MSDS Report = Gamsol vs. Mineral Spirits... Part II

I emailed the people at Gamblin for insight into my conundrum. So far they have not been helpful. They sent me information as to why Gamsol is safer as a part of the studio practice, not giving me any information about the manufacturing process. I am hoping that my question was confusing the first time around so I sent one more email clarifying my thoughts.... Hopefully I get something interesting back...

MSDS Report = Gamsol vs. Mineral Spirits

Gamblin Artists Colors is an interesting company. Gamblin's website provides outside resources for toxicity and environmental impacts of materials such as the MSDS (or Material Safety Data Sheet) and other resources should the consumer be interested but not know where to look.

I checked into Mineral Spirits. In the past few years, professors and friends have been recommending Gamsol claiming that it is a safer alternative and more environmentally friendly than Mineral Spirits. After looking at the MSDS report, I would mostly agree. Gamsol has a much higher boiling point, making it less likely to blow up. Awesome! It also mentioned that in it's pure form (meaning not having been mixed with paint) that it is not harmful to aquatic life. Great! Only I have no interest in buying Gamsol just to pour it in the ocean... I want to use it. And I am not sure I am comfortable thinking about fish swimming in Gamsol sea water. Although I recognize that I am a hypocrite in saying this because where is my waste ending up? Mainly the ocean.

I didn't feel resolved after just reading the MSDS, so I went further and found the Gamblin Studio Notes. They pointed something out for me. Gamsol is a petroleum distillate solvent. Petroleum distillate solvents include, but are not limited to, mineral spirits, kerosene, and white spirits all produced from crude oil. This alone was not that daunting to me. The part that strikes me is that Gamsol is distilled (or purified) mineral spirits. I am committed to finding a safer product. It is true that Gamsol is safer for me than Mineral spirits, in terms of flammability and inhalation. Let's suppose it is safer for the environment as well....

Big problem though! What happened to the gas that was extracted during the purification? Are both the act of distillation and using Gamsol over Mineral Spirits together more environmentally respectful than just using Mineral Spirits in the first place?

I don't know. I will look more into this tomorrow. Comments and arguments are welcome.

This is the beginning.

Hi Everyone or No one,
I have given in to the blog universe. As an avid reader of blogs, I have decided that I have something to share. More importantly, I have a lot to learn. This blog is a journal of sorts for my 1st semester research while I pursue my Master's in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

The process I am engaged in while working is directly tied to the transient qualities of memory in the individual. This research will hopefully begin to help me clarify what I mean by that. In addition, I am interested in pursuing a material analysis as a means to relate my history and interests with my chosen tools and their origin in relation to their social, political, and ecological impacts. This journal will focus on my findings concerning the background of any given material in my studio. Examples include but are not limited to Williamsburg paint, Gamblin paint, Old Holland paint, Gamsol, Mineral Spirits, paint brushes and canvas.

My main reason for have a public journal is because I may be wrong. There are misleading studies in any subject. As a result, I encourage you, the reader, to challenge me and if inclined to do so, give me resources that will aid me in my pursuit.

And with that. Here I go.