For artists with a taste for oil painting, not even a headache can come in the way of the satisfaction of a perfectly fine brush stroke meeting the canvas. But it’s still necessary to know the reason behind the headache. So, why does oil paint give me a headache?
Oil based paint has conventionally required the use of solvents to soften
the paint and prevent them from sticking to the brush. These solvents produce obnoxious fumes that might cause painful headaches and dry up your skin.
However, there are other reasons too. If you want to figure out whether your paint really does have any headache-inducing solvents and, if so, what needs to be done about it, then keep reading this article Does Oil Paint Give You a Headache? Very likely!
Table of Contents
Why Does Oil Paint Give Me a Headache?
Before we delve into the ‘why’ of it, you need to understand what an oil based paint is made of. Oil paint is made up of pigments, a vehicle, and a binder; binders act like glue, allowing the pigments to stick together and form the actual liquid. Vehicles are the liquid part of the paint.
Most vehicles are made from vegetable oil extracted from flax, which many in the industry call linseed oil as well. Other types include safflower oil and walnut oil, among others.
The paint uses other solvents like turpentine to keep it thin and prevent it from drying; these solvents are released in the air when the paint dries and, in turn, cause headaches.
Be it acrylic paint or oil; both need vehicles with certain chemicals. When these dry out, they release ammonia and other unpleasant solvents, which could be potentially harmful to you.
Also, toxic pigments used in the paint can cause headaches. On the other hand, it is just as likely that an external factor causes your headache, so you might want to look into other factors that might cause such discomforts.
What Are the Risks of Fumes Exposure?
The biggest concern with the fumes is whether they will harm us long-term. Thankfully, oil based paints only show short term effects in case of inhaling the fume.
Other side effects could range from eye irritation to slight stinging in the throat. However, longer hours in an enclosed room could show nausea, troubled breathing, and headaches.
Contrary to that, ingesting oil paint could, in fact, lead to severe sickness and cause long term damage. Inhaling too much high VOC paints could also damage and hurt the body.
Those with migraine are extra susceptible to headaches and irritations from paint smell. Also, many have undiagnosed migraine, and they should be extra cautious of what could trigger the pain, and if symptoms arise, see the doctor immediately.
Oil Painting Solutions to Prevent Headache and Skin Irritations
Now that it can be easily concluded that most paints can indeed cause headaches, we need to look at the prevention methods.
The Water Mixable Oil Paints
Perhaps the most practical solution is using water based paints. They reduce the risk of health problems by a long margin while keeping the quality of the paint pretty much the same. The difference won’t be noticeable for beginners, but experienced artists seeking perfection will notice the difference.
However, using water based paints will significantly help with migraine and other discomforts. One of the better things about such paint is that they are mixable. You can mix one painting with other and create amazing art.
So, if you are ready to make the switch or even consider it, now might be the right time to look at some new paints.
Also, keep in mind that you will not need to make any other changes to your art style or workstation as you can use the same brushes, and canvases, as you did during your regular drawing session.
Reduce the Use of Oil Solvents
One major use of organic solvents that goes unnoticed is drying your brush with solvent. The excess paint that sticks to the brush can be hard to get rid of and using organic solvents might seem like the best option, but you also have to notice the increased risk.
So, a very easy solution to this issue is using regular oil on your brushes and palettes, or anywhere you want the paint to get off from.
External Condition
Proper ventilation can solve half the breathing solvent paint fumes issues and make oil painting sessions safer. Those who love painting can’t help but draw for long hours and fall prey to prolonged exposure to fumes.
However, no class or workshop is without open windows and good ventilation even when it’s cold; art room windows are kept open in some workshops.
Breathing solvent paint fumes can be the source of your headache, so it is ideal you keep windows open and allow air to circulate.
Take Breaks
Being cooped up in a room where paint fumes are being released into the air can cause trouble breathing even if you’re resistant to headaches. We recommend taking frequent breaks to get some fresh air so that you don’t have to spend long hours in the contaminated air.
Further, staring into the canvas closely for hours while the paint is still drying can cause eye strain and irritation. So, you should see the doctor and get them to prescribe a medication to reduce the irritation from fumes.
Reduce Contact with Oil Paints
It’s a given the colors will smear over you when painting, but those who are particularly sensitive to the paint fumes due to genetic factors should go the extra mile for themselves.
Generally speaking, those with dry skin or other skin conditions should refrain from letting the oil based paints touch their skin. It needs to be noted that if it seeps into the skin, it can cause other conditions.
Although most paint products no longer have toxic solvents, which can lead to health risk or cancer risk, it is still recommended to use gloves. Special gloves or barrier creams can help prevent the paint from getting in contact with your skin.
Things You Should Know Before Buying Paint
These are the factors you should consider before buying paints.
Types of Paints
Latex paint uses water as the primary liquid in addition to other liquids. On the other hand, Alkyd doesn’t use water but uses other oil based paints. Alkyd oils are thicker and give a richer color, while latex is safer but might not give the same level of satisfaction.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Oil paint has some level of VOC, but it is in your best interest to choose one with low VOC content. VOCs include organic chemicals like toluene, xylene, benzene, and acetone.
Lead Based Paint
Lead Paint is another type that you should avoid. It is toxic, and those using lead-based paint for any project should look for alternatives or only use it for a temporary project. Lead is a strong drying agent and is sometimes used in paint for faster drying. However, it is extremely harmful and should not be kept near children.
Final Words
Why does oil paint give me a headache? Now you know the reason.
Unless you suffer from severe headaches, substituting oil paints with other kind of latex or water paint might not be the best move.
So, you should work but keeping the room ventilated, and close the bottles of turpentine and other headache-inducing chemicals when not in use. However, if headaches still come in the way, you can opt for traditional headache reducing measures.
Finally, painters will just about tolerate everything for the sake of their art, but it is not wise to put your health at risk, so please follow the safety measures.
