Are Watercolor Paints Toxic?

Honestly, there have been a few times when I accidentally dipped my paintbrush into my coffee instead of the water jar.

If I managed to stop in time and only touched the tip, I might have still drunk the coffee—though, to be honest, it’s probably best not to.

It’s also a good idea to keep art supplies separate from everyday utensils. Hopefully, no one uses a mug as a brush cleaner, rinses it out, and then makes milk tea in it afterward, right?

Fortunately, most watercolor paints are safe. Even if they contain toxins, the amounts are usually so minimal that they won’t harm the body.

However, make sure your pets don’t get close to them. Always close the caps after squeezing out the paint!

One time, I noticed something different on the label of my tube of Cobalt Violet Light—it had a CL symbol that other paints didn’t have.

What does this mean?

The AP/CL symbols are seals issued by The Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), indicating certification for art and creative materials.

ACMI has a team of professional toxicologists who assess the toxicity of art products, evaluating both acute and chronic hazards.

Most paint packaging features the “ACMI AP” seal (like the deep purple paint above).
“AP“-Approved Product (AP) Seal
This means the product contains substances in amounts that are not harmful to children or adults.

“CL“-Cautionary Labeling (CL) Seal
This appears only on certain art supplies for adults and never on children’s products. These products are safe when used correctly, but it’s essential to read the ingredients and packaging before use.

Products with the CL seal should not be given to children under 11.

For more details, you can visit the ACMI website!

This tube of Cobalt Violet Light happens to be the only paint I own with a CL label.

In any case, as long as you use your paints properly—don’t get paint on your hands and then bite your nails, and definitely don’t lick your brushes—you’ll be fine! Just enjoy painting happily.