Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/non-toxic stain

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/11/2010


Question
I am refinishing my daughter's crib for our expected grandson.  I plan to us VT Natural PolyWhey finish, but I want to make sure the stain will be safe for the baby.  Can you let me know a product that will be non-toxic?  thanks

Answer
Hi Margo, there are some companies making non toxic stains like the one below:

http://www.ecosafetyproducts.com/Non-Toxic-Wood-Stains-s/117.htm

But most stains will not be a danger to a baby. Once dry they really aren't that toxic, and the baby would have to eat the wood in a fairly large quantity in order for it to be dangerous.If properly sealed with a surface finish like the Vermont Natural, you will be furnishing a durable finish with a very low toxicity quotient.I did some testing for Vermont Natural Coatings when it first became available, and the rumor was they were working on a line of woodstains for use with their topcoats. Perhaps a phone call to them would be a wise choice....and you could ask them their recommendation as well.I like the Gels stains, as they are in a polyurethane binder, which "locks" them into the wood, and seals the surface.They have great color strength, are super easy to use, and.. they dry predictably, won't bleed during the application of the Vermont natural, and leave a smooth , perfect surface to apply the clear coat.The Bartley or General stains are superior..hope that helps a little. post back if need be -Regards- Greg


http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2005555/GENERAL-Gel-Top-Coat-and-Stains.aspx

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.