fact, unless you eat your oil paint (which is never recommended) there are no adverse effects to most oil paints.

Oil paint is comprised of natural oils (linseed, walnut, safflower) and pigments. Most pigments are absolutely safe and non-toxic. There are a few toxic pigments such as lead-white, natural cadmium and natural cobalt but again these are only toxic if you eat or breath in the dry pigment prior to the oil being mixed into them. Modern day oil paints at common art stores are safe to use as the more toxic natural pigments are substituted for synthetic alternatives.

Solvents ARE toxic. Turpentine, turpenol and other artist mediums that can be mixed into the paints ARE toxic. Its absolutely unnecessary to use these toxic solvents when painting with oil paints. To adjust the thickness of your paints use pure oils instead like linseed, walnut or safflower.

Cleaning your brushes is easy and safe too. Just use dish soap and warm water. I like to use Dawn but any brand will work. Using soap to clean your brushes will also extend the life of your brushes because the hairs will not dry out from the toxic harshness of turpentine or mineral spirits.

So basically, the old myth that oil painting is toxic has nothing to do with the actual oil paints. Its actually unsafe practices and unnecessary mediums used by some artists that cause the toxic issues.

Myth #2: Oil Paint Takes Too long to Dry

While oil paint can take longer to dry than other artists paints it all depends on how the paint is applied and the process each artist uses when creating their art.

If applied thickly the paint will take longer to dry. However, painting alla prima (wet on wet) with oils is achievable when you practice fat over lean. This means your first layers will be thin and translucent and each additional layer will gradually become thicker. This will take practice to learn this method however once you are able to manage the paints you will genuinely enjoy the process, especially when painting outdoors; en plein air.

In addition; painters who use oils actually prefer the longer dry times as it allows the artist to manipulate the paint in ways that cannot be done with water-based paints.

Myth #3: Oil Painting is Hard to Learn and Use

Just like any medium (watercolour, pastels, ink, acrylic etc) it takes time and practice to learn how to use the medium effectively to achieve the results you want. There are lots of great books and videos available to provide beginners with tips and ideas. If you are struggling; find an artist who has proven experience using oil paints to teach you. Look for someone who does not use solvents in their practice so you can learn BEST practices for a safe painting environment. Practice is also important. Just like when a musician is learning a new instrument; an artist must practice repeatedly to become confident using their tools (medium).