Non toxic paint for toys

[richard862]

Can anyone recommend a non toxic paint or stain for childrens' toys. The toys are made from HDF.

[dlcw]

Any finish, when completely cured, is safe. Dry is not enough. it needs to be fully cured.

In the past, paint with lead was a problem, but leaded paint like leaded gasoline is a thing of the past (much to the dismay of muscle car enthusiasts).

[bleeth]

Despite non-leaded formulas many lacquers and enamels are not recommended for ingestion. There are "milk paints" out there that are totally ingestible.

[Brady Watson]

Shellac is non-toxic when dry & has been used on toys for eons.

-B

[benchmench]

I agree with Don about fully cured finishes. Bob Flexner mentioned in a recent article in CabinetMaker/FDM that the whole "toxicity" issue has been 20 years of marketing for "food safe" finishes - which are nothing more than thinned-down versions of the same stuff ("Warning - contains petroleum distillates"). However, non-toxic when fully cured.

If you are really concerned, use mineral oil - a natural laxative, suitable for ingestion or shellac, which is what makes M&Ms "melt in your mouth and not in your hand". You may also be able to do some interesting things with food coloring as a stain under shellac.

[fernball]

If you are planning on selling them, be aware of the new federal toy safety regulations from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). My understanding is that any products intended for children need to follow the new rules. Check out the flow chart (http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Resources/CPSIATestingFlowchart.aspx) from this group to see how much you may need to do, as well as lots of other info on their site. The rules may yet be revised for tgheir final form. It looks like exception has been granted for some few natural materials depending on the function, but only if there are NO other finish components. Otherwise you need to send your food grade oil off to the lab to test for lead to comply....

[frank134]

Magnamax does not have USDA approval for direct food contact. None of our products in the M.L.Campbell line do. Magnamax being a precatalyzed technology will have an ultra low formaldehyde release for up to a year after application. The safest option would be our waterborne technology like Agualente precat. Once cured is does not have any emissions. It is also Greenguard certified product.

Thank you for your inquiry,
M.L. Campbell Technical Services
1-800-364-1359 option 1
techservices@mlcampbell.com (techservices@mlcampbell.com)

I wrote to M.L.Campbell for a finish on a highchair i build for my grand daughter. hope this help.