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General Category => Tutorials, Techniques and Tips => Topic started by: math2010 on December 09, 2012, 01:59:18 pm
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Hi!
What do you suggest to use to finish a puzzle for a child? It as to be non toxic because he will probably put the pieces in his mouth...
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For a non toxic finish I use a bees wax/mineral mixture. In a small crock pot I melt the wax and then add some oil. Mix and let cool. If its it hard, melt again and add more oil. To soft add more wax. I like it about the consistency of past wax. I apply it with a scotch brite pad and them buff it off with a soft cloth. This wax give more of a sheen that a shine and makes the wood feel very soft and smooth.
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Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac.
Shellac is totally non toxic and used to coat medicine pills and candy and other foods.
Rog
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Any finish sold in North America is food safe and non toxic once cured, keeping in mind the product is designed as a finish.
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Last time, I used Varathane water base finish.
So, if I understand what you explain, it is safe for children when dry...
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yes it will be non toxic. But understand that is only when it is "FULLY" cured. That could take some time depending on drying conditions. If you want something nontoxic right out of the gate you should go for a beeswax paste or butcherblock oil.
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Thank you!
Where can you buy beeswax paste or butcherblock oil?
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http://www.toymakingplans.com/website/how-to/non-toxic-wood-toy-finish.html
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
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Thank you!
Where can you buy beeswax paste or butcherblock oil?
The best, quickest and cheapest place to get beeswax is in the plumbing department of any hardware store. Buy the wax ring that goes under toilet in the bathroom with indoor plumbing. It truly is pure beeswax.
As for butcher block oil try any paint department in a hardware or big box store or a wood working store like Rocklers or Woodcraft.
Rog
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I just don't figure how to take the wax ring that goes under the toilet and be able to put it on the wood... I'm really newbie at finishing...
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I just don't figure how to take the wax ring that goes under the toilet and be able to put it on the wood... I'm really newbie at finishing...
If you will warm it up a bit (sit it in front of a heater or use a heat gun or hair dryer) you will notice it will become soft and a bit sticky. Now wrap a small rag around your index finger and rub some wax off of the ring with the rag and rub the waxy rag onto the wood and work it in well. Let it dry and sit up for a few minutes then buff with another dry rag until it becomes glossy.
Or you could put a chunk of the wax into a jar or empty tin can and sit it in an oven and melt it down to a liquid then add your oil and again using a rag apply the mixture to the wood. CAREFUL, DON'T BURN YOURSELF!
The wax will seal the pores in the wood and give it a nice luster as well as being food safe and water proof.
HTH
Rog
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Thank you! It's very interesting! I'll try that!!!
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Thanks for this post, I have learned something and will try it.
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN
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I wonder if the Bee's wax (toilet wax ring) would work as a was for the scroll saw table??
Tommy T
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Tommy, a wax ring for a toilet will cost about the same as a can of carnauba paste wax.
~~~GB~~~
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If you go to almost any health food store you can purchase local beeswax in 1 # blocks for next to nothing. My 1 # block will probably last me the rest of my life.
I melt it in an old pan 3/4 cup of wax (shavings or chunks) to 1 pint of mineral oil. Heat on very low heat you do not want it to reach a flash point. It will become almost crystal clear. It is now ready to transfer to a small Tupperware style container with a lid, allow it to cool to room temp and it is ready for use.
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I'm gonna skip the wax ring
@dunk What is the consistency fo the wax with that ratio?