How did this arrive? This item arrived, in a very sturdy, colorful, fun, sealed, on four sides, with moon tape, retail type cardboard package which measured near 10” x 8” x 1½” and weighed in at near (14) ounces. The brand name and certain product information was on the package; and some of the information was disturbing enough for me to reconsider allowing my school age toddler to use this? What’s inside? Inside is everything needed, instructions, paints that are in small plastic containers with Snap-On plastic lids, that have their paint codes on them, two (2) artist palettes, a plastic picture frame, and the hardboard to paint on and a duplicate sheet to have of the artwork showing the numbers to use. Also included was and instruction sheet and another warning sheet. Otherwise, everything is thick, high in quality in feel and materials. I really like that. The Great Debate The science always seems to be in question surrounding the use of certain chemicals in consumer products. Now whether there are any benefits or detriments to using this product needs to be determined by the reader, to make that conclusion independently. What do I “NOT” like about this kit. SO, what’s the information of concern? On the back of the box, taking-up near ¼ of its size, is a warning, listed in eight different languages. That warning reads as follow: WARNING. EN Warning. Not suitable for children under 7 years. For use under adult supervision. Read the instructions before use, follow them, and keep them for reference. The paints contain reaction mass of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (3:1) May produce an allergic reaction. Conforms to ASTM D4236. What is this about ASTM D4236? Best for the reader to do their own research, but ASTM D-4236 is the standard practice of labeling art materials for chronic health hazards. The designation “conforms to ASTM D-4236” means all the potentially hazardous components of the art product have been clearly labeled on the product packaging. What this listed as part of the warning? 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (3:1) What’s the concern noted on the box? May produce an allergic reaction. Was this warning noted in the listing? NO Was any warning noted in the listing? NO What if anything was noted That it was water based acrylic paint. Is there more? Yes, the warning sheet in the box noted this should not be used by anyone under 5. What happened to 7? Then, there were warnings surrounding skin, eye, mouth, and inhalation. Thoughts? I appreciate the information, as, I am old enough to make an educated decision whether to allow my school toddler to engage in using a product that has a WARNING on and inside the package it arrived in. By the listing being silent on each WARNING, such took away my opportunity to make an educated decision. This is a significant negative, especially considering the listing did NOT have a photo of the box nor the warning sheet that was inside the box. Compounding is that there is specific language that it’s NOT for children under (7). I understand it was marked for ages (9) and up, but I have a school age toddler that is advanced for their age, so my impression was that such surrounded complexity and I am okay with taxing their limits. However, now, I am worried about those chemicals, was that connected for age too? I thought maybe, just maybe, I would allow my toddler to use this, but those inside the box warnings really ended that thought. I am to eliminate their exposure to chemicals, not introduce them. Five (5) Stars? NOT in my view. Listing that lacked important disclosure = take away five stars. Nice presentation = adds a star. Everything else the box inside was as noted above = add a star. So, two stars. The reader can decide whether to add or take away stars as I have noted. Would I select this again. Knowing the risks associated with the use, NO. I have multiple little ones. I just cannot risk this, so we will be using crayons and/or water-based markets and paints that do NOT have the chemicals this has. Country of origin. I saw nothing on the package or what was inside. The listing noted the Czech Republic. So unknown where exactly manufactured and where the ingredients are from. [I am not a fan of lack of clear disclosure.] Colors (15) paint colors, they vary. Dates Received May 2023. No best by date, nor date of manufacture. Giftable Hmm, I must get past the warnings first. I am thinking this is best for an adult. Value? The price is competitive. Cautions? Noted above. Too many for my children. Visual Taste? There is no accounting for taste, however, I thought the subject matter appealing. Performance? Sturdy, durable, everything was as represented. It’s what was not represented that was disappointing. Thoughts Convenient. Compact. Looks great, but too many warnings for use. Otherwise, easy to use. Easy to whip up. Easy to paint. Quantity of paints is just right; anything more would be an overdose for me. The only surprise was the health type warnings. I did not realize they existed, as the listing failed to mention them. I hope my thoughts added information.
