5 Steps to Detoxify Your Studio
Many artists feel overwhelmed when they learn about the harmful toxicity in their art supplies, and either can't afford to buy all new supplies or don't know where to start!...
I am overjoyed to have the eco-friendly options your company creates and offers.
I have used water miscible oil paints for over 20 years. I've tried about every brand available.
Without going into detail I have never been completely satisfied with the performance of any of them.
I've wanted to get back to using traditional oils but I won't use VOC solvents. I've tried about every alternative to solvents that've come onto the market. The majority of non-VOC cleaning products and methods I've tried work well to clean brushes and palettes and other tools of the craft. That part's easy. I needed a thinner that worked like turpentine. Something that allowed me to thin my paints, make them more "creamy," and apply a wash or thin underpainting just like turps.
When I saw that Eco-Solv was advertised as not only a cleaner but a "thinner" I bought a small container for a trial. Frankly I'd been disappointed enough times I wasn't too hopeful. I tested it in studio and it seemed promising. It pretty much instantly diluted the paint.
When I recently went plein air painting for a week I took the plunge and swapped out my water-miscible kit for traditional oils and a brush washer containing Eco-Solv. I ended up with a half-dozen 8X10 and 9X12 pieces. I used the product just as I would have done in the distant past with a container of odorless turps. The slightest amounts were used when I wanted to thin my paint mixes and when switching colors on a brush or cleaning up after a session I swirled the brush in the Eco-Solv and wiped it on a paper towel just as a would have in turps. I used the same container of product the entire week. At the end of the week my brushes would wash out at sessions end almost as clean as they did at the start of my trip. I use synthetics so I can't speak to how it performs with hog bristle.
I will pour the used product into a glass jar as a test to see how well the particles settle out. My studies are in the drying rack. I can't yet say how the paint film will hold up at this point but several are dry to the touch and there's no tackiness (those of you who use water miscible oils will appreciate that). They "feel" like a nice dry oil painting is supposed to feel. In summary I'm impressed. Not yet so much I'm going to run out and buy a 64 oz. jug but I'm hopeful.
A years' long search for finding an acrylic alternative with just the right consistency is finally over. Can't tell you how happy I am to have found an eco-friendly paint that's waterproof. The Fluid Acrylik is wonderful to work with, and the quick drying time lead to lots of fun and fast experimentation. Highly recommended. I'll be using this A LOT.
To be honest, it will be a while before I can use it. However, paint toxins are a big concern for me. I'm grateful you made this product. Thank you so much.
The tubes have slight imperfections but I personally do not care because the amazing truly non-toxic paint still works great! :) I love when the option to purchase these imperfect tubes is available!
This has been a great replacement for stand oil - love that it's non-yellowing and made in the USA. Non-toxic and sustainable - all wins 😁