toddler-chewable yet waterproof finishes
I’m about to build a set of “water tables” for my son’s day care center. They are little coffee table like things with plastic tubs set into the top so the munchkins can splash around with all of their tub toys.
I need some advice on a wood finish that will be both waterproof or nearly so since the tables will be wet very often, yet also fairly benign once the finish cures since I’m sure that it will be chewed on daily, if my son’s habits are any indication. Additionally I am considering making them more festive for the kids either by painting designs on them with non-toxic acrylic paint or gluing on clippings of fish, boats etc. under the clear-coat final finish, so something both compatable and as non-yellowing as possible would be a plus.
Any suggestions would be welcome and if the product isn’t commonly available at a local building supply or paint store, a note on where I could find it would be great too.
Thanks all!!
Replies
According to all of the Finishing experts, Flexnor, Dresser (sp), Jewitt, that all commercially available finishes are none toxic once they have cured.
Probably oil ureathanes would be the best for your application, but they take 3-6 weeks to cure completely. If you can't wait that long then use a water based.
You might post this over at Knots because there are frequently questions about fionishing salad bowls and butcher block tops. I think Waterlox may be one choice.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Behlen's "Salad Bowl Finish"
Excellence is its own reward!
I have never used Salad Bowl Finish, but I was under the impression that it was an "oil finsih" (oil, thinner, resins) much like Watco and similar.
In that case it would not work over top of the painted surface.
I didn't catch the part about it being painted. I thought he was looking for something to finish raw wood with. It is a rubbing oil type product..
Excellence is its own reward!
None of the cutting board finishes will be suitable for what you are doing. The best solution is to use something like corian which is waterproof to begin with. Hawk Industries makes a product called "Countercote 9500" which may work for you. It comes in a clear formulation and is an acrylic urethane that creates a finished surface similar to Formica surfaces. It is too hard to be easily chewed away. You can contact them at Hawk labs 1-800-321-4295.