Leo Martínez
Travelling with art supplies can be a challenge, especially when it comes to air travel. There are restrictions on what you can take on board, what you can check into the cargo, and what is forbidden altogether. So, can you take tubes of paint on a plane? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to make.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bring paint on a plane? | Yes, travellers can bring paint on a plane, provided they follow specific regulations to ensure a smooth and safe journey. |
| Types of paint | Acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolour, and artist's paints are permitted on a plane. |
| Liquids rule | All liquid items, including paint tubes, must fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag per passenger. |
| Quantity | Each tube/bottle of paint must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). |
| Non-flammable paints | Non-flammable paints may be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. |
| Flammable paints | Flammable paint products may not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. |
| Paint pens | Paint pens can be taken on board. They should be tightly closed and stored in an upright position during the flight. |
| Spray paint | Spray paint is subject to strict regulations and is not allowed in carry-on baggage. Passengers must pack spray paint in their checked luggage. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids rules
Liquids, including paint, are allowed on planes, but they must adhere to the TSA's liquids, aerosols, and gels rule, also known as the 3-1-1 policy. This rule states that travellers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on baggage. Each liquid item must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less in size. These small bags must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed separately in a bin at the security checkpoint for X-ray screening.
Non-hazardous, non-flammable paints that are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less can be carried in hand luggage. This includes watercolours, acrylics, gouache, and non-flammable oil paints. Any paint that is squeezable or liquid falls under the TSA's liquids rules.
Non-flammable paints with containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) should be packed in checked baggage. Paints that are flammable or hazardous are forbidden in carry-on or checked baggage. This includes aerosol paints, paint thinners, turpentine, and brush cleaners.
It is important to note that the word "paint" is a sensitive issue with security. It is recommended to describe the paints as "artist's colours made from vegetable oil" and to show the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to security to confirm that the paints are non-flammable.
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Flammable liquids
The rules for travelling with flammable liquids on a plane depend on the airline and the origin and destination of the flight. It is important to check the specific regulations of the airline and the airports in question. However, here is some general guidance on travelling with flammable liquids.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines "flammable liquids" as those with a flashpoint of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) or below. Flammable liquids are forbidden in carry-on or checked baggage. This includes paint thinners, turpentine, and brush cleaners. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers paint to be a liquid if it is in liquid or cream form (i.e., it can be squeezed from a tube). In this case, each tube/bottle of paint must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit in the one quart-sized plastic liquids bag that each passenger is permitted.
Non-flammable paints, such as watercolours, acrylics, and most artist oil paints, are not regulated by the FAA and may be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. If the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS) indicates that the paints are non-flammable, packing the SDS with the paints may help avoid their removal from baggage. For transportation purposes, "non-flammable" paints are defined as those with a flashpoint above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Some artist paints, such as alkyl gels, polyurethanes, and varnishes, can be flammable. Flammable paint products may not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. It is important to check the flashpoint of the paint on the SDS before travelling.
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Non-flammable paints
It is important to note that the TSA does not have specific regulations for art supplies, but paints may fall under other TSA rules regarding liquids and hazardous materials. To ensure your non-flammable paints are permitted, check the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS). The SDS will indicate if the paint has a flashpoint above 140° F (60° C), which is the threshold for non-flammable paints. Packing the SDS with your paints can also help avoid any issues with airport screeners.
Additionally, when travelling with non-flammable paints, it is recommended to keep them cool, as heat can affect the consistency and viscosity of the paint. Shipping art materials ahead of time or purchasing them at your destination may be more convenient options to consider.
Acrylic paints, for example, are allowed on planes, but the rules differ depending on whether they are in carry-on or checked baggage. Watercolour paints, both solid and in tubes, can also be carried in both types of baggage without restriction. However, if the watercolour tubes are considered liquids, they must adhere to the liquid restrictions mentioned above.
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Carry-on vs checked baggage
When packing paint for a flight, it's important to consider the type of paint, the quantity, and whether you plan to carry it on or check it in.
Carry-on baggage
Carry-on baggage has stricter rules due to the liquids rule, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces (100ml) each. Non-flammable paints that meet this volume restriction can be carried on without issue. However, any paints that are not solid, such as squeezable tubes of paint, are considered liquids and must adhere to the volume limit. These paints should be placed in a one-quart-sized plastic bag along with other liquid items and removed from your carry-on during security screening.
Checked baggage
When it comes to checked baggage, you can typically pack larger quantities of paint, but the key consideration is flammability. Most paints and paint-related solvents are regulated as flammable liquids and are forbidden in checked baggage. However, many artist paints are non-flammable and can be checked without restriction. To ensure a smooth process, it's recommended to pack paint tubes in sealed plastic bags and include documentation, such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), to prove the safety of your supplies.
Additional considerations
It's crucial to consult airline policies before travelling with paint, as some airlines may have more stringent rules. Additionally, when packing paint, pay attention to the temperature and humidity, as these factors can affect the viscosity and drying time of the paint. Shipping your materials ahead of time or purchasing them at your destination may be alternative options to consider.
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Packing and storage
Packing Strategies:
- Pare down your paint supplies to the essentials. Consider the purpose of your trip, your painting preferences, and any special requirements you may have.
- If possible, opt for dry watercolour pans, which only require brushes and paper, reducing the risk of leaks and spills.
- Place fresh paintings face-to-face with wax or non-stick baking paper between them to protect the artwork. You can also use plastic push-pins to create additional space between paintings.
- For oil paints, use partly-used tubes, as oil separates from the pigment over time, and new tubes are more likely to leak.
- Pre-fill your watercolour palette and leave it open for at least a week to dry out, avoiding the 'wet' rules for hand luggage.
- If you need to bring paint tubes, ensure they are tightly sealed and leak-proof. Place them in a clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag to comply with TSA liquid regulations.
- Pack paint pens upright and secure their caps to prevent leakage due to air pressure changes. Consider placing them in a ziplock bag or small container for added protection.
- For oil painting materials, consider using products with smaller sizes, such as the TSA-friendly 2 oz bottles, to comply with liquid restrictions.
- Always pack paints in a waterproof bag, whether in the cabin or cargo, to prevent any potential leaks from damaging other items.
Storage and Transportation:
- Keep your paints cool, especially oil colours, as high temperatures can increase oil separation and affect the viscosity. Avoid storing them in hot cars or trunks.
- If you require art supplies that are restricted from air travel, such as certain oil paints, mediums, or solvents, consider ordering them ahead of time and having them delivered to your destination.
- Alternatively, ship your art materials ahead via ground transportation using services like the US Postal Service. Insure the package and request a delivery receipt for peace of mind.
- If you must bring restricted items, download and print the Material Security Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical-based item. This serves as proof that your materials are safe and can help avoid their removal by airport screeners.
- Check weight and size restrictions for your airline and use a luggage scale to ensure compliance. International travel often has stricter limitations.
- If you're concerned about security checks, consider telling security that your paints are "artist's colours made from vegetable oil" instead of using the word "paint," which may trigger further scrutiny.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, travellers can bring paint on a plane, but they must follow specific regulations.
Acrylic, oil, watercolour, gouache, and artist's paints are permitted on a plane. However, aerosol and spray paints are not allowed due to their flammable propellant.
Yes, paint is typically subject to the liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage. Each tube/bottle of paint must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit into a one-quart-sized plastic liquids bag. There is no limit to the amount of non-flammable paint you can pack in your checked bag.
Oil paints are not considered hazardous, but they are responsive to temperature and humidity. It is recommended to keep them cool and store them in a waterproof bag to prevent leaks.
Flammable paints and paint-related solvents are forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage. It is best to pack them separately and ground transportation can be considered.
