Safety in Studios

Painting-Room 207

Food, Drink, Clothing: Beverages with a lid are allowed in the studio, but food should not be consumed in the studio. You will be painting, and paint stains clothing, so aprons, smocks, or designated clothing for the studio are effective ways to protect your clothing from paint stains. The stain remover “Kiss Off”, a stick stain remover, is great for removing oil paint stains, as well as other difficult stains from clothing. Wash your hands before you leave the studio, or before you go out of the studio to eat.

Your Studio Space: Keep your work area tidy and reduce clutter as much as possible. Remember the studio is a shared space and we want to reduce the amount of flammable items in the room. This will also make it easier to leave the studio in case of emergency. Do not use the studio as long-term storage or personal items. Lockers are available to store materials, not personal items. Place backpacks and other personal items along the walls, or in front of your easel so that it does not block people from walking around in the studio.

Toxic Pigments: Avoid purchasing and using paints that include any of the following hazardous materials: cadmium, chromium, lead and barium. Look at the Pigment information on the label and check the Safety Data Sheets to confirm that it is not considered hazardous before purchasing.

Solvents: Limit your use of solvents in the studio. We traditionally use Water-Based oils, and solvent free gel in studios. Non-Hazardous Biobased Artist Thinner are recommended for most solvent uses such as cleaning brushes. If a solvent is needed to paint with, an odorless mineral spirit, such as Gamsol, is recommended. If you need this please ask the instructor.