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General Category => Tutorials, Techniques and Tips => Topic started by: aubec on November 03, 2011, 05:31:22 am

Title: Finish on Puzzles
Post by: aubec on November 03, 2011, 05:31:22 am

Hi all

I'd like to know what finish people use on puzzles that will be used by children.  I ask as I would like to start making some for my own son and want to make sure that what I use is safe.

Thank you

aubec

Title: Re: Finish on Puzzles
Post by: tux_linux on November 03, 2011, 06:59:55 am

Check out the finishes. They are certified to be child-proof when they are.

I don't know if you can get it in England: Clue bee wax (http://www.clou-shop.eu/clou-heimwerker/wachse/fluessiges-bienenwachs-065ltr.html) is what I use.
It leaves a good bee wax smell and doesn't coat like lacquer.

Title: Re: Finish on Puzzles
Post by: aubec on November 04, 2011, 04:14:27 pm

Thanks Torsten for the reply will have to look around. 

Title: Re: Finish on Puzzles
Post by: mrsn on November 04, 2011, 07:17:20 pm

Shellac is supposed to be fairly safe. I sort of remember hearing that it was used in some food thing, like a candy coating or something.
I have also heard that all of the commercially available finishes are not toxic once cured, so that for most kids playing with a puzzle any would be safe. The one exception would be for young kids that will definitely be chewing on things.
I personally have used polyurethane or lacquer on puzzles that I made for my 3-year old (now almost 5-year-old). I like the durability of poly to protect the acrylic paint that I have used on painted ones.
Katie