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Finishing a Toy Box

Child Safe Finishes

We are making a toy box for our grandson and want to paint toys on it.

I am assuming acrylic paint is best to use but wonder if I should use my Liquitex paints or the folk art type acrylics.

Also can I polyurethane over top of the paint or just around it?

Thanks so much,

Cindi

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I would use the Liquitex paints. Be sure you use the professional line which is more durable. It is also non-yellowing, UV resistant, water resistant, and pH neutral once dry.

Even though the Liquitex is water resistant and durable, you should varnish the entire toy box since it will likely be put to heavy use.

The Liquitex line includes compatible varnishes. Liquitex Permanent Rigid Varnish for wood and other rigid surfaces is available in either high gloss or satin finish.

Both the paints and varnishes are certified non-toxic by the ACMI.

Allow three days for the paint to cure before varnishing. Use at least three coats of varnish. After curing, the toy box can be cleaned with mild soap and water; then wiped dry with a clean cloth.

Diaper wipes are great for a quick cleanup.

You can use other brands of varnishes or polyurethane if you like, but the light fastness, yellowing and UV protecting capabilities may vary from one product brand to another.

Always do an adhesion test when using other products to determine compatibility.

You didn’t mention what base you plan to use, I mean, whether you plan to paint the toys on stained wood or over a painted surface. If you are staining the wood, use a water-based stain, both for safety (no volatile compounds) and adhesion. Oil-based stains resist being painted over.

If the base will be paint, use Liquitex paints even for the base color. Latex (house) paints do not contain artist quality binders and pigments. What is worse – the latex becomes brittle with age and would compromise your artwork.

There are two Liquitex colors you should not use for children’s furniture because they exceed EPA solubility limits for chromium: cobalt green and cobalt turquoise. All other Liquitex colors are certified safe for use by children or in a child’s room.

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