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Studio Safety and Materials

Working safely is essential, especially for artists painting at home or managing chronic health conditions. This section provides practical, artist-friendly guidance on non-toxic oil painting materials, safe pigments, solvent-free mediums, studio ventilation tips, and eco-conscious cleanup practices. Protect your health while creating with confidence, clarity, and care

Safe Pigments for Oil Painting

This list includes commonly available pigments known to be low-toxicity and studio-safe when used with basic precautions (like good ventilation and no eating while painting). Always check labels and manufacturer safety info, especially for cadmium or lead-based colors.

Core Safe Pigments (with pigment codes)

  1. Ultramarine (PB29)

  2. Phthalocyanine Blue GS (PB15:3)

  3. Manganese Blue (PB33)

  4. Pyrrole Red (PR254)

  5. Anthraquinoid Red (PR177) good substitute for Alizarin Crimson in oils

  6. Naphthol Carbamide (PR170)

  7. Quinacridone Red Y (PR209)

  8. Naphthol AS (PR188)

  9. Benzimidazolone Yellow H3G (PY154)

  10. Arylide Yellow RN (PY65)

  11. Arylide Yellow 10G (Azo Yellow Light, PY3)

  12. Barium Chromate Lemon (PY31)

  13. Ultramarine Violet (PV15)

  14. Dioxazine Purple (PV23RS)

  15. Phthalocyanine Green BS (PB7)

  16. Viridian (PG18)

  17. Chromium Oxide Green (PG17)

  18. Perinone Orange (PO43)

  19. Benzimidazolone Orange H5G (PO62)

Earth Pigments (All Considered Non-Toxic)

These classic pigments are derived from natural iron oxides and are among the safest colors to use:

  1. Ultramarine (PB29)

  2. Phthalocyanine Blue GS (PB15:3)

  3. Manganese Blue (PB33)

  4. Pyrrole Red (PR254)

  5. Anthraquinoid Red (PR177) good substitute for Alizarin Crimson in oils

  6. Naphthol Carbamide (PR170)

  7. Quinacridone Red Y (PR209)

  8. Naphthol AS (PR188)

  9. Benzimidazolone Yellow H3G (PY154)

  10. Arylide Yellow RN (PY65)

  11. Arylide Yellow 10G (Azo Yellow Light, PY3)

  12. Barium Chromate Lemon (PY31)

  13. Ultramarine Violet (PV15)

  14. Dioxazine Purple (PV23RS)

  15. Phthalocyanine Green BS (PB7)

  16. Viridian (PG18)

  17. Chromium Oxide Green (PG17)

  18. Perinone Orange (PO43)

  19. Benzimidazolone Orange H5G (PO62)

What About “Hue” Paints?

If the label says “Hue” (e.g., Cadmium Red Hue or Cobalt Blue Hue), it means the color imitates a traditional pigment using safer, modern substitutes. These are typically non-toxic and a great alternative to avoid heavy metals.

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