Peninsula Arts Society Inc

RULES & GUIDELINES FOR SAFE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF ART MEDIA

These rules are in place for the protection of you, other people and the environment. Rules apply to tutors and participants in all classes, workshops and art groups. It is a condition of studio use to comply with these rules.

ALL MEDIA

Many art media contain toxic or allergenic pigments (eg. cadmium, cobalt, nickel) or other toxic/allergenic substances (eg solvents).  Always check the labels on your media to ascertain if they contain potentially harmful material and avoid use of such materials in the PAS studios. Take care when handling media containing potentially harmful substances to avoid ingestion, inhalation or contact with skin, by yourself or others. Avoid eating or drinking in proximity to art media. Clean up any spills on floors or work surfaces promptly and thoroughly.

WATER BASED MEDIA – watercolour, acrylic and water-based inks

Clean up

• Wipe off excess paint from palettes, brushes, tables and other equipment. Dispose of in the studio bins adjacent to the sink to avoid environmental contamination and plumbing blockages.
• You can use water to rinse any remaining traces of paint down the studio sink. Please ensure the sink is left clean.

OIL PAINTS & SOLVENTS

Permitted solvents

• No turpentine, turpentine derivatives or substances containing turpentine may be used in the studios.
• The only solvents authorized for use within the PAS studios are mineral spirit based odourless solvents (which are still toxic, but less so) preferably Gamsol. Solvent must be kept in a suitable closed container unless being actively used, as it evaporates creating toxic fumes. Decant a small quantity only for use as needed.
• Media containing solvent must NEVER be sprayed within the studios.

Clean up

• Palettes, brushes and other equipment are to be taken home for cleaning.
• DO NOT wash oil painting equipment in the studio sink or tip unused paint or solvent down the studio sink.
• DO NOT dispose of material used for wiping paint or solvent from equipment, or for cleaning spillages, in the studio bins. This material may be flammable and/or emit harmful fumes. It must be taken home with you. Allow contaminated material to dry completely in a non-flammable, cool, well ventilated place and dispose of in accordance with your local garbage regulations.

DRY MEDIA – pastel, charcoal, conte sticks, coloured pencils, graphite

Handling

• If working at an easel using pastel or charcoal, a catchment tray (provided) must be placed on the easel support below the artwork.
• DO NOT blow accumulated pastel, charcoal or other dust off artwork. Remove it by tapping the artwork so that the dust falls into the catchment tray or a bin.

Clean up

• Empty catchment trays into the studio bins taking care to ensure all dust falls into the bin and not on surrounding surfaces.
• Sweep up any spilled dust or fragments using the provided brush and pan.
• Wipe work surfaces, easels and catchment trays clean with a damp cloth or paper towel at the end of the work session.

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1 February, 2026