Are you looking for the best wood finish to protect your baby’s toys? With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best wood finishes for baby toys, so you can make sure your little one’s playthings are safe and durable.
Finding the best option
When it comes to our kids, we want to make sure that they are safe in everything they do, including when they play. This is especially important when it comes to their toys. Many parents may not realize this, but the type of wood finish on a toy can be just as important as the toy itself.
In this blog post, we discuss the best wood finish for baby toys and why it is so important.
Factors to consider
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best wood finish for baby toys:
Safety of the finish
The most important factor to consider when buying baby toys is safety. When choosing the best wood finish for baby toys, it is important to consider the materials used. Natural materials such as beeswax and vegetable oils are ideal for finishing wooden toys, as they do not contain any heavy metals or harmful chemicals. These natural materials provide a safe and non-toxic finish that will protect the wood from wear and tear while also providing a beautiful shine.
All in all, it is crucial to choose a safe and smooth finish that is non-toxic and will not harm your child in any way. There are many finishes on the market that claim to be safe for children, but it is best to do your research before making your choice.
Cost
Another important factor to consider is cost. Not all finishes are created equal, and some can be quite expensive. It is important to find a finish that will be affordable and easy to maintain.
The appearance of the toy
When it comes to the appearance of baby toys, there is a wide variety of colors and finishes available. Water-based paints are an excellent choice for wooden toys, as they provide a vibrant and durable finish that will last for years. Boards can also be stained or painted with a variety of colors to create unique designs that will stand out in any playroom. With so many options available, you can find the perfect finish for your baby’s toys. Not all finishes look alike, so you may want to choose one that your child will find appealing.
The cost
If you are looking for an affordable option, lacquer might be the best wood finish for baby toys. It is a durable finish that can be applied quickly and easily on wooden blocks. However, it can also be difficult to remove once it has been applied, so you will need to be careful not to get it on your child’s clothes or skin.
A high-end option
Finally, if you are looking for a high-end option, you might want to consider using an antique wax finish. This type of finish is non-toxic and provides a beautiful look that will last for many years. However, it can be expensive and may require more maintenance than other finishes.
Safe and nontoxic finishes for toys
When it comes to choosing a safe wood finish for toys, there are a few different options. One is oil-based finishes. These are usually made from natural oils such as linseed or tung oil. They provide a durable finish that will last for many years. However, they can be difficult to apply and may require more maintenance than water-based finishes. Milk paint and varnish finish are also some safe options.
I should mention that there’s a degree to how “toy safe” a finish is. Of course, most toys are for young children, who put literally everything they can find into their mouths. So you might be considering this in the context of which finish is unharmful even when eaten. That’s “food grade.” However, you’ll find very few food grade finishes in the market. But there are many toy-safe finishes that are “food safe,” meaning the toy is safe for use with items that come in contact with food, such as countertops and utensils.
Here, what we’ll mostly focus on are common finishes that are food safe.
So let’s get right to it!
Clear toy safe finishes
Toys can be colored in different ways to keep the child safe, and one way to go is to use a clear finish. Of course, some people prefer the appearance of natural, unfinished wood. But it may cause irritation to your child, especially when their skin is sensitive to certain kinds of wood. There may also be stains in the finished product.
With a clear finish, you can reveal the wooden toy’s natural beauty while reducing irritation and staining and making the toy easier to clean. It appears like a clear film finish.
Types of clear finish include oil finishes, wax finishes, and resin finishes.
Penetrating oil finishes
Penetrating oil finishes are some of the safest options for children’s toys. Some good examples include:
- Mineral oil — this is commonly used in food preparation surfaces. It soaks into the wood and brings out the wood’s natural color. Baby oil is mineral oil with fragrance added. So, yes, it’s just the toy finish you want to use to keep your child safe. Some mineral oil finishes are premixed with wax, and you can as well create your own beeswax finish DIY. Mineral oil is food safe.
- Linseed Oil — also known as flaxseed oil, linseed comes in two types: raw linseed oil and polymerized linseed oil. Raw linseed oil is derived from edible flax seed and is a natural drying oil. It is applied thinly, and each coat must cure properly (it can take several days, though), or else everything becomes a gooey mess. Polymerized linseed oil is a better alternative as it takes a shorter time to cure. It is a great toy finish for child safety; just ensure you check the label and buy only when you see “non-toxic.”
Tung oil finish
If you need a fast-drying toy finish that forms a hard protective film, tung oil is a must-try. Tung oil (also known as China wood oil) is natural and food safe as it is derived from the tung tree, so it’s a great option when considering child toy safety. This type of oil also dries by curing rather than evaporation. Be wary when purchasing tung oil for baby toys because most people sell toxic resins and chemical driers labeled as tung oil.
Wax finishes
Beeswax is a perfectly safe finish for baby toys. Carnauba wax is also an excellent choice, and both of them are food grade, and great for keeping your child safe. These types of wax are usually mixed with oils to enable the finish to penetrate the wood fibers. For example, Butcher Blocks conditioner is a mix of mineral oil, vitamin E, beeswax, and Carnauba wax.
Resin finishes
Resin finishes are strong, durable, and easily washable. Lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac are great resins. For older children who wouldn’t be putting just anything and everything into their mouths, lacquer or polyurethane is just fine. But for the little monsters, use shellac as your baby toy finish. Shellac is considered “food safe” as it’s often used to coat candies and apples.
Finishes to avoid using for children’s toys
Now that you know what wood finish is safe for toys, it’s also great to know what finishes you want to keep miles away from your child.
Vegetable oils
You’re probably already screaming, “But this is cooking oil, so how on earth isn’t it safe for kids?” Well, it’s worth knowing that vegetable oils can become rancid and toxic, and that’s why you shouldn’t have them on children’s toys.
Commercial paint
Commercial paint finish should be avoided at all costs because of the thousands of toxic chemicals they contain.
Lead paint
Almost everyone has heard about lead poisoning. Lead paint is now banned in most countries but don’t be surprised to see it hidden in some stores. If you aren’t sure about the toy you bought, get a lead paint test kit and check.
Uncured finishes
A safe finish can become hazardous if it isn’t allowed to fully cure. That’s because the coating will be relatively soft, allowing the toddler to chew it off easily. A finish is completely cured only when it becomes fully hard.
Treated wood
Although commonly used in woodworking workshops, treated wood can contain toxic substances that compromise child toys safety.
Boiled linseed oil
Some companies sell boiled linseed oil to even speed up the curing process further. Boiled linseed oil is treated with hot air to ensure it dries quickly when it comes in contact with wood. However, it contains toxic chemicals that ate unsafe for use in baby toys.
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) are downright scary when it comes to toy-safe finishes. The harsh baby odor that emanates from most paints is from VOCs, so they’re just that finish you want to keep away from your child.
The best choice for you
So, what is the best wood finish for baby toys? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. Just ensure that your child will be safe and the toy will look great. Thanks for reading!
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