| Traveling with Oils |
So many questions
about traveling with oils overseas! It's no wonder.... Every time you ask an
airline representative they seem to give you a different answer. Our final thoughts
on the matter are to go ahead and bring them. Pack them with your luggage. Do
not carry them on. Be sure to put them in a container (or a zip lock bag) so
that if there are leaks, you won't ruin your other possessions. Place them where
someone checking your luggage can easily see them to check the content. They
will not be in a pressurized part of the plane when with your regular luggage
so there is a chance of bursting. Or you can buy oil paints once you've reached
your workshop destination, or even mail your paints and other non-flammables
ahead of time. One friend of ours by air to France with a small container of
Gamsol. She says the airline will let you as long as you have the fact sheet
with it. However, IT IS BEST TO CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE.
Helpful travel hints from Gamblin (http://www.gamblincolors.com/faq/oilcolors.html)
Q. I travel frequently. Can I take my oil colors through airline security?
A: Artists' oil colors contain no solvents so they are not hazardous. When security
asks, "What kind of paints are these?" Never say "oil paints";
say that "these artists paints are made from vegetable oil and contain
no solvent." For air travel, flammable liquids are those that have a flash
point 140 degrees F. or below. If you do not know the flash point of your mediums
or solvent, do not take any on board. Check to see if you can purchase mediums
and solvents at your destination. If not, ship art materials ahead by ground
transportation. Using the US Postal Service, artists can ship materials anywhere
in the world. Specify "ground transportation".
Important points:
Artists grade oil colors are based on vegetable oil with a flash point above
550. THEY ARE NOT HAZARDOUS.
Travel with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to prove the flash point if required.
Download MSDS for all Gamblin artists materials from our web site (product descriptions
and MSDS are located in the Artists Materials section of this web site, click
on the MSDS link below the product description).
Do not travel with solvents and mediums. Gamsol has a flash point of 146 degrees
F. therefore it is flyable. Remember to have an MSDS with you.
Do not carry your palette knives on board (put them with your luggage).
Keep your cool, don't hassle security. Show them the MSDS and explain that you
are going on a painting holiday.
Airline safety precautions are ever-changing in this day and age. When in doubt,
check with your airline or carrier for their specific requirements in advance.
Judsons Art Outfitters sells equipment to help artists travel with their supplies: http://www.pochade.com/