I was diagnosed with cancer the first time when I was 19 and 22 the second. I'm missing a major portion of my chest and was left with a severely damaged and twisted lung and I'm missing a lot of meat and nerves from my face. I've worked in an industry where chemicals were a daily fact of life. I've worn air packs and contamination gear for 12 hours to clean up contaminated equipment. I've worked with toxic and fuming chemicals and acids that would eat tungsten.
And I've been building models for more than 40 years, next year will be 50.
You can drive yourself nuts with what ifs and if thens. A good mask, if that is your preference, will instill confidence in your paint and paint handling skills. Which you need to practice a lot.
As I said I don't wear a mask. I'll wear a dust mask when sanding resin and large areas of fillers. I have a fan blowing when ever I'm at the bench and I spray in my booth. Weathering I'll do on my table top/build area. Ventilation is the key to avoiding fume build up. There will always be a bit of smell, even from acrylics, and especially with cements.
Follow the safety sheets for you paints, don't mix different brands until you are comfortable with using them. And even then I won't mix brands. Vallejo with Vallejo, Mig with Mig.
Don't over think things, planning ahead is great but when you get too buried in the minor things, it takes the enjoyment out of things.
AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
Non-toxic, odourless oil thinner?
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2020 - 04:22 PM UTC
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2020 - 06:17 PM UTC
I agree with Patrick. You should plan for safety, but don’t overthink the problem. Truth be told, most of the hobby paints we use, under normal conditions, are pretty safe, if used as the label states, in a ventilated area. It always amazes me that folks will say how dangerous hobby paints are, then go out and have a few beers or mixed drinks, which is like pouring alcohol directly into your veins. I usually save my paint projects up so that I have one or two long paint sessions every two to three weeks, sometimes I wear a respirator if I think I’ll be breathing paint fumes over a long period. On the other hand, we can easily control the spray pattern, air pressure and quantity of paint of the airbrush. And if you’re putting that much particulates into the air, you’re really doing it wrong. A simple oil wash shouldn’t be an issue.
I see folks sterilizing their homes with Lysol, Ammonia products, and Clorox all the time, A candle flame or open fire puts out toxic vapor particulates, and in reality, there’s more danger in those products than there is in the typical hobby paint. If you think you are being exposed too much, wear a respirator. I worked as a Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Officer in some of the most toxic environments on earth, and I’m still alive because we took the proper precautions. Hobby paint is the least of your worries, unless you’re breathing it in for hours and days at a time without a break. I’ve been using hobby paints since 1959, with no issues. That being said, if you are genetically at risk of cancer, or MS, or some other immunodeficiency, or otherwise impaired physically, you should probably take proper precautions. Personally, I see more immediate danger from COVID-19 exposure than I do from any Hobby paint.
VR, Russ
I see folks sterilizing their homes with Lysol, Ammonia products, and Clorox all the time, A candle flame or open fire puts out toxic vapor particulates, and in reality, there’s more danger in those products than there is in the typical hobby paint. If you think you are being exposed too much, wear a respirator. I worked as a Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Officer in some of the most toxic environments on earth, and I’m still alive because we took the proper precautions. Hobby paint is the least of your worries, unless you’re breathing it in for hours and days at a time without a break. I’ve been using hobby paints since 1959, with no issues. That being said, if you are genetically at risk of cancer, or MS, or some other immunodeficiency, or otherwise impaired physically, you should probably take proper precautions. Personally, I see more immediate danger from COVID-19 exposure than I do from any Hobby paint.
VR, Russ
UpperCanadian
Joined: June 28, 2020
KitMaker: 152 posts
Armorama: 133 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 08, 2020 - 10:39 AM UTC
Someone suggested Wilder enamel thinner or VMS oil expert matte to me.
Has anyone used these?
Has anyone used these?
phil2015
Joined: July 27, 2015
KitMaker: 502 posts
Armorama: 325 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 08, 2020 - 11:35 AM UTC
I don't think you'll find a mineral spirit that isn't toxic. I'm not sure you have hobby lobby where you are, but this stuff is the bomb. I use it in the craft room when my wife is there and she can't smell it (of course, neither can I). She started using it in place of some expensive thing her stamping people were pushing on her as well. I imagine there are equivalents at other art supply stores.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=odorless+mineral+spirits&quickview=5681
I am in love with Wilder products but I would not buy mineral spirits from a hobby supplier simply because of price. I use the stuff in the link to clean all of my enamel wilder products.
russamotto
Joined: December 14, 2007
KitMaker: 3,389 posts
Armorama: 2,054 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 08, 2020 - 12:17 PM UTC
https://www.amazon.com/Speedball-Products-190008-8-Ounce-Odorless/dp/B00275OUNO
I have used this with great success. Very low odor and works very well for washes and thinning.
I have used this with great success. Very low odor and works very well for washes and thinning.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 08, 2020 - 12:46 PM UTC
Quoted Text
https://www.amazon.com/Speedball-Products-190008-8-Ounce-Odorless/dp/B00275OUNO
I have used this with great success. Very low odor and works very well for washes and thinning.
Hey Russ! Haven’t seen you here for a while. How’s things down south? Yes this Mona Lisa thinner is akin to Turpenoid light, which I’ve mentioned to the OP a couple of times. Still not non-toxic though, I don’t think there’s any such type of organic thinner. Good to see you are still there. Hope you’re being safe down there!
VR, Russ Bucy
UpperCanadian
Joined: June 28, 2020
KitMaker: 152 posts
Armorama: 133 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 10:39 AM UTC
I use a 3M respirator with 6001 organic vapor cartridges.
However, it's a half face mask, and because I wear glasses, I don't wear goggles. Should I be using goggles?
I sort of feel like my eyes are irritated, but I don't know if it's psychological or not.
However, it's a half face mask, and because I wear glasses, I don't wear goggles. Should I be using goggles?
I sort of feel like my eyes are irritated, but I don't know if it's psychological or not.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 12:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I use a 3M respirator with 6001 organic vapor cartridges.
However, it's a half face mask, and because I wear glasses, I don't wear goggles. Should I be using goggles?
I sort of feel like my eyes are irritated, but I don't know if it's psychological or not.
Dan, I think if there’s a noticeable cloud in the air around your workspace, you might consider wearing goggles. On the other hand, if paint in the air floating around the workspace is a problem, your likely doing something wrong air pressure wise. In reality, if you’re shooting small amounts of paint at low air pressure you’re probably ok without goggles. There’s a certain amount of eye strain that just “comes with the territory” in model building. I would recommend a good pair of magnifiers (check the Micro-Mark catalog for some inexpensive to expensive options). I suffer from dry eye due to old age (I’m in my late 60s), so I frequently use “Systane” brand eye drops once or twice a day. That usually salves my eye issues. If you’re using low odor paints and thinners, you shouldn’t have a problem.
VR, Russ
UpperCanadian
Joined: June 28, 2020
KitMaker: 152 posts
Armorama: 133 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 12:37 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI use a 3M respirator with 6001 organic vapor cartridges.
However, it's a half face mask, and because I wear glasses, I don't wear goggles. Should I be using goggles?
I sort of feel like my eyes are irritated, but I don't know if it's psychological or not.
Dan, I think if there’s a noticeable cloud in the air around your workspace, you might consider wearing goggles. On the other hand, if paint in the air floating around the workspace is a problem, your likely doing something wrong air pressure wise. In reality, if you’re shooting small amounts of paint at low air pressure you’re probably ok without goggles. There’s a certain amount of eye strain that just “comes with the territory” in model building. I would recommend a good pair of magnifiers (check the Micro-Mark catalog for some inexpensive to expensive options). I suffer from dry eye due to old age (I’m in my late 60s), so I frequently use “Systane” brand eye drops once or twice a day. That usually salves my eye issues. If you’re using low odor paints and thinners, you shouldn’t have a problem.
VR, Russ
Thanks Russ.
I'm using Tamiya acrylics.
I'm using a low PSI and not using a lot of paint. Only thing is I have to get fairly close to the model when doing detail like camouflage.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 02:15 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextI use a 3M respirator with 6001 organic vapor cartridges.
However, it's a half face mask, and because I wear glasses, I don't wear goggles. Should I be using goggles?
I sort of feel like my eyes are irritated, but I don't know if it's psychological or not.
Dan, I think if there’s a noticeable cloud in the air around your workspace, you might consider wearing goggles. On the other hand, if paint in the air floating around the workspace is a problem, your likely doing something wrong air pressure wise. In reality, if you’re shooting small amounts of paint at low air pressure you’re probably ok without goggles. There’s a certain amount of eye strain that just “comes with the territory” in model building. I would recommend a good pair of magnifiers (check the Micro-Mark catalog for some inexpensive to expensive options). I suffer from dry eye due to old age (I’m in my late 60s), so I frequently use “Systane” brand eye drops once or twice a day. That usually salves my eye issues. If you’re using low odor paints and thinners, you shouldn’t have a problem.
VR, Russ
Thanks Russ.
I'm using Tamiya acrylics.
I'm using a low PSI and not using a lot of paint. Only thing is I have to get fairly close to the model when doing detail like camouflage.
Dan, how close is close? I’d say you shouldn’t be much closer than about 8-10 inches from the end of your airbrush, and that shouldn’t be much of a problem for most folks. Also, what I said above really applies for models like 1/35 scale armor, 1/32 aircraft and smaller. If you’re painting a the hull of a 1/350 Battleship model, and using a lot of paint, you may need to take more stringent precautions as the volume of paint you’re using would be quite high. But smaller models Shouldn’t be a problem.
VR, Russ
spongya
Associate Editor
Joined: February 01, 2005
KitMaker: 2,365 posts
Armorama: 1,709 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 07:39 PM UTC
For oil paints I use ZestIt (http://www.zest-it.com/) for oil paints. It does smell but it is not as bad as turpenoid.
varanusk
Managing Editor
Joined: July 04, 2013
KitMaker: 1,288 posts
Armorama: 942 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 12:25 AM UTC
First and above, in terms of safety better have too much than not.
So this is my view, as a modeller and not an expert in health or safety or chemicals.
Providing you have modelling as a hobby, the time you will be exposed to these products is relatively short. I doubt anyone except professionals spend 6 or 8 hours every day using oils and paints. Moreover, oils are rarely airbrushed so the effect of the thinner on you (unless you are specially sensitive) should be minimal.
In my opinion, any modelling or artist oil thinner should be safe enough, being odorless or not -I prefer odorless, though.
I do not see the need of a respirator or paintbooth or googles for brush painting with modelling oils or enamels.
In any case, there are also acrylic washes from Vallejo.
VMS Oil expert is not a thinner but an accelerator, it speeds up the curing of the paint.
Airbrushing is a different thing and requires stronger protection.
So this is my view, as a modeller and not an expert in health or safety or chemicals.
Providing you have modelling as a hobby, the time you will be exposed to these products is relatively short. I doubt anyone except professionals spend 6 or 8 hours every day using oils and paints. Moreover, oils are rarely airbrushed so the effect of the thinner on you (unless you are specially sensitive) should be minimal.
In my opinion, any modelling or artist oil thinner should be safe enough, being odorless or not -I prefer odorless, though.
I do not see the need of a respirator or paintbooth or googles for brush painting with modelling oils or enamels.
In any case, there are also acrylic washes from Vallejo.
VMS Oil expert is not a thinner but an accelerator, it speeds up the curing of the paint.
Airbrushing is a different thing and requires stronger protection.
vettejack
Joined: November 23, 2012
KitMaker: 1,277 posts
Armorama: 1,254 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 12:39 AM UTC
Mineral spirits is my go-to, for enamels. From a distance of about 12 to 18 inches is my work area, and probably a teaspoon, at the most, is used to thin brushes, and for pinwash detailing. Very little, or, no scent, is present from that distance. Works well in thinning paints for air brush use, or for cleaning the air brush when finished. But cleaning will require a mask. No big deal.
TopSmith
Joined: August 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,742 posts
Armorama: 1,658 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 16, 2020 - 12:50 AM UTC
" There’s a certain amount of eye strain that just “comes with the territory” in model building. I would recommend a good pair of magnifiers (check the Micro-Mark catalog for some inexpensive to expensive options). I suffer from dry eye due to old age (I’m in my late 60s), so I frequently use “Systane” brand eye drops once or twice a day."
Ha! I am now using a pair of drug store readers and an Optivisor at the same time. Dry burning eyes have also developed. It is a pain to get older.
I usually paint outside in nicer weather so fumes are seldom noticed.
Ha! I am now using a pair of drug store readers and an Optivisor at the same time. Dry burning eyes have also developed. It is a pain to get older.
I usually paint outside in nicer weather so fumes are seldom noticed.
barnslayer
Joined: July 29, 2002
KitMaker: 102 posts
Armorama: 102 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 16, 2020 - 06:32 AM UTC
I use an Ott Light with magnifier. Mine clamps to the work table. One less thing to wear on my face.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_KtOYSz7hkZvwNDbFXTCQCG-8qMOYlAQZbz2sjALGcPBl4-3Td7Y5fAxZqyHAevQE7hfklvB8pR7nO63H0uprSqtaR8
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_KtOYSz7hkZvwNDbFXTCQCG-8qMOYlAQZbz2sjALGcPBl4-3Td7Y5fAxZqyHAevQE7hfklvB8pR7nO63H0uprSqtaR8
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