I am trying to make some wooden toys for preschool age kids, so I need something that is non-toxic. I don't want to use mineral oil or anything else that might leave stains, and I need something that will be durable and waterproof... okay "saliva-proof." Any thoughts?
2007-09-08 23:46:25 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Thanks Steven for your wisdom and input. I will definitely take your advice into consideration for future projects.
However, the projects I currently have in mind really do need some sort of durable top coat.
2007-09-09 09:43:57 · update #1
Krylon spray paint make a very durable and easy to use product. I have used it on several projects for the kids and it works well .
2007-09-13 21:35:53 · answer #1 · answered by getrdone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, polyurethane is good. You can also use shellac. Put 1/2 cup in a jar and fill the jar with methylated spirits. Shake until all the shellac is melted. (I usually put mine in the car and go for a drive because it takes a while!). Apply with brush or cloth. Sand with wet and dry sandpaper (very fine) but don't rub hard - just tickle. Apply more shellac. You'll need about 3 coats. It's a lot cheaper than polyurethane and does the same job. Not a big fan of polyurethanes but, they are durable. If applied evenly & rubbed out between thin well dried coats you can get a passable high gloss. Poly is the most difficult to remove or touch up if necessary. Another option is a good quality marine varnish same application as poly but since it is softer ,takes dings better. More forgiving to apply than poly & easier to touch up. French polish is not all that fragile. Lots of recipes online. A hand rubbed oil finish can be brought to a fairly high gloss & would be a close second to French polish but has a softer look. Nothing like lacquer for a crystal clear, mirror finish. Multiple thin , well rubbed applications & buffing will do it. Lots of tips online also. Soft finishes are better for softer wood since they "give" w/ the wood & will not chip the way a hard brittle finish will. Hard clear finishes on tight grained figured hardwood give depth & really show off the grain. Consider the finishes you see on finely finished antiques. Naturals like lacquer, varnish, & french polish . Way before polyurethane & still around. Any good finish relies on prep, cleanliness & patience. Best regards
2016-03-18 02:40:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually "Nothing" "wood" be best (no pun or insult intended)
Certainly I GET IT with regard to safety. I'm a parent and I also understand the decorative touches; but for preschool children; they already have a lot of that kind of stimulation at hand. They truly won't mind unfinished toys of a "simple" nature.
Many are already marketed and most; of wood; are UNfinished hardwoods; such as Maple.
Saliva proof is nearly impossible with anything in a pre-school; and if you happen to be fortunate enough to spend time, even in the best of them; hopefully you'll see the caregivers constantly "Wiping." Waterproof will also be unlikely in anything other than molded Poly-Styrene, or Ethlyene.
I suggest in your crafting, that you focus on making the "cartoon" like, trains/ trucks/ animals; with detail in them to accent interest. Few moving parts; No paint of any kind; no Oils that actually will "attract" Dust and grime, if not bacterias; and likely you'll have to know something of the law and school regulations with regard to children and what is allowed; and if need be run a simple test.
Place your creations in that environment and gauge who involves themselves with the toys. Without knowing what toys you have a notion toward; I suspect you'll find the males of the group more interested. But certainly gender cross over with regard to toys; at a pre-school age, is common.
Steven Wolf
2007-09-09 00:11:10 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For a top coating over crafts, including stained and painted crafts, Krylon and others sell a super-thick Acrylic Glaze which is meant specifically for these finishes. Wal-Mart even carries one in their acrylic paint section. I believe they advertise it's waterproof (etc.) nature when dried. I've used it for childrens' items. To test for proper hardness, ALSO glaze several other throwaway items and smudge- or chew-test them. A thick acrylic glaze could take several days to dry... and taste really bad until such.
2007-09-16 22:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acrylic emulsion washable type paint will not absorb saliva and water proof will be ideal
2007-09-15 22:56:38 · answer #5 · answered by KOYA A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try www.woodburst.com. They make stains specifically for kids toys.
2007-09-09 01:54:08 · answer #6 · answered by Megan M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my toy books say acrylic paints are non-toxic
2007-09-09 11:52:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋