[Paul_Guraedy]

Guess you wondered, "Why this thread under this directory?"

We are all well aware of the dangers imposed by sharp edges and the power carvers are reminded of the risks involved with even non-poisonous wood dust, warnings of spontaneous combustion involved with some finishes makes an appearance occasionally.

Not too long back, I was made aware of a hazard lurking, unknown to most of us to whom mastery of painting remains one of the great mysterious skills, always just out of reach. We enter this realm as a necessity and exit with relief.

I was painting a piece, under the tutelage of a woodcarver who is also a great flat artist. I was "pointing" a brush the "quick" way, by putting it in my mouth and giving it a twirl. Very effective. Very fast. Very dangerous. This I learned when I was asked, "Have you ever given a thought to paint pigment?"

"Well, sure, that's what makes the color. And, I remember your saying that generally the more expensive the paint the more pigment in it." I was right proud of demonstrating his ability to instruct.

This changed as he told me, "I'm going to have to change my introduction to painting!"

What had I done? I had remembered his general rules, nothing straight our of the tube, very thin, load the brush.......

He continued, "You are using the cadmium red light for that section?"

"Yep," I proudly answered. "I remember it's closer to orange for mixing the color we need." Maybe I had done something right and maybe even very right and he would use it in the future!

Then, he dropped the other shoe. "Did you ever think of the fact that cadmium red light might carry that name because it has cadmium in it?"

Uh Oh! Cadmium. Bad Stuff. Carcinogen. Need to be careful using that color.

After listening to the litney of other "stuff" that is used as paint pigment, I keep my brushes out of my mouth. This is a lurking hazard that none of us wants to see "come out."

[squbrigg]

Makes sense......good tip. With my luck, it would be a brush loaded with Crazy Glue!

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Thanks Paul, That is an old school trick on putting a bruch in your mouth and twirlling it to make a point. Had not thought of it in the light you posted. Hmmm, no brush in the mouth for me also.

Now to remember to but a dust mask on every time!

[Hugh]

Also keeping your hands clean while painting, the chemicals will absorb through the skin also. Instead of pointing my brush for fine lines, I flatten it out, and paint with the edge. It will create very fine lines.

[Mitchell]

I thought that this was going to be about visitors just looking, not posting - and the consequences of doing so!

Some paints are harmful, and as Hugh says, they can be absorbed as well as ingested. The best thing is education.

[carver6]

Be okay if they would start making paint out of bourbon or scotch!!!

[Hugh]

Might not get much paint on the carving.