Childsafe finishes

[michigangeorge]

I'm building a rocking horse type skiff for my new granddaughter and do not want to chance poisoning her with some unknown substance.
I was hoping to use coventional marine finishes that I have in the shop (no, not the red lead!). She is supposed to rock the boat - not eat it. What do you guys think?

[Thorne]

Nope -- I'd go for the stock acrylic latex paints. Assume you will not varnish?

[michigangeorge]

Thorne, I had planned to varnish the transom, rub rails, seat, transom knees and bresthook. This little craft is built just like a real boat and I had hoped it would not look like something purchased at Walmart. Can you tell me what is in oil base paint that would make it more dangerous than latex? I don't see Tori using this without her parents watching but certainly will not do anything that might hurt my 1st grandchild.

[David G]

There are food-safe oil and oil/varnish finishes from Tried & True:

http://www.triedandtruewoodfinish.com/products.htm#Danish%20Oil

There are also tung-oil versions of this, and some non-toxic opaque finishes around also.

[SchoonerRat]

Shellac. Excellent coating when mixed with an alcohol base. It's edible too.

[NYCKiwi]

I think you're right to be cautious - given the chance; my 19-month old will put pretty much anything in her mouth. We're quite vigilant (nervous first time parents), but you only need to turn your back for a moment.

Many of the wooden toy companies seem to use food safe dye instead of paint. That may be particularly appropriate on whatever the child holds on to when riding the boat. I like the suggestion of food safe oils and shellac as well...

Oh, and congratulations on becoming a Grandfather!

[Michael Beckman]

I'd probably use natural(no chemical driers added) linseed oil. Shellac sounds good too.

[Thorne]

Don't think that BLO is safe to eat -- that's the "oil" in oil-based paints.

As above there are various child-safe finishes. Why not just oil (edible oil) and then wax over it for the "varnish look"???

[oakman]

www.solventfreepaint.com

a complete line of chemical free paint and Le Tonk varnish is also completely solvent free.

call and ask for Soren and chat with him about the use of these paints. They a very good.


no interest in company

[Robert L E]

I would think that the MSDS for the product should tell whether or not the paint is safe for toys or a child's furniture. Material Safety Data Sheets for most products are available on line.

Bob

[David G]

Don't think that BLO is safe to eat -- that's the "oil" in oil-based paints.

As above there are various child-safe finishes. Why not just oil (edible oil) and then wax over it for the "varnish look"???

He twin. My understanding is: If your "boiled" linseed oil is made to polymerize quicker by adding chemical "driers", then it would not be considered food safe by the FDA. If it's actually boiled in the older, more time consuming, and much less common these days fashion - then it can be made food safe.


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