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Solvents

Some Things You Need To Know About Solvents

Solvents break down the binder in the pencil lead and turn the color to liquid. It becomes a lot like watercolor painting and you can achieve various effects with the use of different application tools.

• They can change the look of the pencil layers.



• They give the colors a rich vivid appearance.



• The most common paint solvents are turpentine, mineral spirits and odorless mineral spirits.



• Apply several layers of color, then apply the solvent either with either q-tips, cotton balls, paint brushs, sponges, toothbrushs, etc.



• Make sure you use gloves and use proper ventilation by opening the windows and/or use an exhaust fan to expel toxic vapors.



• Some solvents contain linseed oil, which has been known to break down paper products.





Beware Some Solvents Are Toxic





Solvents can release toxins into the air causing lightheadness, difficulty breathing, memory loss and even brain damage or cancer. Not all "Natural" products are safe. Turpentine is the most toxic solvent, even though it comes from the pine tree. Citrus solvents contain citrus oil and d-limonene, which are some of the most toxic solvents out there, and have been linked to cancer. As stated on the following links below "Outside of water, there are no totally safe solvents, though there are some that are significantly safer than others." Presently, there is not enough conclusive evidence to prove that solvents without aromatic hydrocarbons, such as Odorless Mineral Spirits, are completely safe, so be wary of prolonged exposure and usage.





How to Determine Which Solvents Are Safe?




• Read the product label.



• Ask for and read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) sheet on the product. All stores should have these sheets on hand and will list all chemicals the product contains.





Some Known Solvents Used With Color Pencil




• Weber Turpenoid Natural (non-toxic and has linseed oil) - Is an alternative to traditional solvents and is considered environmentally safe. It is specially formulated with organic ingredients to be non-toxic and non-flammable.



• Turpenoid (toxic and has linseed oil) - Is classified as a petroleum hydrocarbon and is basically odorless mineral spirits. It can be substituted for turpentine.



• Turpentine (toxic) - Is the traditional solvent that many artist's use. Use only the manufactured type from pine tree resin, that has been carefully distilled.



• Bestine (rubber cement thinner; toxic) -



• Mineral Spirits (toxic) - Is a petroleum distillate with properties similar to turpentine. It doesn't leave a gummy residue and does not deteriorate with age. It does not cause any reactions in people sensitive to turpentine.



• Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits (non-toxic) - Safest out of all the solvents. It does contain small amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons.



• Citrus Thinner (www.eco-house.com) - Is a citrus distillate and a byproduct of the manufacture of citrus peel liquor. Have yet to check this product out.



• Zest-it (www.zest-it.com) - Have yet to check this product out.




Links




• Saftety list On How to Use Solvents Safely - a very good list



• ArtCalendar's Using Solvents:Rules for Handling and Disposal - is another good resource for using Solvents.

An Affiliate of Dick Blick Art Materials

Copyright © Carol Moore, All Rights Reserved.