Safety & Creativity: Tips for SCA Illuminators & Watercolor Artists

Hey there fellow illuminators and painters! Have you ever licked your brush to shape it into a perfect point? I have. It’s something many do, especially with watercolor and gouache paints since they’re often labeled “non-toxic.” If you’re like me you also wondered if it’s really safe?

We’ve all been exposed to paint from a young age. But then we didn’t know about the potential long-term dangers. Do the toxic components of paints accumulate in our bodies? It’s an important question that deserves consideration. Some artists have suggested we use edible paints, but they aren’t colorfast.

So, what does “paint toxicity” mean for us scribes? How much paint does it take to be considered toxic? Is it just a matter of licking your brush once, or do you have to eat an entire paint tube? And what if you make your paints from powder?

Watercolor paints generally have low toxicity. However, it’s worth noting that paint manufacturers don’t intend their products to be eaten, so there haven’t been extensive studies on any harm caused by consuming tiny amounts of paint over umpteen years.

When we talk about low toxicity, we’re usually referring to metal oxides and other likely poisonous compounds you find in the paint. The problem happens when those substances are absorbed into the body and not given enough time to be eliminated. That leads to their build-up and potentially causes harmful effects.

Paints that contain metal pigments such as lead, titanium, cadmium, and barium, as well as any “metallic” colors, can act like nutrients and spread throughout the body. While a single brush-load of metallic pigment may not harm an average healthy person, repeatedly doing this over 20+ years could be harmful.

Let’s also talk about some specific pigments. Phthalo Blue isn’t toxic per se, but there is evidence that exposure to phthalocyanines can cause serious birth defects in developing embryos. And true vermilion, a beautiful, opaque red, is made from mercury sulfide and is toxic. While I won’t give you an exhaustive list, during my research, I couldn’t find any completely harmless pigments.

Please don’t think I’m suggesting you stop painting. Heavens no! Painting is a wonderful pastime activity, and I encourage you to do it. Most daily activities expose us to low doses of toxic pollutants, which we sometimes take in. However, I personally don’t feel comfortable adding to those risks.

So, here’s an alternative trick for pointing small, round gouache brushes. Instead of using your lips, gently pull the brush tip through a small hole formed by pressing your index and middle finger together with your thumb. Just stroke the brush like that from the ferrule at the bristles’ base to their point. It works just as well and, it’s safer. Then remember to also avoid putting your pigment-covered hands where they don’t belong.

And to keep our painting sessions safe and enjoyable here are a few essential rules:

1. Brush with care: Avoid ingesting paint by shaping your brushes with your fingers, not your lips.
2. Separate sips: Don’t mix up your brush rinse water with your drink—use a covered mug.
3. Choose wisely: Consider toxicity when buying paint, and make informed choices.
4. Watch out for furry friends: Keep pets away from paint and wash them if they accidentally get into it.
5. Hand hygiene matters: Wash your hands and fingernails thoroughly after painting to avoid any lingering paint.

Once you’ve learned about the risks and adopted these safety habits, you can paint to your heart’s content. Enjoy your creative journey while staying safe and healthy.

Phew! That was quite a trek into the world of art safety. I hope you found it eye-opening and informative. Let’s keep the conversation going and create a safe space for discussions like these.

I’d love to hear the thoughts, questions, or paint safety tips you have up your artistic sleeve. Your input is truly valuable! So please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and let your voice be heard. Together, we can make our scribal world a safer, more inspired place.