Is Acrylic Paint Kid Safe [The Types That Are Safe]

Is acrylic paint kid safe?

This is one of the best options for kids to play with, as it is one of the safest types of paints.

This type of paint is also very fast drying. However, it is only safe for kids over the age of three!

In this article, I will talk more in detail about whether acrylic paint is safe or not, and talk about other safe paints for kids to play with.

Origin of acrylics

Acrylic Paint is a creation of a German chemist, Otto Rohm. Rohm developed acrylic resin that was quickly transformed into paint.

This paint was first used in the 1940s.  In 1946 and 1949, Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden invented acrylic paint

Sam Golden on the other hand is an inventor who came up with a waterborne acrylic paint called “Aquatec” taking a step closer to the acrylics we know and love today.

Removing Acrylic Paint From Brushes

What are safe paints for children?

It is hard for parents to know paint is kid-safe. Although, acrylic is one such paint, is it all? or are there other paints, that I might let my kid play with and be alright with?

• Tempera paint: Easy to clean, dry quickly, and won’t crack or flake are just a few of the advantages of using tempera paint. It is a water-based,  non-toxic, non-settling tempera,  safe for children’s skin, and easily washable. It is fast-drying and ideal for multiple types of material that you may want to put your baby’s feet and handprints on.
  
  
• Activity paint: As it is shown in the name, it is great for different purposes. Activity paint is water-contained gel paint. It can also easily stick to a wide range of surfaces.
  
  
• Watercolor: Watercolor paints are very comfortable to use and easy to clean up.  Other water-based paints also offer such kind of advantage but watercolor paints have one big advantage they won’t dry out.
  
  
• Finger paint: is a great choice for children. It is a kind of paint that you can apply with your fingers. Finger paint is a great way to explore, learn and develop through sensory play for children.
  
  
• Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is very easy to work with. It is waterproof. Paper, wood, and avans are the greatest substrates for acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is non-toxic, most of the time.
  
  
• Satin paint: These two satin and semi-gloss paints offer the best benefits for durability and cleanliness. They each have their advantages but are a great start if you want to narrow down choices. Satin paints will cover up existing imperfections better and have a great texture. In most cases, satin is the best choice to use on the walls. Since these paints are water-based, then stains are removed relatively quickly with only soap and water. If appropriately primed, the color is hard to wipe off once set, making it durable and likely to last for the kids’ entire childhoods.
  
• Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss paints can be either water- or oil-based. Water-based paints apply better and don’t have that sticky feeling most homeowners associate with oil paints. On the other hand, oil-based paints can last for much longer and are more forgiving to clean up if stained. Professional painters recommend semi-gloss paints for trims, doors, and finishes.

Most paints available on the market today may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can cause health concerns in children with respiratory issues.

Thankfully, organic paints are more eco-friendly. They usually don’t have odors and are made from natural clays, lime, or milk. They can be the perfect alternative. Eco-friendly paints come in various colors and types, don’t sacrifice durability, and can be just as easy to clean and maintain as regular paint.

Usage of Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is kid-safe, for kids over the age of three, and when it is non-toxic. Children older than three years of age may use acrylic paint without fear of harming themselves or the environment.

Acrylic paint is a permanent and water-resistant choice. Water-based acrylic paint with a non-toxic label is safe for kids. However, non-toxic acrylic paint is not safe for kids. The difference between non-toxic and safe depends on how to use it.

Acrylic paint is rich in pigments and mixes well. Most modern acrylic paint sold in stores is safe for children to use. However, acrylic paint is not ideal for babies or toddlers. It’s also best for specific crafts such as paper, wood, rocks, fabric, plaster, stone, canvas, ceramic, glass and etc because the paint does not perform well without a paintbrush

Is Acrylic Paint toxic?

Children may utilize water-based acrylic paint with a non-toxic label on it. The paint is non-toxic in every day painting projects, but it may be toxic depending on how to use it.

Acrylic paint is not ideal for finger painting or applying to the skin. The paint could be dangerous for swallowing or inhaling. These factors affect various ages differently. Youngers are especially sensitive to toxins in their environment.

Does acrylic paint have harmful effects if it is swallowed?

Naturally,  any kind of chemical thing has a negative effect on the human body. When you accidentally swallow acrylic paint, even if it is non-toxic it is likely to be harmful. If the paint bottle has got poison control, it isn’t okay for young children.

Kids under the age of three tend to stick things, especially their hands. This is the main reason why you should not give acrylic paint to their hands.

Using acrylic paint for children who are old enough doesn’t arise any problems. The maturity of the children may be a factor when the time is right.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission explains how some water-based acrylic paints have levels of formaldehyde and ammonia. If ingested, these elements may cause respiratory irritation. They note other ingredients in solvent-based acrylics that are toxic when inhaled as well, including turpentine, toluene, xylene, and methyl ethyl ketone.

Is Acrylic Paint toxic to breathe?

Acrylic paint could be toxic to breathe if it contains toxic ingredients such as cadmium, titanium, dioxide, chromium, manganese, and cobalt.

Acrylic paints may release harmful fumes that one should avoid breathing  When the paint contains toxins, using an airbrush tool increases the odds that you’ll breathe those substances in, drawing them directly into the mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs.

From there, they can enter the circulatory system. As they do, they’ll begin to build up in certain organs, like the liver, lungs, kidneys, or brain, potentially causing catastrophic damage.

Generally speaking, inhaling any paint particles may be dangerous for the human body. Lungs are not designed to deal with those substances that increase the likelihood of harm.

Is Acrylic Paint toxic to the skin?

Even though some parents use acrylic to paint on children’s hands or footprints and wash it off immediately. It isn’t recommended to expose your children’s skin to the paint.  Children’s delicate skin is too sensitive to the harsh chemicals in acrylics.

Acrylic paint is non-toxic, but it doesn’t mean that it is safe for everyone’s skin or long-term wear. However, if you can manage to wash the paint off as soon as possible you could prevent it from absorbing into children’s skin.

Not everyone‘s skin is the same as each other, so parents should be careful when children paint something with acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are should not use on the face because they may be harmful.

There are chemicals in it that may cause skin irritation and more damage. Acrylic paints contain chemicals that are not suitable for the skin even if it is non-toxic. 

Find out more “Can you use acrylic paint on skin?“

Can you use acrylic paint for handprints and footprints?

Acrylic paint is sometimes good to use to print children’s handprints or footprints. But the paint should be washed immediately after the project is finished by the parents. Parents should make sure acrylic paint isn’t toxic before using it.

In spite of the fact that acrylic paints are safe and non-toxic, toddlers who thumb or put their fingers in their mouth should not come near them, or be far away from them. Parents must make sure of that. The ingredients must be clear so that you can be okay with letting older children paint with them.

What kind of paint should you use for handprints or footprints?

Acrylic paint is not kid-safe when they are toxic. but it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure to pick non-toxic ones. Parents should also make sure their purchase of non-toxic acrylic paint is fit for the craft and choose a size that fits the project. You can capture Children’s handprints or footprints with acrylic paint, which is fast drying.

The colors in tempera paints are vibrant and bright, which makes it easy to create any color you want with just a few basic colors. Acrylic paints dry quickly and can stain clothing. There are some other paint options for younger children and craft projects involving hands or footprints.

Young children tend to stick their hands in their mouths at every opportunity, so handprint projects or even using acrylic paints in crafts are not good. Youngers should stick to using safer craft paints. Other projects may involve allowing your children to paint with acrylics, which is not dangerous if your children are old enough to use a paintbrush.

Can you wash off acrylic paint easily from your hands?

Acrylic paint is fast drying. So it may take a while to remove from the skin unless you immediately wash it off. When washed with water, acrylics can be removed but once dry, they can’t be removed. It is advisable to use rubbing alcohol and oil together, you can remove spilled acrylic paint from the skin.

Is Acrylic Paint toxic to humans?

It is fact that acrylic paints are water-based. So I believe that they are non-toxic to humans when it is in use for typical acrylic painting purposes. If they are used for airbrushing or they are sanded or large amounts are ingested, they may be toxic.

If non-toxic acrylic paint isn’t toxic, one should still stay away from ingesting it, either. Small amounts could irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach. Swallowing larger quantities may lead to vomiting. Additionally, babies can be more sensitive to certain substances

Is Acrylic Paint toxic to human skin?

Using acrylic paint on your skin is good. Sometimes, contact with paint may cause skin irritation. Especially oil-based paints could be harmful. You may experience irritation from the fumes from these types of paints in your eyes, nose, or throat.

Acrylic paint is water-based. So it is not so harmful if it is in use in the right projects. Although it’s not terrible if non-toxic, water-based paint gets on your hands as you paint, craft paints are not safe for applying directly to the skin. Doing so could cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Acrylic paint is kid safe when you keep them away from the kids. That is the only way to make sure they are safe for %100.

If you choose acrylic paint for handprint or footprint projects with your children, always wash their hands immediately after the project is complete.

Try to choose a safer paint option if your children are under the age of three or their skin is sensitive. Make sure it contains toxic ingredients or not before using it.

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