2 portions Linseed Oil
2 portions Walnut Oil
1 portion Canada Baslam
2 portions Oil of Spike Lavender

I’ve been using this medium for many years, now, and its ingredients are considered to be some of the least toxic, in comparison with others.

I get my materials from The Art Treehouse. Their Oil of Spike is some of the least expensive, highest quality, least toxic of the other, general, run of the mill Oil of Spikes that are offered.

Does it have a smell? Yes. Is it “toxic”? No. To see confirmation of that claim, just Google it, or read the information offered on The Art Treehouse.

Okay thanks WF Martin! Sounds excellent.

Sounds like your problem is chemical sensitivity rather than toxicity. In that case, no amount of advice from others will help, other than to avoid rubbing it with your fingers.

Is there a difference? Im not sure how much inhalation vs contact plays into the skin reaction.

Jesse,

I’ve seen your work, and the stuff that I’m suggesting just might be a bit too expensive for the large canvases with which you work. Just a consideration.

Thanks Bill – yes I think I may just continue using straight paint – maybe with a bit of Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel Medium.

I read on your blog that you apply a very thin couch of your glazing medium onto a section of grisaille, and then apply the paint to that. Do you use a brush for both the medium and paint? Or do you ever use fingers / paper towels / etc.?

I can’t speak to the second thing (although the [URL=https://ehslegacy.unr.edu/msdsfiles/21331.pdf]SDS for Liquin[/URL] says its two main components – over 98% of it – are simply alkyd resin and petroleum distillates) but the skin reaction is likely contact dermatitis. This is something hairdressers and those in similar industries frequently suffer from because of repeated contact with the same substance over and over.
Although I don’t work in the beauty industry any more, we are trained to protect ourselves from contact dermatitis through hand washing, use of barrier creams and disposable gloves during service.
Skin sensitivity can happen with pretty much anything you are exposing your skin to frequently but chemicals marked as irritants are more likely to cause it as are allergens.

Thanks that is interesting and it helps. It is definitely contact dermatitis I’ve developed to mineral spirits – but it has gotten really severe so I can’t go anywhere near OMS anymore.