A recent trip from Toronto, Canada to South East Asia was an amazing experience in many ways, and I learned a lot, primarily in regards to travelling with all my art gear.It was a business trip and I was scheduled to lead 3 x collaborative painting events on a cruise ship. I have packed for and performed these event experiences dozens of times, but in Canada - not internationally. So for many reasons, I had to prepare in a completely different way which included having a Plan B back up just in case my paint was confiscated or my luggage was lost.

The Overview

International Transportation Act Letter + MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] paperwork clearly on top of paints that are in airtight ziplock bags and packed in checked baggage.

The Research

The most helpful part of my search was calling manufacturers and artists who I know have travelled to different countries. The general advice was you should have no problems if you have MSDS paperwork on top of paints packed in an airtight ziplock bag, all in your checked luggage. The best discovery is that Golden Artist Paints has an Air Transport Document designed just for these situations.

Of course, there are no guarantees. Artists paints are in a grey zone for Air Transport carries and security since most of the rules are vague, out of date and sometimes confusing as to what is allowed, restricted or prohibited. For example: On Air Canada’s website, there is a section about paint, but no mention of acrylic paint. It states that Tubes of oil-based and latex paint used by artists are accepted provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placed in a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.

Some art material manufacturers recommend calling the airline in advance to verify their policies, so I called Cathay Pacific and a baggage representative explained that paint is acceptable only if it is identified as non-flammable directly on the label, even with an MSDS. Acrylic paint is not flammable, but there is no label on any brand tubes to state this ... it's on the MSDS though. So his response was distressing, albeit understandably on the side of caution and their black and white rules; yet there is no reason not to accept MSDS sheets as that is what they are for. It's funny now, as in the end I had no problems with Cathay Pacific at all - in fact, they were fantastic! I wouldn't recommend a call to the airline though ... unless the rep on the other end is an artist, it will probably be a moot waste of time.

example for packing acrylic paint for travel

The Trip

So, how did my trip go? Well with all this great advice and information, I felt like a savvy artist traveller by the time I flew out. I had done all I could do on my end, even had a Plan B just in case things went south. Once I got to the airport, I knew it was all up to the Art Gods! :)

I'm happy to say, my bag was checked without any questions (labeled as fragile which I appreciated, and cleared that x-ray security thing both ways) and it was all smooth sailing!

All you need to know

All paint manufacturers provide MSDS for each specific paint line. Find it on their website or ask your local art store for it. Here is the Golden Artist Colours link. Download and print two copies.
Golden Artist Paints has an awesome certified document for travel! Download this Air Transport Statement and print two copies.
Pack a copy of each above document with your paint, and include a copy in your carry-on luggage with all of your flight info.
Do the same with business cards if you got 'em, and any letter of art related business such as registration for art classes, tours, meetings, lectures or demonstrations during your trip. Too much info is better than not enough.
Heavy Body vs Fluid Acrylic = as long as the caps close well it does not matter and should be decided based on personal preference.
Remember that professional quality artist paint is packed with pigment and a little goes a long way. Limit your palette by choosing colours you can mix, then add in your essentials and favorite single pigment colours you can't live without :)
Pack paint, mediums, brush cleaner etc (anything that could leak) in a large, freezer size zip lock bag. Don't overstuff. Use multiple bags if necessary.
If possible, pack all materials neatly in an organized and professional bag, case, Artbin etc.
Bring used paint that is obvious it is personal to avoid paying duty taxes on new goods that might be re-sold.
Use clear, plain and simple words to explain your materials if you are asked to. It is best not use internal art speak - even the word paint is a buzz word! Alternatives: tools required for an art class/for drawing pictures, personal supplies, non-toxic, non-flammable, water-soluble colour that kids can use... etc
Be confident in yourself as an artist and take the time to know your materials so you can speak wisely, and with conviction.

Plan B

Before I travelled, I sourced an Art Store at the destination that would have been able to serve 100% of my supply list if my luggage was lost. Popular name brands/manufacturers have International retail locations listed on their website. Always check that first, as it is much easier than to google for stores in places you have never been. Even with a list of retailers, it took me awhile, but I did find a store in Hong Kong that was close enough to my hotel, with a selection of paint, brushes, easel, canvas etc.

Travel Bag

After a lot of searching, I found a Burton Snowboarding bag (156cm) that fit perfectly for my gear! I needed a bag large enough for my easel, rolled canvas, tripod, other materials and equipment. I was delighted - it was reasonably priced and within size allowances. I also kept it under the weight restrictions to avoid paying any extra for oversize/overweight - surprisingly, I fit a Stanrite 500 easel, a tupperware container filled with paint, a bag filled with dozens of brushes, rags, and extras such as canvas pliers and tape and it was under 20 kg.

Creative Alternatives

Naturally, artists think out of the box, so I believe there must be other possibilities in what seems to be a limited International game. For example, as a professional artist with a business, I may look into designing my own label for my own packaged paint and containers, or I may re-fill and re-use the Golden containers and jars I bought for this trip so the packaging matches the Air Transport Document until more paint companies can offer this letter officially.

Paintings!

Thanks for reading - I love sharing, and wanted to post all the tips and advice passed on to me. In the spirit of art community collaboration - please share in the comments your own experiences, research, advice, alternatives, tips and any questions - this is an ongoing learning experience for all artists, and the more information we all have and post online, the better. love light xops. but what really matters are the collaborative paintings created on this awesome trip :)

Shared Palette Collaborations