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Mask against headache

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Chris Smith

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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

Sylvia Evans

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Never heard of that Chris not with Acrylic, oils yes .   I don’t find any odour with acrylic at all . Maybe contact the manufacturer ?.  Though you mention “colour”  assume you mean you react to the colour though maybe I misunderstood. I suppose you could change medium..  

Alan Bickley

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There isn’t any noticeable smell or fumes from acrylic paint. Like Sylvia, I’ve never heard of anyone else suffering from this symptom. I would suggest that you try gouache or watercolour, and see how you get on, I can’t offer any other suggestion.

Edited
by Alan Bickley

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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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.  
IMG_6882

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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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.

Chris Smith

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Thank you for all your replies. I don't wear glasses, but I didn't think of that being the problem. I will get my eyes checked to make sure it's not because of that. 

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Alan Bickley

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Reported this nonsense!