washing question

[festz]

Hello!
I am planning an art project/performance where I need to paint on canvas with my whole body, so I need a paint that is safe for skin and washes off easily, still remainign as much oil characteristics as possible.
What would be Your comments on using water soluble oil colors? If I were all covered in it - will it be possible to wash it off with soupe and water?

Thank You very much!

[greywolf-art]

yes it should wash off ok - but you need to be very wary of the pigments you use for this, cadmiums and cobalts are definitely a big no-no due to their toxicity

[dcorc]

Oil paints - including WMO - are NOT intended to be used in this manner.

I will refer you to W&N's Health and Safety information:
http://www.winsornewton.com/resource-centre/health--safety-data-information/

and

http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oil-colours/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour/characteristics-and-benefits/artisan-health-and-safety-data-sheets/



Dave

[Dana Design]

An exceedingly bad idea. There are paints that make-up artists use but I'm not familiar with them. Perhaps you could contact one of them and ask them. As for WMOs, certainly not.

[Shirl Parker]

More than one person has died from suffocation from putting paint all over their body. In addition to breathing through the lungs, you breathe through your skin and if it is covered with paint, you can die from it.

[dcorc]

More than one person has died from suffocation from putting paint all over their body. In addition to breathing through the lungs, you breathe through your skin and if it is covered with paint, you can die from it.

"Skin suffocation" is a myth. It is not true.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1CHNH_en-GBGB326GB345&aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=skin+suffocation

Amphibia have significant oxygen transport though skin. Mammals do not.

What is of concern here is that commercial oil paints contain a much wider range of substances than merely pigment and oil. Most contain metal driers, and may also contain anti-skinning agents (that is, materials which stop the paint from developing a "skin" prematurely while on the palette) such as butanone oxime which may be allergenic or harmful by extensive skin contact/absorption.

Dave

[Susan H]

There is no way I would use any paint except special paint for that purpose, on skin! I would consult a professional on this, such as a reputable beauty supply store for paint specifically for that purpose.

[greywolf-art]

I must admit I wouldn't want to paint myself with oils either, I was assuming that this person had already looked into the health and safety issues of this, though on reflection maybe they haven't!

I have seen people cover themselves in paint and roll on canvasses before (its not exactly a new idea) but I have no idea what kind of paint they used for this.

[festz]

Thank You very much for all Your answers! ;) Yes - I guess that WMO is off the list now :)
If someone is interested, the general discussion about this topic goes here:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=591811