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Mask against headache
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Posted
Hi there,
I recently got myself into painting and I started to get a headache during each session. Do you think that this can be caused by acrylic colours? I initially thought that they are non-toxic, but since I get a headache every time I paint, I am wondering if I should buy a mask. On this page, I found different respiratory protection masks and now I am not sure which one I need to use. I suppose the disposable ones are enough, although I don’t quite like the fact that I would toss them out every time I use them. The reusable respirator looks very huge though.
Does anyone experience headaches, too, when you are painting with acrylic colours? Does wearing a mask help?
I would appreciate every help.
Many thanks,
Chris
Posted
I get aches in all sorts of places because I have arthritis in the neck and lumbar spine - quite capable of giving me a headache after painting for a while - because you're holding the brush, reaching up, undergoing movements which may be unusual for you: perhaps one possibility. Try painting for shorter sessions, having a rest, thinking about your posture when painting. Stop and have a cup of tea while you're thinking of your next brush strokes.
There is nothing in acrylic paint that should cause you a headache - but 'should' is a big word.... it's possible to be affected by almost anything. Have you had your eyes tested recently? Eye strain can certainly cause headache; so can getting tense because the paint's not doing what you want it to do.
Posted
I agree with the above comments. Do you wear glasses and are they new or old, I have needed to get new one as I was getting headaches from the glare off the paper due to eyesight problems.. Mind you I don’t use acrylics, but on the odd occasions when I have I’ve never noticed any odour. As has been suggested try gouache or watercolour if you are still having headaches, get your eyes tested.
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