The hazards associated with non-water-based paints primarily involve the materials used as vehicles, thinners, and for cleanup. Many commercial paints used by artists contain solvents. Linseed oil, wax, and egg are used as vehicles for oil paints, encaustic tempera, and egg tempera, respectively, and solvents are often used as thinners and for cleanup. Turpentine and mineral spirits are commonly used to thin oil paints, as well as for cleaning brushes. Solvents are also used as vehicles for alkyd paints.
Painting Safety In The Arts
One of the first documented connections between painting pigments and adverse health effects among artists was in 1713, by Italian physician Bernardinus Ramazzini. It took centuries for less harmful pigments to become widely available, and today there are still numerous health and physical hazards to be aware of when painting and drawing.
Hazardous materials used in painting include:
- Pigments
- Thinners
- Linseed Oil
- Adhesives
- Oil-based paints and Turpentine
These materials can pose health or physical hazards. The materials can be absorbed through skin contact and enter the bloodstream. Materials such as thinners, oils, and turpentine also tend to evaporate quickly, which can contaminate the air and pose an inhalation hazard. Finally, many of these materials are also flammable, which can pose a physical hazard if appropriate precautions in handling and storage are not taken.
Pigments
Pigments are used in oil paints, acrylics, watercolor, poster paints, casein paints, encaustic painting, and tempera. Many of these pigments contain heavy metals, which pose a major health hazard. They are combined with a vehicle or binder to make usable paints, but before they are mixed, dry pigments can be harmful because their dust can be easily inhaled and ingested.
Hues
Unlike pigments, hues either do not contain heavy metals or contain only extremely low levels of heavy metals (as the concentrations are too small to warrant concern). If a paint is labeled as a “hue” (such as “chromium yellow hue”), then it is non-toxic.
Hazards
- Pigments may contain heavy metals, which are toxic and pose serious health hazards with certain levels of exposure. The primary exposure pathways associated with painting are:
- ingestion due to eating, drinking, or smoking while working (or if hands are not washed after working);
- ingestion due to inadvertent hand-to-mouth contact while working, or pointing the paintbrush with your mouth; and
- inhalation of pigments when paint is sprayed, heated, or sanded without the proper engineering controls.
Common toxic metals found in pigments, and their possible health effects, are summarized in the table below. (This is not a comprehensive list of all toxic pigments).
Respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) tract irritation
Skin/eye/GI irritation, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, cancer
Lung, kidney, or CNS disease; high blood pressure, anemia
Chromium green, strontium yellow, viridian, chrome yellow, zinc yellow
Chromium Skin/respiratory irritation, allergies, lung cancer
CNS damage, GI problems, anemia, kidney damage, reproductive system damage
Respiratory irritation, CNS problems
Mercury Central nervous system disease
Is this course for me?
This course is for beginners. Experience in arranging colours together is useful, but not essential.
We advise you to wear an overall or old clothes and bring the following: • Roll of paper towel • Acrylic paints if you have them already • Large tubes of white and black acrylic paint if you already have them • Push pins (plastic style notice board pins) • A small spirit level if you have one • Strong disposable gloves • 2 Trays • Grease proof paper for carrying wet artwork home. Please do not purchase materials more than 7 days before the course is due to start. If this course is in the classroom and runs over lunchtime, please bring your own packed lunch.
How will I know that my skills have improved?
At the start, you will decide (with help from your tutor) what you want to get out of the course. You will have the opportunity to review your progress and at the end of the course you will have the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and how your skills have improved.
Please allow approximately £15 for purchase of canvases, paint and additives. The tutor will bring acrylic paint, paint additives, small stretched canvases, craft board, and other items needed, which you can purchase at a cost. Canvas sizes used will be 6 by 6, 6 by 8 and 8 by 10 (Measurements in inches).
Course Code: DRPA032-2324-3OF-A
I will need support/help with my learning, what is available?
We will always try to help if you have a physical disability or learning support need. Please see our Learning Support section for more details. Let us know when you enrol and speak to us in confidence to discuss your needs in full.
What happens if I can’t attend my class?
It is important to attend your class promptly and regularly but:
- If you know you will be missing a class, please let your tutor know the week before if possible
- For last minute cancellations, please phone us on 01296 382403 and we will attempt and get a message to your tutor
If you miss a few sessions without letting us know, our staff will contact you to discuss the situation. If you are having any problems which affect your attendance or learning, please let your tutor know as soon as possible.
When do I pay for my course?
Payment is needed at enrolment to secure your course place. You can pay by cheque or debit/credit card (an administration fee of £30 will apply for dishonoured cheques).
If the course runs for 25 weeks or more you can spread the cost by paying in 3 equal instalments. You will need to pay the first instalment by credit/debit card, cheque or cash at the time of enrolling which will secure your place on the course. We will then send you a Direct Debit mandate. For courses over £150 but less than 25 weeks, you can still apply to pay by instalments.
Fees in the brochure with an * include exam costs. In all other circumstances, except for basic English and Maths learners will need to pay an additional fee for exams. The amount will be shown on the Course Information Sheet (CIS). Our fees are subsidised by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (funding body). Once you have enrolled, you will be given a receipt, a map and a CIS to confirm your place on the course. Please note, an annual £10.50 registration fee applies upon enrolment.
Can I get a qualification?
Look through our course titles and you will see many lead to a qualification. For some of these you have to take an exam.
Can I get a refund?
If it becomes necessary to either cancel or close your course within the first three weeks, for example due to low numbers, we will refund your fees in full.
Where courses are closed after the first 3 weeks, a pro-rata refund will be made to any student attending at the time who has attended at least 80% of their sessions. We will endeavour to let you know as soon as possible and any refund due will be made by crediting your credit/debit card or by cheque. It is not possible to make refunds in cash. All cancellations will be confirmed to you in writing or email.
If you change your mind and wish to withdraw from a course before attending a session, a full refund will be given within 5 days of enrolling. If the request is made at least 15 days before the course begins, a full refund less £25 to cover administration fee will be returned to you.
It may occasionally be necessary, for reasons beyond the control of Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, to change the course tutor, make slight changes to the timing or content of the programme, or move the course to an alternative venue within a reasonable distance of the advertised venue. Refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances.
Can a course or class get cancelled?
Course cancellation: The minimum number of students for most of our courses is 9. If a class does not reach its minimum number of students, we may cancel the course or offer you the opportunity to reduce the number of weeks with no corresponding reduction in fee, or we may increase the fee to the small group rate of £9.50 per hour as an alternative to closing the class.
Class cancellation: Where a session is cancelled, for reasons beyond the control of Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, for example, if a staff member is unwell or extreme weather conditions, we will try to offer an additional class at another time. We will promptly contact you if this happens. If the majority of the students are able to attend the alternative session then no refund will be given for the missed session.
Bad weather cancellation: In the event of extreme weather conditions, information will be available on local radio station Three Counties Radio, by phoning 01296 382403 and the website.
I am an Overseas learner – Do I need to pay anything extra?
Learners who have not been living in the UK or EU residents who have not been living in the EEA for at least three years will need to pay the Overseas Student Rate for any course which is £12.00 per hour.
What parking is available at my course?
Many of our centres offer free parking but please note that in some cases this may be limited/unavailable during the daytime.
We ask all our learners to park considerately, especially at smaller venues, to avoid causing difficulty or offence to the neighbours. Special parking restrictions will be notified to all learners at venues where they may apply.
For more information on our centres including parking availability please visit our Centre Locations page.
Can I use my mobile phone in class?
Before your session begins, please either switch off or silence your mobile phone to avoid disturbing the group.
What previous learners have said
Really brilliant – thank you so much. Its so amazing what can be created with simple techniques – excellent instructions. A fantastic day – the most interesting I have had in a long time. I learnt so much and came away with a couple of reasonable pictures! Therapeutic day. It fulfilled my expectations. Wonderful teacher and a lovely person. Something completely different! Interesting results and am now looking forward to trying at home. Good instructions from the course tutor and a lovely variety of activities. The day flew by. Thank you. Thanks for a fabulous and informative day. Really good information and opportunity to try materials and techniques for the first time with expert guidance. A very generous teach both with knowledge, materials and ideas. Fantastic. Second time attended. Still learning new things. Fab day. Will be back for more! Thank you. Absolutely brilliant, informative and fun. Really enjoyable course. Thoroughly recommended. Lovely, fascinating intro to acrylic paint pouring.Really enjoyed this course. Tutor is a great teacher. Would love to attend again. Excellent course and excellent tutor. I’m inspired to do more! Great course, plenty of ‘doing’ not just watching! Really liked the course and had a great day. Thank you. Loved the techniques shown, keen to come back. Loved experimenting with all the different effects and made some amazing artworks. Thank you to our tutor. Excellent course! I will definitely book another one.
There is an academic year learner registration fee of £10.50. Each academic year begins in August and finishes the following July. For learners on benefits who are unable to pay, this fee may be remitted on application for support from our Learner Support Fund. If you have not already paid this fee then it will automatically be added to your basket.
Gouache Paint 101 for Artists
We have prepared the ultimate “Gouache Paint FAQ for Artists” with everything you want to know about Gouache.
What is gouache paint?
Gouache is a type of water-based paint that is used for artistic applications such as illustration, commercial art, and design work. It is made from pigments mixed with a binding agent and a water-soluble binder, typically gum arabic, which gives it a creamy consistency. Unlike transparent watercolors, gouache is opaque, allowing for greater coverage and more vibrant color. It dries to a matte finish and is known for its versatility, mixability, and quick drying time.How is gouache paint different from watercolor?
Gouache and watercolor are both water-based paints, but there are some key differences between the two:Opacity: The most notable difference between gouache and watercolor is their opacity. Gouache is an opaque paint, meaning that it covers the surface completely and can be painted over previously applied layers. Watercolor, on the other hand, is a transparent paint, allowing the surface underneath to show through.
Consistency: Gouache has a thicker consistency than watercolor, which makes it easier to control the application of the paint and to create solid blocks of color. Watercolor is more fluid, making it better suited for creating delicate washes and subtle blends of color.
Vibrant color: Gouache is known for its rich, vibrant color, as the paint is highly pigmented. Watercolor, on the other hand, is more subdued in color, creating a softer, more delicate look.
Drying time: Gouache dries relatively quickly, while watercolor takes longer to dry. This can affect the way that artists work with the paints, as it may impact the ability to make changes or corrections to the painting.
Finish: Gouache dries to a matte finish, while watercolor dries to a glossier finish. This can affect the final look of the painting, as well as the way that light interacts with the surface.
These differences make gouache and watercolor two distinct types of paint, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Both can be used to create beautiful works of art, but the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the desired effect.
How is gouache paint different from acrylic?
Gouache and acrylic are two different types of paint that have distinct properties and uses. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Consistency: Gouache has a thicker, more opaque consistency compared to acrylic, which has a thinner, more fluid consistency. This affects the way that the paint can be applied and manipulated on the surface.
Drying time: Acrylic dries much faster than gouache, allowing artists to work quickly and make changes to the painting without having to wait for the paint to dry. Gouache dries relatively quickly, but still takes longer to dry than acrylic.
Opacity: Gouache is an opaque paint, meaning that it covers the surface completely and can be painted over previously applied layers. Acrylic, on the other hand, can be either opaque or transparent, depending on how it is applied.
Vibrant color: Gouache is known for its rich, vibrant color, while acrylic is known for its bright, bold color. This can affect the final look of the painting and the way that light interacts with the surface.
Finish: Gouache dries to a matte finish, while acrylic dries to a glossy finish. This can affect the final look of the painting, as well as the way that light interacts with the surface.
Mixability: Gouache can be mixed with water or other gouache paints to create a wide range of custom colors, while acrylic can be mixed with other acrylic paints or mediums to create a variety of effects.
Lightfastness: Gouache is considered to be lightfast, meaning that the color will not fade or change over time when exposed to light. Acrylic is also considered to be lightfast, but the color can fade over time if the painting is exposed to direct sunlight.
These differences make gouache and acrylic two distinct types of paint, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Both can be used to create beautiful works of art, but the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the desired effect.
How do I mix gouache paint?
Gouache paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including:
Paper: Gouache is often applied to paper, which is a popular surface for illustrations, sketches, and other forms of fine art.
Cardboard: Cardboard is a versatile surface that can be used for painting with gouache, particularly for artists who are working on a budget and don’t want to invest in more expensive materials.
Canvas: Gouache can also be applied to canvas, which is a popular surface for fine art paintings. Canvas provides a sturdy, durable surface that is well-suited to the application of opaque paint.
Wood: Gouache can be applied to wood, which is a popular surface for decorative painting and folk art. Wood provides a natural texture that can add depth and interest to a painting.
Fabric: Gouache can also be used to paint on fabric, which is a popular surface for textile design and costume design.
These are just a few examples of the many surfaces that can be used for gouache painting. The choice of surface often depends on the artist’s personal preference and the desired final result. Regardless of the surface, it is important to prime the surface before painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly and to prevent the surface from absorbing the paint.
How do I store gouache tubes and paint?
Here are some tips for storing gouache tubes:
Keep them away from direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the pigments in gouache paint to fade or change color over time. Store your gouache tubes in a cool, dark place to protect the color.
Store them vertically: Store your gouache tubes vertically, with the cap facing down, to prevent the paint from drying out.
Keep them away from heat: Heat can cause the paint in the tubes to expand and potentially leak out, so it’s important to store them in a cool place.
Store them in a dry place: Moisture can cause the paint in the tubes to spoil, so it’s important to store them in a dry place.
Label the tubes: Label the tubes with the color name and the date of purchase to keep track of the age of the paint and ensure that you use the oldest tubes first.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your gouache paint stays fresh and ready to use for as long as possible.
Can gouache paint be used for professional art?
Yes, gouache paint can be used for professional art. In fact, it has been used for centuries by artists for fine art, illustration, and design work. Its versatility and ability to create vibrant, opaque colors make it a popular choice for many professional artists.Gouache is well-suited to a wide range of styles and techniques, from portraits and landscapes to still life paintings and abstract works. Its quick drying time, ease of use, and versatility make it a popular choice for commercial artists who need to produce artwork quickly and efficiently.
Whether you are a professional artist or just starting out, gouache paint can be a valuable tool in your artistic arsenal. Its unique properties and versatility make it a great choice for artists who want to explore different styles and techniques.
How do I thin gouache paint?
Gouache paint can be thinned with water to create different effects and control the consistency of the paint. Here are the steps to thin gouache paint:
Add water to the paint: Start by adding a small amount of water to the paint, using a brush or a palette knife. Stir the paint until it is fully combined with the water.
Adjust the consistency: Add more water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Remember that the more water you add, the more transparent the paint will become.
Test the paint: Test the paint on a scrap piece of paper or a palette before using it on your main project. This will give you an idea of how the paint will behave and will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the consistency.
It’s important to note that once you have thinned the paint, you cannot go back and make it thicker again. If you need to adjust the consistency further, you will need to start over with a new batch of paint.
By following these steps, you can easily thin gouache paint to create different effects and control the consistency of the paint.
How do I clean gouache paint from my brushes and other tools?
Gouache paint can be cleaned from brushes and other tools using water. Here are the steps to clean gouache paint:
Rinse with water: Start by rinsing the brush or tool with water to remove as much paint as possible.
Use soap: If the paint is still on the brush or tool, use soap and water to clean it. Work the soap into the bristles or tool and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Repeat as needed: Repeat the soap and water process as needed until the brush or tool is clean.
Shape the bristles: If cleaning a brush, reshape the bristles while they are still wet.
Dry the brush: Allow the brush or tool to air dry completely before using it again.
By following these steps, you can easily clean gouache paint from your brushes and other tools. It’s important to clean your tools thoroughly after each use to ensure that the paint does not dry and become difficult to remove.
How do I fix mistakes when using gouache paint?
Gouache paint dries quickly, which can make mistakes difficult to fix, but there are some techniques that can be used to address mistakes in gouache paintings:
Wet the area: Wet the area where the mistake was made using a wet brush. This will soften the paint and allow you to blend or remove it.
Blot with a tissue: Blot the area gently with a tissue to remove some of the paint.
Apply a fresh layer of paint: If the mistake cannot be removed, apply a fresh layer of paint over the area to cover it. Make sure to let the paint dry completely before continuing with your painting.
Use a white or opaque color: If you need to lighten an area or cover a mistake, use a white or opaque color to do so. Gouache is an opaque paint, so it can be used to cover mistakes effectively.
Use a fixative: If you are working on a final painting and want to ensure that mistakes cannot be corrected, you can use a fixative to seal the paint and prevent it from being altered.
By following these steps, you can address mistakes in gouache paintings and continue working on your artwork. It’s important to remember that mistakes are a normal part of the painting process and can often lead to new and interesting artistic discoveries.
How many layers of gouache can you apply?
The number of layers of gouache that can be applied depends on several factors, such as the surface being painted, the type of gouache being used, and the desired final effect. Here are a few guidelines:
Paper: When painting on paper, it’s generally best to limit the number of layers to 2 or 3 to prevent the paper from becoming too thick and buckling.
Canvas: When painting on canvas, you can apply more layers of gouache as the surface is more durable and can support a greater number of layers.
Transparent layers: If you want to create transparent or translucent layers, it’s best to limit the number of layers to 2 or 3. The more layers you add, the less transparent the paint will become.
Opaque layers: If you want to create opaque layers, you can apply more layers of gouache as needed to achieve the desired opacity.
It’s important to remember that gouache dries quickly, so you will need to work efficiently and allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one. Additionally, the paint can become brittle over time, so it’s best to limit the number of layers to prevent cracking or flaking.
What brushes to use for gouache?
Gouache can be applied with a variety of brushes, including:
Round brushes: Round brushes are versatile and can be used for a wide range of brush strokes, from fine lines to broad washes. They are ideal for detail work, outlining, and blending.
Flat brushes: Flat brushes are great for creating broad, flat washes of color and for covering large areas quickly. They can also be used for creating sharp, defined edges.
Fan brushes: Fan brushes are ideal for creating soft, delicate brush strokes and for blending colors. They are also useful for creating special effects, such as feathers, fur, and grass.
Mop brushes: Mop brushes are soft, absorbent brushes that are ideal for blending and creating soft, delicate washes. They are also useful for removing excess paint and for creating special effects, such as clouds and mist.
Angular brushes: Angular brushes are ideal for creating sharp, defined edges and for painting angular shapes, such as triangles and diamonds. They can also be used for creating lettering and calligraphy.
It’s important to choose brushes that are of high quality, with bristles that are well-formed and firmly attached to the handle. Cheap or poorly made brushes can cause frustration and produce unsatisfactory results.
Can you mix gouache with acrylic?
Yes, you can mix gouache with acrylic paint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that gouache and acrylic paint have different properties and will behave differently when mixed together.
When mixing gouache and acrylic, the acrylic paint will typically increase the translucency and extend the drying time of the gouache. The resulting paint may also have a slightly different consistency and texture than either the gouache or the acrylic paint alone.
It’s important to experiment with small amounts of paint first to get a feel for how the two types of paint will interact with each other. You may also need to adjust your painting techniques to accommodate the changes in the paint’s properties.
Mixing gouache and acrylic can be a useful technique for artists who want to create unique effects and textures, or who want to extend the range of colors available to them. However, it’s important to approach this technique with caution and to take the time to experiment and become familiar with the resulting paint before using it in a final piece.
Can you use gouache over watercolor?
can be used to cover and obscure the underlying watercolor. This makes it a useful tool for artists who want to make corrections or changes to a watercolor painting, or who want to add details or highlights that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with watercolor alone.
When using gouache over watercolor, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
Wait for the watercolor to dry completely: Gouache should not be applied over wet watercolor, as it will cause the watercolor to bleed and the colors to mix. Wait for the watercolor to dry completely before applying the gouache.
Use a fixative: Apply a fixative to the watercolor before applying the gouache to prevent the underlying watercolor from lifting or smudging.
Test the paint: Test the gouache on a scrap piece of paper or a palette before using it on your main project. This will give you an idea of how the paint will behave and will allow you to make any necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can use gouache over watercolor to create unique and interesting effects in your paintings. It’s a useful technique for artists who want to explore different styles and techniques, or who want to add an extra layer of depth and interest to their watercolor paintings
Does gouache paint smell?
Gouache paint can have a slight odor, but it is generally not strong or overpowering. The odor is usually caused by the pigments and other ingredients used in the paint, and it can vary depending on the brand and type of gouache paint being used.In general, gouache paint has a milder odor compared to other types of paint, such as oil or acrylic paint, which can have a stronger and more pungent odor. The odor from gouache paint should not be a concern for most people, but if you are sensitive to strong odors or have allergies, it’s a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area or to use a mask while painting.
If you are concerned about the odor of gouache paint, you can try using a low-odor or odorless variety, which is formulated to minimize or eliminate the odor. These types of gouache paint are available from many art supply stores and can be a good option for artists who are sensitive to strong odors.
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