Why Do Oil Paints Smell?

There are many things to love about oil painting: the textures, the vibrancy, the richness of the colors. And, of course, the smell. Oil paints have a very pleasant aroma that helps create the perfect ambiance in an artist’s studio. 

But why do oil paints smell? All components, such as the pigments, mediums, and solvents, have their individual scents which also create a distinctive smell when combined. On the other hand, paints can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that present themselves as toxic fumes with an odour.

This article will discuss in-depth about the different smells of oil paints and will also debunk some of the most common oil painting myths.

Why Do Oil Paints Smell?

Contrary to popular beliefs, most oil paints’ pigments have a smell of their own, especially the inorganic metal ones. But the scent is so slight that most people barely even register it. If you have a sensitive nose with a knowledge of these unique smells, you might be just able to notice it. 

The inorganic metal toxic pigments are usually iron oxides, cadmium paints, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ultramarine, and phthalocyanine, amongst others.

The smell of zinc and titanium oxides is more well known as they are present in most white paints. While the formed smells sweet, earthy, and like makeup, the latter smells more dusty, dry, and mineral-like. 

Although lead is banned as a composite for paints, it also has a very distinctive smell that you can easily identify. Most people describe it as ‘sickly sweet.’ 

But other factors contribute to the stronger paint odor besides the natural oils. They are the mediums and solvents you need while oil painting. 

Mediums

They have many different smells. Some can be quite pleasant and do not irritate your nose like essential oils. But the toxic mediums can be quite harsh, even repulsive at times. 

If you have ever used Gamblin’s Cold Wax as a medium, you must be in love with its attractive aroma as everybody else. And you probably open the jar just for a quick whiff, even if you do not use this easy-to-use medium. 

While Beeswax (encaustic) is quite aromatic, it is not on par with Gamblin. Casein is one of the harsher mediums, with a strong, pungent smell. 

If you like using driers to speed up the drying process, you might be able to smell that as well. Alkyd mediums are often combined with thinners to avoid wrinkling, and they have a smell of their own. It is not too strong and is most often overshadowed by pre-existing odors of the rancid oil and other additives. 

Solvents

Solvents such as turpentine and mineral spirits have a variety of smells as well. The acceptance of the smell of the latter differs from person to person depending on their sensitivity. To some, it is very harsh, but others do not have any difficulties in tolerating it. 

Turpentine is a popular solvent used to thin paints, in base and underlying paints, and in cleaning brushes. Turpentine mixed wet paint is also highly flammable and combustible. Only when the paint dries, it becomes slightly safer.

Low-grade, household turpentines smell awful, and most people liken it to death. Wood turpentines remind people of benzene laced cadavers. On the other hand, higher quality artist turpentine is sweet and piney, and quite nice. 

If you are averse to the smell of solvents, you can always try odorless mineral oils during your painting process. 

These pigments are combined with oils as vehicles, so you will note the distinctive scent of the natural oil somewhere in there as well. That is, if linseed oil is used as a binding agent, you will get a hint of linseed, whereas you will smell something nutty if walnut oil is used. 

For vegetable oil and others, such as safflower oil and poppy oil, you will notice their specific smell as well.

Is the Oil Paint Odor Toxic?

A common oil painting myth is that oil paint can be very toxic. Fortunately, they are not, well, unless you try to snack on them. And only under very certain circumstances does oil painting takes somebody’s life.

Currently, most oil-based tube paints are completely safe, except for a few toxic ones, but they are very limited.

Even if paints are composed of toxic components, such as lead-white, cadmium paint, and cobalt, the metals are only harmful if you eat or breathe them in without adding the oil. 

Well, that leaves the solvents. Try to avoid turpentine being left open and lying around in the room. This will stop its toxic fumes from spreading around and suffocating you when you are not in a well-ventilated space. You can also opt for safer alternatives.

How to Avoid the Toxic Fume of Oil Paints?

If you are completely averse to the smell, there are many things you can do to avoid it. Since solvents and mediums have the strongest smell, you must be careful in choosing the right one. 

A slow drying linseed oil instead of turpentine will help greatly. It barely has any smell except for the little hint of the flowering plant, which is tolerated by the vast majority of artists. Besides, a drying oil like linseed oil helps paint dry faster, so you can use it to paint a thin layer. I do recommend doing a quick research whenever you try alternative materials, just so you do not damage your piece.

Moreover, instead of using the paint thinner to clean brushes, you can use a simple ivory soap and paper towels. It will keep you and everybody around you safe. Odorless white spirits work great as well.

Safer Alternatives and Techniques

And what’s more, you can now use high-quality paint straight from the tube. It saves you the hassle of mixing in unnecessary mediums. It may alter the quality of your artwork, like changing the transparency and fluidity of your colors, increasing or decreasing the drying speed of your oil paint, etc.

In fact, you do not need a medium because oil paint dries quickly unless it is applied in very thick layers. That is unless you are doing the impasto technique, where you create an opaque layer with thick impasto.

If you prefer using any other medium, just an alkyd might be preferable due to their low presence of smell.

A medium like a clove oil can also be used. You might also want to research up water mixable oil paints for a solvent-free medium. However, then you would need different art materials, mediums, and cleaning supplies. 

Reduce Risks

But no matter what you prefer to do, remember to keep the container closed when not in use, apply the solvents and mediums sparingly, and work in a properly ventilated room with ample fresh air.

That means no leaving open turpentine lying around. You can keep on using your preferred supplies without worrying too much about the paint odor and its consequences. 

Final Words

The smell of oil painting has been associated with the activity throughout its long history. Oil painters and painters love this smell, often assuming it to be the smell of art. It is part of the experience which despite its versatility, cannot be experienced when using acrylic paint.

Although, it is not unusual to wonder if this beloved aroma is toxic, especially if you are not sure why do oil paints smell in the first place. The many oil painting myths do not help matter much.

And if you are still not a fan of the paint odor, there are many safer synthetic alternatives to the toxic smell associated with traditional oils available to create art in a worry-free painting session.