Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 6 - Safety Tips for Using Watercolors

Watercolors are generally one of the safest painting mediums due to their water-based composition, but there are still some important safety considerations, especially regarding pigments, ventilation, and proper handling. Practicing good hygiene, proper storage, and safe disposal methods helps ensure a worry-free creative experience.  Whether you're an artist working in a studio, a teacher using watercolors in a classroom, or a parent helping kids paint, keeping safety in mind ensures a healthier painting experience.

Understanding Pigment Safety

While many modern watercolor brands use non-toxic pigments, some professional-grade paints still contain heavy metals or toxic elements. These pigments are typically labeled with safety warnings.

⛔ Potentially Hazardous Pigments ⛔ 

• Cadmium Colors (Cadmium Red, Yellow, Orange) – May be toxic if ingested or inhaled in powder form.
• Cobalt Colors (Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Violet, Cerulean Blue) – Contains cobalt, which can cause skin irritation or toxicity if ingested.
• Manganese-Based Colors (Manganese Blue, Manganese Violet) – May cause respiratory issues if inhaled in powder form.
• Lead-Based Pigments (Found in some historic reproduction paints) – Extremely toxic; avoid use.

Choose pigments instead of color names. You can find the pigment names on the back of every tube in small print.

Safety Tips for Handling Paints

• Read Labels – Look for safety warnings such as AP (Approved Product) for non-toxic paints or CL (Cautionary Label) for pigments with known hazards.
• Avoid Ingesting Pigments – Never eat, drink, or lick a paintbrush while painting.
• Wash Hands After Painting – Especially when using potentially hazardous pigments.
• Avoid Blowing on Dry Pigments – Some artists grind their own pigments; avoid inhaling dust from powdered pigments.

Ventilation and Air Quality

• While watercolor paint does not contain strong solvents like oil or acrylic mediums, some additives can still cause mild irritation.
• If using gouache, masking fluid, or fixatives, ensure proper ventilation since some products contain ammonia or latex, which can cause respiratory irritation.
• Spray fixatives used to protect watercolor paintings should always be applied outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.
• Use a fan or open a window when working with masking fluid or fixatives.
• Avoid direct inhalation of any fumes or spray products.

Safe Water & Brush Handling

Watercolors require a lot of water, so practicing safe water habits helps prevent accidental contamination.

• ⛔ Use separate water containers for rinsing brushes and drinking water—never confuse the two!
• Change rinse water frequently to avoid pigment buildup.
• Avoid dipping fingers into rinse water if working with known toxic pigments.
• Use designated painting cups to prevent accidental drinking.
• Teach children and students proper brush-washing habits.

Safe Storage & Cleanup: Cleaning Up After Watercolor Painting

• Dispose of water properly – Some pigments contain trace metals, so avoid dumping large amounts of rinse water directly into the sink. Instead, let sediment settle, then pour clean water down the drain and dispose of the sludge safely.
• Wipe down work surfaces – Some pigments can stain or be transferred to hands.
• Keep palettes clean – Dried paint can become airborne if scraped off roughly.
• Use a rag or paper towel to wipe up excess paint and water.
• For professional studios, check local disposal guidelines for pigment-heavy waste.

Safety for Kids Using Watercolors

Children’s watercolors are usually labeled non-toxic, but adult supervision is still necessary.

• Use non-toxic, washable watercolors – Brands like Crayola, Prang, and Faber-Castell offer kid-friendly options.
• Avoid small pans and caps that could be choking hazards.
• Provide brushes with safe, smooth handles to avoid splinters.
• Ensure children wash hands after painting to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Supervise younger children and ensure they do not put brushes or paint in their mouths.
• Provide aprons or old clothes to prevent staining.

Video courtesy of Honey Silvas 

Allergy & Skin Sensitivity Considerations

Some watercolor additives, such as gum arabic, ox gall, and latex in masking fluid, may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

• Test masking fluid on a small skin area before using extensively.
• Use synthetic brushes if allergic to natural hairbrushes (sable, squirrel).
• Wear gloves if necessary to prevent skin irritation.
• Switch to hypoallergenic or synthetic alternatives if experiencing irritation.
• If symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Fire Safety (For Studio Artists)

While watercolors are not flammable, some studio materials, like fixative sprays and alcohol inks, are highly flammable.

• Store flammable materials away from heat sources.
• Never use fixatives near open flames.

Now that you learned about safety tips for watercolor painting, read the next part of our series, Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 7 - Caring for & Storing Watercolor Supplies and Paintings. Watercolor painting is as much about patience and care as it is about creativity and expression. From the delicate nature of the paints to the sensitive surface of the paper, every element of your watercolor process benefits from thoughtful maintenance. CLICK HERE to continue reading.

 

Alabama Art Supply is your one-stop shop for all things art! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. From paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, custom framing, and more—if you’re looking for art supplies, we’ve got you covered. Don’t see what you need? Just reach out to us at 205-322-4741—we’re happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for!

 

 

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