Non-Toxic oil paint. natural pigments. earth pigments. natural oil paints

Why Choose Natural Oil Paints? A Guide to Non-Toxic Painting

September 3, 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the art world has seen a growing shift towards non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, driven by increasing awareness of health and environmental concerns. Traditional oil paints, while cherished for their rich colours and smooth application, often contain toxic substances like heavy metals, solvents, fillers, and stabilisers that can pose significant health risks to artists and those around them. Fortunately, natural oil paints offer a safer alternative without compromising on quality. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of natural oil paints and how they can transform your painting experience. We'll also introduce you to our range of non-toxic oil paint products, including the P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit and the P9 Artist Oil Paint Set, designed for artists who prioritise health and environmental sustainability.

The Problem with Traditional Oil Paints

Traditional oil paints often contain toxic pigments such as cadmium, lead, and cobalt—heavy metals that are harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. In addition, the solvents used in oil painting, like turpentine and mineral spirits, release toxic fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause respiratory issues. Moreover, fillers and stabilisers added to commercial oil paints can diminish the pigment’s purity, affecting the quality and vibrancy of the colours.

The Solution: Natural Oil Paints

Natural oil paints, on the other hand, are made from non-toxic, environmentally friendly ingredients. These paints use natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and other safe sources, combined with vegetable-based oils and natural binders. The result is a high-quality paint that offers the same depth and vibrancy as traditional oil paints but without the associated health risks.

The Advantages of Non-Toxic Oil Paints:

Health and Safety: One of the most significant advantages of using natural oil paints is the reduced health risk. Non-toxic paints eliminate the need for harmful solvents, heavy metals, and toxic additives, making them safer for artists to use, especially in enclosed spaces. This is particularly important for artists who paint regularly and for extended periods.
Environmental Sustainability: Natural oil paints are made from sustainable, biodegradable materials, reducing their environmental impact. Unlike traditional paints, which can leach toxic substances into the environment during production and disposal, natural oil paints are designed to be eco-friendly from start to finish.
Rich, Vibrant Colours: Natural oil paints are known for their pure, vivid colours. Because they are free from fillers, preservatives, stabilisers, and other additives, the pigments in natural oil paints retain their brightness and saturation, allowing artists to create bold, eye-catching works of art.
Improved Air Quality: With natural oil paints, there’s no need for harsh solvents, which means fewer VOCs in the air. This results in a healthier studio environment with better air quality, making it safer not only for the artist but also for anyone else who shares the space.

How to Transition to Non-Toxic Painting

If you’re used to working with traditional oil paints, switching to natural, non-toxic paints might require a slight adjustment in your technique. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition smoothly:

Start with a Limited Palette: As you become accustomed to the new materials, begin with a limited palette of primary colours and earth tones. This will help you get a feel for how the natural pigments blend and interact with one another.
Experiment with Different Surfaces: Natural oil paints can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, and primed paper. Try experimenting with different surfaces to see how the paint behaves and which works best for your style.
Mind the Drying Time: Without added driers, natural oil paints may take longer to dry than traditional paints. Allow ample drying time between layers to avoid smudging and ensure a smooth finish.
Explore New Techniques: Natural oil paints offer the opportunity to experiment with new techniques, such as glazing, scumbling, and impasto, without the worry of inhaling toxic fumes. Take advantage of the safety and flexibility these paints provide to expand your artistic repertoire.

P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit: Natural DIY Oil Painting Kit

At P9 Art Boutique, we honour the timeless tradition of creating paint from scratch, just as the great masters did. Our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit empowers you to craft your own oil paints using our meticulously curated collection of nine exquisite natural, plant, and synthetic mineral pigments, paired with the finest oil paint binder formulated from a beloved century-old recipe.

Carefully Selected Pigments: The kit features nine carefully chosen pigments, including French Red Ruby, Ultramarine Blue, French Yellow Citron, Persian Yellow Earth, Titanium White Rutile, and German Vine Black—non-toxic alternatives to traditional cadmium and cobalt-based pigments. These pigments are highly concentrated, ensuring that a little goes a long way.
Rich Earth Tones: The kit also includes natural earth tones such as Persian Red Earth, Verona Green Earth, and Cypriot Burnt Umber, perfect for creating realistic landscapes and portraits.
High-Quality Oil Binder: Our oil binder is formulated from the finest Swedish cold-pressed and sun-thickened flaxseed oil. Sun-thickened flaxseed oil is a traditional, eco-friendly binder that enhances the paint's consistency and gloss, free from driers, stabilisers, and other harmful additives. This ensures smooth application and a consistent finish.

P9 Artist Oil Paint Set: Non-Toxic Ready-to-Use Oil Paints

For artists who prefer the convenience of ready-made paints, our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set is the perfect choice. This set is crafted for artists who value a quicker drying time in their oil painting process, without compromising on quality or safety.

Primary Colours: The set includes Bismuth Yellow, Pyrrole Red Scarlet, Quinacridone Magenta, and Ultramarine Blue—non-toxic alternatives to traditional cadmium and cobalt-based pigments. These pigments offer vibrant, intense colours ideal for a wide range of artistic styles.
Earth Tones: The set also includes essential earth tones such as Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and Yellow Ochre, as well as Titanium White Rutile, to provide a comprehensive palette for landscape, portrait, and modern abstract art.
Natural Drier: Unlike our Artisan Oil Paint Kit, which is ideal for those who enjoy making their own paint and working wet-on-wet, the P9 Artist Oil Paint Set includes a natural drier. This addition allows for faster layering and completion of artwork, making it ideal for artists who need their work to dry quickly for exhibitions or sales.
Museum-Quality Lightfastness: Our oil paints are known for their exceptional pigment load and smooth, creamy texture. They are easy to mix and blend into a vast range of tones, resulting in intense, vibrant colours that bring your artwork to life. At P9, we ensure museum-quality lightfastness, keeping your artwork brilliant and vivid for years without fading or cracking.

Conclusion

Ready to make the switch to non-toxic painting? Our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit and P9 Artist Oil Paint Set offer everything you need to achieve stunning, non-toxic results. Whether you’re creating vibrant portraits, serene landscapes, or abstract modern pieces, these sets provide high-quality pigments that are as safe as they are beautiful. Explore our products today and embrace a more mindful and sustainable approach to your art. Happy painting!

Back to blog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are handmade oil paints suitable for beginners?

Yes, handmade oil paints are suitable for beginner artists, especially those interested in learning more about the paint-making process and controlling the quality of their materials. Making oil paint from scratch can help you better understand pigments, textures, and the chemistry of paint. For beginners, our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit is a perfect introduction, providing high-quality, non-toxic pigments and materials for a safe and rewarding experience.

What materials do I need to make my own oil paints?

To make your own oil paints, you'll need the following materials:

Pigments: Dry, finely ground powders in the colours of your choice.
Drying Oil: Linseed oil, walnut oil, or other natural oils to bind the pigments.
Palette Knife: For mixing the pigments with the oil.
Glass Muller and Grinding Plate: These tools help ensure the pigment is evenly dispersed into the oil for a smooth, professional-quality paint.
Paint Tubes: For storing your handmade paints.

Our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit comes with nine high-quality natural, Earth and synthetic mineral pigments, along with a natural oil binder, perfect for those looking to make their own non-toxic oil paints.

Please note:The mixing tools are not included in the kit.

How do I store homemade oil paints?

To keep your mixed oil paints fresh and maintain their quality, here are some effective storage methods:

Airtight Aluminium Tubes: Transfer your mixed oil paints into airtight aluminium tubes to minimize air exposure. Fill the tube about three-quarters full, then flatten and fold the end using a putty knife. Pinch the end with pliers to seal it airtight. Properly sealed, your paint can last for weeks or even months.
Refrigeration: Store your palette in the refrigerator to slow down drying. This method can keep your paint usable for several days to a week. Make sure to cover the palette with cling film or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.
Freezing: For longer storage, place your palette in the freezer. This can keep your paint fresh for several weeks. Before using the paint, let it warm up slightly to avoid condensation. This method is especially handy if you paint regularly.
Cling Film: Cover your palette with cling film to reduce air exposure. This is a quick and easy way to keep your paint usable for a few days.
Glass Jars: For longer storage, transfer your paint into small glass jars. Adding a few drops of clove oil can help prevent the paint from drying out too quickly. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed.
Aluminium Foil: Scrape any leftover paint onto small squares of aluminium foil and fold it to create an airtight seal. This can preserve your paint for a few weeks. Label the foil with a smudge of the paint colour for easy identification.

Using these methods will help you extend the life of your mixed oil paints, ensuring you get the most out of your materials.

When were oil paints invented?

Oil paints are believed to have been invented around the early 15th century, with Jan van Eyck, a Flemish painter, often credited for refining the medium. While oil paints may have existed before this, it was during the Northern Renaissance that their use became widespread. Van Eyck's use of linseed oil as a binder allowed for richer colours, smoother blending, and slower drying times, which changed the art world and led to the eventual dominance of oil paints in Europe.

What did artists use before oil paint was invented?

Before the invention of oil paint, artists primarily used egg tempera and encaustic (a wax-based paint) as their main painting mediums. Egg tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, was widely used in the Byzantine and Renaissance periods due to its fast drying properties and ability to produce fine detail. Encaustic paints, created with pigments suspended in hot beeswax, were commonly used in ancient Egypt for portraiture. These mediums offered longevity but lacked the flexibility and blendability of oil paints.

Can oil paints be used for Alla Prima painting?

Yes, oil paints are perfect for the Alla Prima or "wet-on-wet" technique. This method allows artists to apply layers of oil paint without waiting for the previous layers to dry, creating a more spontaneous and immediate painting style. Natural oil paints, like those found in our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit, are excellent for Alla Prima as they offer vibrant colours and smooth blending without toxic solvents, making them ideal for both beginners and professional artists.

What are non-toxic oil paints?

Non-toxic oil paints are made without harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found in traditional oil paints. Instead, they use natural pigments and binders like linseed or walnut oil, offering a safer alternative for artists and the environment. These paints are free from toxic additives like cadmium, lead, and cobalt, which can cause health issues over time. Non-toxic oil paints, such as those found in our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set, are perfect for art lovers, students, and professionals who prioritise safety while maintaining vibrant, high-quality results.

Are natural oil paints better for the environment?

Yes, natural oil paints are far better for the environment compared to synthetic oil paints. Traditional oil paints often contain toxic additives, stabilisers, and heavy metals that pose risks to both the artist and the environment. In contrast, natural oil paints use eco-friendly, non-toxic pigments and natural binders, reducing their environmental impact. Our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set is an excellent option for artists looking for vegan, non-toxic oil paints that are safe and sustainable.

How to fix hardened oil paint?

If your oil paint has hardened or become too thick to use, here are a few methods to fix it and restore its workability:

Add Linseed Oil or Other Paint Mediums: If the oil paint is just starting to dry out or has become thick, adding a few drops of linseed oil or a specialised oil painting medium can help rehydrate the paint and restore its creamy texture. Mix thoroughly using a palette knife until the paint is smooth again.
Use a Paint Thinner: For more stubbornly hardened paint, you can add a small amount of odourless mineral spirits, turpentine, or another non-toxic paint thinner to dissolve the dried portions. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the paint too thin and affect its consistency.
Warm the Paint Gently: Slightly warming the hardened paint (by placing the tube in warm water or near a mild heat source) can soften it enough to mix more easily with a medium. Be careful not to overheat the paint, as this could damage the pigments.
Use a Palette Knife: If only the surface of the paint has hardened, you can scrape off the dried layer with a palette knife and use the softer paint underneath.

If your oil paint has fully dried and hardened, it may not be salvageable. Oil paints naturally dry through oxidation, and if too much air has been exposed to the paint over time, it may have cured beyond repair. To avoid this, ensure your paint tubes are tightly sealed when not in use.