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How To Oil Paint?

Painters, have you ever experienced nausea or vertigo while using oil-based paint? How can I prevent this?

  • I've used oil-based paints before without experiencing any unpleasant reactions, but I've primarily worked with them for short time periods. Today I was working in a well-ventilated art studio on campus and wearing a mask when I suddenly became very dizzy. I thought it was because I'd been perched on a high step stool and that coming down and getting fresh air would help, but I still felt this sense of weakness, vertigo, and an intense headache about twenty minutes later. It feels like my head is in a vice. I only had the studio for myself for a set block of time, so I had to go finish things up. I went back and worked on a lower part of the canvas and still felt dizzy, and then I threw up. I don't know what's going on. I'm using new Rembrandt extra fine oil paint, which is a good quality. I haven't eaten anything in the studio, and I keep my water bottle far away from the paint and canvas and step outside to drink. A little paint splattered into my eye and stung like freaking crazy, but I washed it out. This happened *after* I was already feeling off so I think it could have caused the problem. The nausea and dizziness finally abated somewhat after I went back to my room and showered, but now I've got little red marks all over me that aren't a rash or shingles or anything. They don't itch and they aren't raised. They look like red freckles. I still feel weird. I don't know why this is happening. Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this? What can I do to prevent it? I've already invested so much time and money into this and I have to finish it because I'll be graded. I'm a neurotic freak about my grades so there is no way I can just risk not doing well by abandoning this now, so I have to figure out a way to keep working. Does anyone have any tips? Is it possible I got a bad batch of paint or something? I'm using paint from a set.

  • Answer:

    Hopefully you are using a respirator mask and not just a dust mask. If so ensure to replace the filter cartridges on the mask. Take it with you to your local paint suppliers store and they should be able to assist you in fit testing the respirator. This ensures your intake air is coming through the filters and not leaking around the face. You have definately ingested the odors directly. If it lasts for more then a few hours seek medical attention.

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Although, I have been painting all my life, I have never had a reaction such as you described, but one of my closest relatives just went through a similar episode. She had violent headaches, vomited, suffered fainting spells and felt dizziness. She was tested for multiple diseases and went to half a dozen doctors with no clue as to her diagnosis. Finally, last week, she was tested on a tilting table and the doctors told her that she had a syndrome with the acronym of POTS. The point (and I do have one) is that you may not be allergic to the paint. It could be a coincidence. So broaden your scope and search for explanations everywhere. Maybe it has to do with the position of your body as you stand at the easel or something left in the atmosphere by the last person using the studio before you. Whatever happens next, you need medical advice because these are strong symptoms demanding your attention.

Djinn

I know that housepainters who work in oil-base paint experience this... and that is one of the reasons they will drink at least one beer after work.. somehow, it helps purge the toxic reaction most likely it isn't a bad batch of paint.. .it is probably your system developing an intolerance to oil-based paint... and should be taken as a serious warning go outside & get fresh air for a couple of hours!

Achelios

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