Many artists have employed acrylic paint over centuries because of its bright colors, fast-drying speed, and versatility. However, its safety on human skin remains an ongoing debate. Acrylic paints are safe in most regards; thus, there is a need for the main precautions when handling these colors. Here we discuss how acrylic paint is toxic to the skin, how it can be handled in safe ways, and how to dispose of it without harming the environment.

Is acrylic paint safe to skin?

Acrylic paint is a water-based, non-toxic paint for ordinary use on materials like paper, wood, and fabric. It’s not designed to be put on the skin. Acrylic paint irritates the skin if put on it, especially if you have a sensitive skin type. The paint itself isn’t usually very toxic. However, the plastic-like film that remains when dry, although easy enough to remove and a good surface to layer additional paint on, causes quite an irritation to the skin when roughly peeled back.

Safe Handling of Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is not a cosmetic product and has been known to be often applied to skin accidentally during art projects. Here are some tips on safe handling of acrylic paint:

– Non-Toxic Paints: Liquitex non-toxic paints are available in the market, with high quality that is safe to use normally. 

– AP Seal Paints: Paints showing the AP seal are labeled as safe.

– Avoid Direct Skin Contact: Acrylic paints are not usually safe for face or body painting. They adhere great to the surfaces of canvases, so one could get severely irritated or uncomfortable if they applied these paints on the skin. In case of a desire for body art supplies, use cosmetic-grade products specifically made for the skin.

– Protective Precautions: Wear your gloves and protective clothes. As such, you will most likely not be stained in the skin or even body by that paint. If some of the pain hits your skin, a quick clean-up using soap and water is sufficient before the paint dries.

– Easy Removal: Acrylic paint that has dried on the skin becomes hard to remove. Dried paint can be removed very gently with the help of exfoliators or oil-based cleaners without irritating the skin.

Clean up your used Acrylic paint: How to Dispose of it in an Eco-friendly Manner

Acrylic paint does not cause problems during disposal if done responsibly. However, improper acrylic paint disposal, including the washing of brushes under running water, also leads to damaging effects on the environment. How to dispose responsibly of acrylic paint:

• – Do not Flush Paint Down the Drain Wash with synthetic materials that should not be washed down the drain, adding to potential water pollution. Let the excess dry completely on your palette or a piece of newspaper, then throw it away with your regular trash.
• – Use a Rinsing Container when you are cleaning your brushes, do this in a container of water, but don’t use running tap water. Let it sit so the particles can settle on the bottom; then remove the clear water from the top. The remaining sludge should be left until it dries out before it should be disposed of.
• – Use Up Leftover Paint. Don’t let leftover paint go to waste for future projects. Skriblbox offers reusable mixing palettes and airtight containers that keep artists’ leftover acrylic paint fresh until it’s needed again.
• – Recycle and Dispose Responsibly. In the UAE, it’s starting to get much stronger on such sustainable behaviors. If possible, recycle empty paint containers. Check the local regulations and see if it qualifies for special disposal. Some environment-conscious artists take it a step further by not making a waste of dry paints or excess materials to incorporate them into new ones.

Conclusion

Acrylic paint is non-toxic and safe for most purposes, but it’s not something to use cavalierly. Don’t use it on your skin, if you pardon the pun, because it gets irksome, and be sure to clean up quickly if its glamour wears off. You need to settle for only non-toxic, high-quality paints such as those from Liquitex and Sennelier,  so that you’re not bothered with issues of safety. Responsible disposal is last but not least: do not in any way wash acrylic paint down the drain and try hard to minimize waste.

At the same time, these guidelines will help you enjoy all the creative possibilities offered by acrylic paint while protecting both yourself and the environment.