Search Tips

Tips categories

Latest Tips

How much ballast do I need for my model railway?
Posted in: Tracks
12th January 2022
Trying to figure out how much ballast you need to cover your layout is an interesting battle and one you will...
Read more
Can I fit a DCC decoder on my own?
Posted in: Power and control
18th November 2021
Whether or not it is realistic to consider fitting a decoder yourself depends on numerous factors. And not one of...
Read more
What is the difference between 45xx Class and Class 45?
Posted in: Model Railway, Rolling stock
24th February 2020
The question: What is the difference between a 45xx Class and a Class 45? should really be: What isn't the...
Read more
What is the purpose of a brake van?
Posted in: Rolling stock
3rd June 2022
Brake vans (originally called break vans) were first employed on early industrial tramways and cableways to provide...
Read more
What are Class 73 engines?
Posted in: Rolling stock
6th September 2024
The Class 73 locomotive is fascinating. These electro-diesel engines, first introduced by British Rail in the 1960s,...
Read more

Is enamel paint toxic?

We all know that paint fumes shouldn't be inhaled and that the best practice when using paint is to wear a face mask, but how bad could it really be if you chance it every now and then to squeeze in that modelling job that needs ticking off the to-do list?

Unfortunately, the answer is really bad! We have all done it in the past and the chances are that you were alright afterwards, but that is no guarantee that next time you will be so lucky.

Enamel paints particularly contain lots of nasty ingredients that can have a toxic effect on the brain and nerve tissues, these are known as neurotoxins. Should you come into contact with neurotoxins then you could become dizzy, get a headache or suffer coordination problems. And that's if you are fortunate, the worst-case scenarios are brain damage, paralysis and even death.

Ingredients to look out for include benzene, xylenes, toluene, ethylbenzene, white spirits and acetone. Reading the ingredients is by no means a guarantee either as many of these chemicals can be present under a different name.

Some enamel paints made in Asia or Africa could even still contain lead (just because they shouldn't be available in this country, doesn't mean they aren't) so caution needs to be taken when using enamel paint.

You can, however, use enamel paint safely by adopting a few safety procedures such as always working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a respirator mask (paper masks do not prevent solvent fumes from entering your airway) especially when using spray paint, airbrushes or when sanding.

Enamel paints provide us with great effects when applied to models so it would be a shame to stop using them, but please stay safe and don't take risks!

Posted in: Painting, Best practices

Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.