Health & Safety
Hazardous Materials
Your safety is our priority. As a member of The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), Blick strives to ensure that our products comply with all state and federal labeling regulations. Since 1940, ACMI has conducted a certification program in which product formulas are analyzed by ACMI’s Toxicological Advisory Board and certified as non-toxic or properly labeled for caution.
In an effort to provide our customers with the latest safety information, we label products with the following ACMI symbols when applicable:
AP Seal
AP Seal icon
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Products bearing the AP seal of The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) are certified non-toxic. A medical expert evaluates each product and its ingredients. A product can be certified non-toxic only if it contains no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, or to cause acute or chronic health problems when used as intended. AP certification is reviewed by ACMI’s Toxicological Advisory Board. These products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D-4236 and federal law P.L. 100-695.
CL Seal
SL Seal icon
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Products bearing the CL seal of The Art & Creative Materials Institute (“Caution Label”) contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous, but they can be used safely with appropriate caution. Materials that bear the CL seal should be used only by those persons who are able to read, understand, and follow suggested safety precautions for handling those materials. The Caution Label signifies that although the product contains a toxic element, it can be handled safely if the directions on the container or packaging are followed. Many such art products cannot be made non-hazardous, but are necessary for certain creative activities.
When purchasing art materials for classroom and institutional use, we advise customers to carefully consider the ultimate consumer. In cases where a product may be used in pre-school or primary school classes (K-6), or in environments with physically, mentally, or developmentally challenged persons who may be unable to read or understand safety labeling, we strongly suggest purchasing materials that are AP certified non-toxic products. This will ensure that even the most sensitive populations can safely enjoy art and craft activities.
Additional Health Labeling: California Proposition 65
Prop 65 icon
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The State of California requires clear and reasonable warnings on products and/or storage containers containing chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Even if these products contain only trace levels of harmful chemicals, a warning is required by the State of California.
Manufacturers of certain products have included warnings pursuant to California Proposition 65, and caution is recommended when using products marked with the Prop 65 icon.
For more information on Proposition 65, go to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
Safety Data Sheets
SDS icon
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In response to laws concerning toxic substances in the workplace, we will supply product-specific safety information to you when required in the form of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If an item has an SDS sheet on file, you will see the icon below on product pages or in the item listing table. Simply click on the icon to access the SDS information for that product.
To submit a request for SDS by mail, phone, or fax, please specify the product’s item numbers and provide a description of each product for which you need a data sheet. We will review your request and supply sheets for those items that require them.
Requests may be directed to our SDS Coordinator:
ATTN: SDS Coordinator
Blick Art Materials
PO Box 1769
Galesburg, IL 61402-1769
Phone 1-309-343-6181
Fax 1-800-621-8293
Paint Storage Tips
Paint products can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can lead to a strong, offensive, and in some cases, sickening odor. Poster paints and temperas that are intended for children or classroom use often contain an organic binder that is subject to degradation if not stored properly, or not used within a reasonable period of time.
To guard against bacteria and mold, manufacturers of paint products add preservatives to these products. Diluting the product will decrease the effectiveness of preservatives. Below are some tips on storing paint products to maximize their shelf life
1. Always store paint in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures (above 120 degrees F or below 32 F) can cause pigment settling and viscosity changes that render the paint unusable. When storing paint, remove the cardboard piece in the lid. It will significantly help mitigate possible spoilage, especially over longer periods or in high heat or high humidity environments.
2. Date and rotate inventory, always using the oldest stock first. Opened paint containers should be used within six months. Unopened paint containers may be stored for up to two years. If opened at the end of the shelf life, paint should be used as quickly as possible.
3. Most spoilage is a result of cross-contamination from common sources, including air, water, brushes, hands, and other utensils. To avoid cross contamination of the paint:
- Portion the amount of paint you need into smaller, resealable containers.
- Do not mix different types of paint.
- Only insert new or thoroughly cleaned pumps into paint.
- Do not return unused paint to the original container.
- Do not dilute paint in its original container.
- Avoid working directly from the original product container. Do not place brushes, hands, or other objects in the container.
- After each use, make sure the cap is returned tightly and that the product is sealed before storing.
Proper usage and storage will reduce potential sources of contamination and extend the life of your scholastic paint.
Poison Control (American Association of Poison Control Centers)
If you have a poisoning emergency, call 1-800-222-1222._
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911._
By dialing the above toll-free telephone number, you will be connected to the closest poison control center to your location. All poison control centers and emergency room physicians in the U.S. have 24-hour access to toxicological information and generic formulas for products certified by The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) on behalf of its members, including Blick Art Materials.
For additional poison control information, please contact:
American Association of Poison Control Centers
3201 New Mexico Avenue, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20016
Telephone 1-202-362-7217
Email info@aapcc.org
Web www.aapcc.org
You can download a printable pdf of this information.
Shipping Restrictions on Solvents and Paint Thinners
Due to state laws that place limits on the shipping of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Blick Art Materials cannot ship some sizes of paint thinners or multi-purpose solvents to addresses within the following states:
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California
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Colorado
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Maryland
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New Hampshire
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New York
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Ohio
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Rhode Island
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Utah
Product Information
Product Info Team
Our knowledgeable product information specialists are here to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase. If you have any questions about our products, contact us at any time during your ordering process. Our team is available to help with product-specific assistance, including recommended usage and traditional applications and techniques. Can’t find what you’re looking for? We would also be happy to help you locate the right product for your specific needs.
Here’s how to contact our Product Info Team:
• Live chat – Chat with us for immediate assistance during regular business hours.
• Email – Select “Request Product Information” in the dropdown on this page or email info@dickblick.com
• Phone – Call 1-800-933-2542 (U.S.) or 1-309-343-6181 ext. 5406 (International)
Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST.
For assistance with an order that has already shipped, please contact our Customer Service team.
Contact Customer Service:
• Live chat - Chat with us for immediate assistance during regular business hours.
• Email - Specify your query in the dropdown on this page or email custservice@dickblick.com
• Phone - Call 1-800-723-2787 (U.S) or 1-309-343-6181 ext. 5405 (International)
Mon–Fri: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST
Sat: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST
Sun: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST
Health & Safety
Find information on product-related health and safety queries using the links below.
Poison Control (American Association of Poison Control Centers)
Product Icon Key
Find information relating to the icons displayed next to products on our website and in our catalogs using the Product Icon Key page.
Product Reviews and Product Q&A
Visit our Product Review page for helpful information on where to find product reviews and how to submit one.
See our Product Q&A page to learn where to view answers to frequently asked product questions from our customers.