Safe Storage Of Tamiya Paints And Thinner

[KennyX]

Hey folks, thank you for taking the time to read this.

Okay, here goes! I’m concerned about storing Tamiya paints and thinners in my house. This is probably a ridiculous concern, but it bothers me. I’m a new dad (ten month-old twins) and I’m still in that stage where I agonize over every little thing they could be exposed to.

I don’t have a garage or a shed, so I build my models in the house, in my den. I store all my paints sealed in their jars in a cabinet in a built-in in there in my den. I don’t want to store that stuff out in the laundry room because there’s a water heater in there and hardly any ventilation, and it gets real hot down here in Louisiana.

As long as the bottles and jars are all closed up, and as long as I airbrush outdoors, everything should be okay, right? I just recently got back into building models and I don’t want my new hobby to be endangering my family in some weird, off the wall way. Any input you have is much appreciated. Thank you!

[Stikpusher]

Yes, you should be fine on the basic storage. Is there any chance that you can put a hasp for a combination lock on the cabinet? Just for an added layer of peace of mind? Now I know kids grow quick, and their ability to get into trouble grows exponentially with them. But none of my four kids showed any inclination towards tasting or drinking paints in their toddler years. And all four have survived into adulthood. Some of my models that I built in that time period... not so fortunate. They will be more interested in those most likely.
On a side note, Tamiya paint is supposed to be non toxic, were the worst case to happen. But the thinner is supposedly mostly alcohol, so that should be your biggest item of concern.

Have fun with your little ones when and while you can. It goes by far too quickly.

[KennyX]

Stikpusher,

Man, thanks for the fast reply. I appreciate that.

First and most importantly: YESSIR, that cabinet will be locked-up tight. We’re doing that with all our cabinets and drawers where we keep the unsafe stuff. Plugging up all the outlets too. So no worries there.

Man. What a relief. See, I have a small problem. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I obsess over ridiculous things like that. Incidentally, building models has been helping me feel better, so that’s good! But the paint thing came up as a result of me trying to figure out how I could transition to airbrushing. I’ve built two models so far, and I brush painted those. My wife bought me an airbrush and compressor for my birthday, and unfortunately that added a small wrinkle, vis- how and where to paint. I opted to paint outside. It wS the only way I could feel okay about it.

But then the whole “paint storage” issue came up.

Siiiiiiigh. It’s not easy living in my head sometimes.

But on to brighter things. I am enjoying this time. Oh man, it’s a wonderful thing, watching these babies grow. My son already equates me with “Dada.” I’ll walk into the room and sometimes, not every time, but sometimes when I turns and sees me he smiles, says “Dada, and claps his hands. When my daughter sees me, she squeals and smiles with her whole face... I love them a lot. Probably more than I thought I could ever love anything.

[Stikpusher]

You’re quite welcome Kenny. Just curious, but whereabouts in Louisiana do you live? I spent four years there at Ft Polk in the mid 80’s, so a part of me always feels connected to that state and place.
Yes, kids are a wonderful thing and they do affect your life in so many ways. Keeping them safe, at any age, will always be on your mind. I find myself worrying now about them doing things that I never gave a second thought about when I did them. It’s just part of life as a dad.
I do hope that you share photos of your models and your family with us here when you can.

[KennyX]

I’m in Lafayette. I love it here. I’ve lived a few different places but I like it here the best. I’m getting Imgur set up so I can post pics. My second model is a Warhawk which I built for my son. I’ll give it to him one day once he’s old enough not to chew on it or blow it up with an M-80. I’m gonna build a spitfire for my daughter once I’m finished building the BF109 E-4 I’m working on. I’ll put pics up once I get imgur all sorted out.

[Thomas_M]

Kenny, I applaud for your thoughts about modelling stuff and the possible risk for your twin! Congratulations!!!
I cannot think of glue and paint stuff doing harm if you work in a well ventilated area. But I guess you already do so. Great move also to have a lock at your place where the "danger stuff" is stored.

[speedgraflex]

I also store paints and glues in air tight bags inside clear boxes, to avoid spills, leaks and fumes. I have found all stocks/manufacturers and types are susceptible to aging effects. Carlos was right about thinners. Glad you are enjoying your work; best regards!