So , you have a brand of acrylic paint that you would love to carry on the plane and bring with you. There are situations where you are traveling out of the country . For example; you were just in the United States, Canada, Australia or UK for holiday and found your favorite brand. And, now you want to take it with you back home on international travel. Can you bring acrylic paint on a plane? Will you be allowed to check in with it?
As per the guidelines set by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, it is permissible to carry acrylic paint on a plane, provided it is labeled as “inflammable.” Non-flammable paints such as acrylics, watercolors, pigments, and most artist oil paints can be safely transported in either checked or carry-on baggage if their flashpoint exceeds 140°F / 60°C. To determine the flashpoint of the paint, refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) available from the manufacturer or vendor.
In this article , you will get to know about major guidelines regarding international travel with acrylic paint and how to safely travel with it. So, without further a do, let’s get to it !
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Acrylic Paint TSA Guidelines
The United States Federal Aviation Administration allows one to bring acrylic paint on a plane as long as it is marked as “inflammable”. Non-flammable paints like acrylics, watercolors, pigments, and most artist oil paints can be transported in checked or carry-on baggage if they have a flashpoint above 140° F / 60° The flashpoint of the paint can be found on its material safety data sheet (MSDS), which can be obtained from the manufacturer or vendor(Source)
However, rules and laws are different from country to country, some airlines may have their own restrictions on the transportation of certain items, including acrylic paints. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before you travel to ensure that you comply with their specific rules and regulations. You don’t want any surprises.
Here’s a good trick to use, if the MSDS for the paint indicates that it is non-flammable, pack the MSDS with the paints to avoid any confusion or potential removal from baggage during security checks. Thinners, turpentine, MEK, denatured alcohol, acetone, resins, lacquers, varnishes, and stains are classified as flammable items and are generally not allowed on airplanes. Also, if you want to know if acrylic paint is really toxic, read out this article.
Can You Take Acrylic Paint in Checked Baggage?
Acrylic paint is not flammable. You can simply pack acrylic paint in your checked baggage when traveling by plane. Non-flammable paints, including acrylics, watercolors, pigments, and most artist oil paints, are allowed in checked baggage as long as they have a flashpoint above 140° F / 60° C. If your flight is long hours, it’s important to properly pack your acrylic paints to avoid any damage or leakage during transportation. By the way, have you ever painted using neon acrylic paint, check out the best neon acrylic paint to help you get started.
How to Travel With Acrylic Paints?
If you’re an artist who loves acrylics and plans to travel, you’ll be happy to know that you can literally bring as many acrylic paints as you want. When it comes to packing acrylic paints for travel, here’s how to pack them;
- Keep them in a clear box or plastic bag. This will make it easy for the airport security staff to inspect the contents of your bag without having to open it. Also, it will help to contain any spills or leaks that may occur during transport. You can also use a dedicated paint box or airtight container specifically designed for transporting paints.
- Next, Label your paints clearly. This will help to identify them easily and ensure that they are handled carefully. You can use stickers or masking tape to label your paints with your name, contact information, and the contents of the container.
- Lastly, it’s a good idea to carry the material safety data sheet (MSDS) with you. The MSDS is a document that provides information on the physical and chemical properties of a product, including its flammability and toxicity. It’s always a good idea to have this information on hand in case you need to show it to the airport security staff.
Expert Tip: Remember that some airlines may have their own restrictions on the transportation of certain items, including paints. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before you travel to ensure that you comply with their specific rules and regulations.
What if TSA Tells You No? What Can You Do about It?
If TSA informs you that you are not allowed to carry acrylic paint on a plane when traveling, there are a few options you can consider:
- Verify the TSA Guidelines: First, it’s essential to ensure that the information provided by the TSA is accurate. Double-check the current TSA guidelines regarding the transportation of art supplies, including acrylic paint. Guidelines can change sometimes, so it’s best to review the most up-to-date information and stay up to date.
- Contact the Airline: If you’re certain that the TSA has restrictions on carrying acrylic paint, reach out to your airline’s customer service to inquire about their specific policies. Airlines can have varying regulations and may allow certain art supplies that the TSA restricts. Confirming with the airline directly can provide clarity on whether or not you can bring acrylic paint on board.
- Ship the Paint: If all else fails and carrying acrylic paint on the plane is not feasible, you can consider shipping the paint to your destination instead. You can ship to United Kingdom, Australia , Canada, Dubai and to anywhere else you want. Research shipping options that allow for the transportation of art supplies, ensuring compliance with any packaging and labelling requirements for hazardous materials.
- Pack It in Checked Luggage: If carrying acrylic paint in your carry-on baggage is prohibited, consider packing it in your checked luggage instead. While checked baggage has its own set of rules, it may allow for the transportation of art supplies like acrylic paint. Ensure that the paint containers are securely sealed and appropriately packed to prevent any leakage or damage during transit.
Always check the latest information and communicate with the relevant authorities or airline representatives to determine the best course of action when carrying acrylic paint or any other art supplies.
Other Options of Shipping out Acrylic Paint?
Scared of flying with your acrylic paint? No worries, here are are a few options you can use
- Postal Service: Your local postal service can actually ship acrylic paint. However, check in first with the regulations of your postal service and the destination country, as some restrictions may apply. For example, certain countries have limitations on shipping liquids or hazardous materials.
- Courier Services: If you are worried about flying with your acrylic paint, consider using Courier FedEx, UPS or DHL. Now, depending on the brand, you may need to have shipping insurance.
- Art Supply Retailers: Some art supply retailers offer shipping services for their products worldwide, including acrylic paint. You could purchase online especially via Amazon and have them deliver it to your destination. They are well-versed in shipping art supplies and may have specialized packaging and handling procedures to ensure safe delivery.
- Freight Forwarders: If you have a large quantity of acrylic paint or want to ship internationally, you may consider using a freight forwarder. Freight forwarders specialize in managing the logistics of shipping bulk or oversized items, and they can provide guidance on proper packaging, documentation, and shipping regulations.
Expert Advice: Ensure the paint containers are tightly sealed, place them in leak-proof bags or containers, and use appropriate padding or cushioning material to protect the items during transportation. Please note that shipping regulations and available options may vary from country to country.
Will Paint Pens Explode on a Plane?
There should not be any problems with paint pens during air travel. Matter of facts, the air pressure and temperatures inside the plane’s cargo hold or cabin do change, but these changes are not significant enough to cause any major issues. As long as you properly seal the packaging of the paint pens, especially if they are in checked baggage, there should be no concerns.
There are typically no restrictions on carrying paint pens in your carry-on luggage. So, you can confidently travel with paint pens without expecting any problems. Actually according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has placed no specific restrictions on carrying pens in your carry-on bags while traveling by plane. This means that you are free to pack an unlimited number of pens in your carry-on luggage.
What about Framed Art? Can You Bring it on a Plane?
You can bring framed art on a plane. In fact, you are generally allowed to bring any recently painted art with you when traveling by plane.
However, it’s essential to consider the size and dimensions of the framed art piece to ensure it meets the airline’s carry-on or checked baggage requirements. If the framed art is large or oversized, it may need to be transported as checked baggage or shipped separately. Additionally, it’s advisable to protect the artwork by using proper packaging or padding to prevent any damage during transit.
What about Water Color? Can You Take Them on a Plane?
Watercolors are safe to carry on a plane as they are considered non-flammable and do not pose significant safety concerns during air travel. If you plan to carry watercolor tubes or pans, it’s a good idea to seal them properly to prevent any leakage. Placing them in a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated watercolor travel set can provide an additional layer of protection.
Remember to adhere to the airline’s guidelines regarding the transportation of liquids in carry-on baggage. Liquids should be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all containers must fit into a clear, quart-sized plastic bag( Source)
Conclusion
So, there you are! There is absolutely no reason why you should not travel with your acrylic paint. Same goes for other art items such as brushes, watercolors, paint pens etc.
SOURCES
- TSA: Liquid rules
- Afar.com: Everything You Need to Know About the TSA’s Liquid Limit
- Forbes :U.K. To End 100ml Rule On Liquids In Hand Luggage On Planes
