{"id":1806,"date":"2022-12-17T17:43:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-17T17:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/?page_id=1806"},"modified":"2023-09-03T18:02:51","modified_gmt":"2023-09-03T18:02:51","slug":"shop-for-art-supplies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/?page_id=1806","title":{"rendered":"Shop for Art Supplies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Disclosure: <\/strong>These include Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just want to start shopping? Here\u2019s an\u00a0affiliate link<\/a>\u00a0to a random lead free item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have technical issues using our affiliate links, please\u00a0contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we like these items: <\/strong>The paints on this list are labeled ASTM D-4236, which indicates that all potentially hazardous components have been labeled. All items here are considered safe when used as directed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

None of the art supplies below contain lead, cadmium, or mercury-based pigments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For our kid\u2019s section, we sought the AP seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute<\/a>, or we looked for reputable companies who manufacture and market art supplies for children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When an art material is marked with the AP seal<\/a>, it indicates the item is safe and has been certified in a toxicological review by medical expert to contain no ingredients sufficient in quantity to harm humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, paints for adult artists that are made with toxic materials, including lead-based and cadmium-based pigments will usually contain a cautionary labeling (CL) seal<\/a> on the tube for easy identification. Some newer cadmium and cobalt paints, though they are made using toxic heavy metals, are formulated in such a way that they are not easily soluble in the human body and do not require the cautionary label. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most major art supply brands sold nationwide in the U.S. label their paint in accordance with Prop 65<\/a>, which discloses potentially hazardous substances to customers in California. Most cadmium-based artists\u2019 paints will carry a Prop 65 warning even if they do not require the CL label. The paint name on the tube also readily identifies when cadmium is present (e.g., \u201ccadmium chartreuse,\u201d) or there may be a pigment code present on the container (e.g. PY36). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kid\u2019s Art Supplies Made From Food Grade Materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is our section for kids who are at risk for eating their art supplies. These unique items are made at least in part with food grade materials. These non-toxic, eco-friendly supplies are a good option for children. But they can (as with other art supplies or even food) contain trace heavy metals, which would be best determined through lab testing at the parts per billion level. Nonetheless, these are great choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honeysticks Non Toxic Watercolor Paint Set for Kids and Toddlers – 8 Vibrant and Long Lasting Colors with Brush – Natural and Food Grade Ingredients<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Veggie Baby Finger Paints for Toddlers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Green Toys Dough, Assorted 4-Pack – Multi-Color Creative Arts & Crafts Activity Kids Toy Set<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Stockmar Beeswax Stick Crayons, Set of 16 – Non Toxic, Jumbo Crayons, Beeswax Crayons For Toddlers, Kids<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Stockmar\u00a0Block Crayons Waterproof Beeswax Paint in Tin Box<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Great Options for Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These items bear the AP non-toxic label from ACMI and\/or they are marketed for use by children from reputable companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Doodle Pad With 16 Scratch-Art Boards and Wooden Stylus<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Melissa & Doug Sketch Pad (9 x 12 inches) – 50 Sheets, 2-Pack<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

RoseArt SuperTip Washable Markers 100-Count Assorted Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Faber-Castell Classic Colored Pencils Tin Set, 48 Vibrant Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Arteza Kids Play Dough, 6 Pastel and 6 Regular Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Arteza Kids Colored Pencils, Set of 48 Vibrant Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cra-Z-Art Washable Super Tip Markers, 30 Count<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set (2-Ounce) (Pack of 16)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Hygloss Products Play Dough, Safe & Non-Toxic Modelling Dough<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Prang\u00ae Watercolor Oval Set With Brush, Assorted, Set Of 8 Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Drawing Supplies for Artists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Note: Prismacolor pencils are considered non-toxic. However, there is a (CL) cautionary label for some of the metallic pencils due to copper content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens – Archival Black Ink Pens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Derwent Chromaflow Colored Pencils 36 Tin, Set of 36<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II AQUARELLE Water-Soluble Pastels, 40 Colors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Manga Colors, Adult Coloring, 23 Pack<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Prismacolor Premier Beginner Hand Lettering Set<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils | Art Supplies for Drawing, Sketching, Adult Coloring | Soft Core Color Pencils, 150 Pack<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Paint (Student Grade)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These paints are excellent for crafts or art students and are considered non-toxic. However, not all of the colors are reviewed for lightfastness or suitable for professional artists, so check each description. Note that Holbein is a professional grade and the set linked is imitation cadmium (hues), so we recommend avoiding real cadmium if you browse their other products. Most professional artists\u2019 lines have some cadmium colors in them, so read the details. Not all AP non-toxic artists\u2019 paints are perfect from an environmental perspective (e.g., nickel yellow) but they replace more toxic options (cadmium).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Color 12-Tube Set, 20ml<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

ZenART Oil Paints for Artists – 8 x Large 50ml Tubes – Impressionist Palette of Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Lightfast Paint<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Value Pack 12pc, 2 Fl Oz<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

ZenART Non-Toxic Oil Paints for Professional Artists – 8 x Large 50ml Tubes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 x 22ml (0.74-oz) Tube Set<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Set of 24 Colors\/Tubes (0.74 oz, 22 ml) W\/ Storage Box<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint Set, 1.25-oz (37ml) Tubes, Set of 10<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

A Word on Our Section for Art Pros:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We added a section of non-toxic or less toxic paint alternatives geared toward professional artists who want to transition away from lead-based or cadmium-based materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some artist\u2019s paints may naturally contain trace lead, including colors with zinc and other earth-based pigments. The lead levels are typically minimal, below the limit for lead allowed in toys, and we do not do not have a concern with artists using these paints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Products with trace lead are sometimes identifiable if the manufacturer has chosen to include a Prop 65 warning for lead. We really like the brand Utrecht<\/a> because they label their paints in accordance with Prop 65 and were transparent with us about trace lead in some colors. We recommend their paints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadmium paint is very common in professional artists\u2019 palettes (oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache) due to the intensity of the cadmium colors and the strength of color mixes. Lead is more of a niche product used for canvas grounds, mediums, whites, and some colored pigments by oil painters who identify with \u201cclassical realism\u201d or \u201cOld Master\u201d art. Unfortunately there are still mainstream artists\u2019 books and instructional videos advocating for the use of lead paint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend avoiding artwork and art supplies that contain lead paint, especially if there are children in the home. We recommend artists phase out the use of lead to protect their clients, themselves and their families, and the environment. Additional precautions may be needed to clean a studio where lead was used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clients and their families may be exposed to lead if they collect oil paintings made with lead paint, especially historical pieces that have cracks or damage to the paint film. There is the potential for these objects to create lead dust<\/a>, which is particularly risky for young children who engage in hand to mouth activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many safe alternatives to lead for the working artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadmium is a heavy metal and carcinogen. It has been used since the nineteenth century to obtain bright and fade-resistant red, orange, and yellow pigments. We always recommend artists substitute cadmium paints for cadmium-free substitutes, to eliminate potential exposure and to reduce our impact on the environment. Given the many new cadmium-free colors on the market, this is an easier transition than ever before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, several large paint manufacturers have advised that the solubility and bioavailability of modern cadmium-based pigments in artists\u2019 oil paints is low. The cadmium is bound with sulfides and coated in a binder. However, cadmium pigments manufactured thirty years ago were more readily soluble and these paints pose a greater exposure hazard to the working oil painter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus our primary concern regarding cadmium in new oil paint is to avoid inhalation of cadmium dust from handling dry pigment, sanding, or spraying cadmium-based paint. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and take precautions to limit the spread of cadmium particulates in the work space. Precautions must also be taken to avoid dispensing cadmium into waterways. We do not recommend using cadmium in a home studio where children are present. The safest option is avoiding cadmium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Substitutes for Cadmium and Lead for Artists:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We can use modern, engineered materials to ensure the art we create is safe for our clients and ourselves. We can reduce our environmental footprint and safeguard our long-term health by eliminating occupational exposure to lead and cadmium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional art supply companies have researched and created alternatives to lead-based and cadmium-based products that perform as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all of these products are considered 100% non-toxic but they are better options than their traditional counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Cadmium \u201chues\u201d refer to paints that do not contain cadmium and imitate the appearance of real cadmium prior<\/em> to mixing. These options are considered student grade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCadmium free\u201d refers to paints that closely imitate how cadmium paint both looks and behaves when mixing. These products are a recent phenomenon thanks to research and development by the major artists\u2019 paint companies. If you\u2019re a professional artist, \u201ccadmium free\u201d paints are the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to Lead Primed Canvas<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gamblin Oil Painting Ground<\/a> formulated with titanium white (warning: combustible)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Golden Acrylic Gesso<\/a> formulated with titanium white <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to Flake White and Cremnitz White (Lead) Oil Paint:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color, 37ml (1.25 oz) Tube, Flake White Hue<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Gamblin\u2019s Flake White Replacement<\/a> (Gamblin is one of our heroes in terms of developing safer alternatives to lead-based paint. They are made in the USA!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to Naples Yellow Oil Paint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Note: Historical versions of this color were made with lead, while modern versions typically contain cadmium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gamblin Naples Yellow Hue<\/a> (made without lead and cadmium)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to Cadmium-Based Paints for Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, and Gouache:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Note: Professional art supply companies sell cadmium paints in their professional ranges so make sure you do not accidentally purchase those products when you shop for cadmium-free options below. Real cadmium paints sometimes but do not always have a (CL) cautionary label on the back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-free Oil Paint by Winsor & Newton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-free oil paint by Utrecht <\/strong>(Made in the USA) including a full disclosure of pigments is available through their website<\/a> but is unfortunately not sold on Amazon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-free Watercolor Tubes by Winsor & Newton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-free Watercolors in the Pan by Winsor & Newton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-Free Gouache by Winsor and Newton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cadmium-free Acrylic Paint by Liquitex<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and\/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and\/or testing on similar products. We recommend items we would use ourselves. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Disclosure: These include Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1806","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1806"}],"version-history":[{"count":229,"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1806\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5883,"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1806\/revisions\/5883"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomscore.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}