Question about the toxicity of Future

[Beaveranger]

So here's the deal. I'm making some letter and number blocks for my one year old son. 1.5" cube blocks, yellow pine. Cut em, sanded em, stenciled letters, numbers, shapes, etc... Wood burned out the letters and stuff. Primed, painted, and individually painted the letters with different colors.

I want to put a final seal coat on, but have been debating what to use since these will absolutely end up in his mouth. I have read through the MSDS for Future, but it only seems to take into account the undried product in the bottle. I feel pretty confident that it will be fine considering that it will be dried and hardened. And, if he does ingest any, it will be very minimal.

I just wanted to get some opinions from folks here who have more experience with Future than I do. First, will it be durable enough for this application? Second, am I simply overthinking this and being a paranoid new parent?

[Kylwell]

Hmmm, tough question.

While I'm sure it's safer than an oil based clear coat or varnish I can't say weather or not it'd be better than say Varathane (polyurethane based clear coat).

I'll dig around and see if I can find a better answer for you.

[jim w]

I believe shellac is used for this kind of thing.

[Beaveranger]

I believe shellac is used for this kind of thing.

Hmmmm.... I'm reading that it is non-toxic, edible, and used for food glaze. I did not know that. I also did not know that it was a natural product either. Good to know... thx.

[Kylwell]

Shellac is an allergen so you need to be cautious about that. Far too many people push it as being non-toxic and natural when there are far better synthetic alternatives, like acrylic.

[Beaveranger]

Another concern is whether or not anything I use will harm the paint underneath. Acrylic btw. That's why I was thinking about using Future.

[WarpeD]

Read the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product. (MSDS) That's where you'll get the real, unadulterated/unopinionated version -- which is what you really want for the sake of the safety of your kid. This is better than any web forum opinion (despite how the terrific folks here are wise and experienced) and applies to any other finishing option as well.

http://www.grafiskeksperimentarium.dk/I ... Polish.pdf

You really want to be safe...go here:

http://www.childsafepaint.net/

[Beaveranger]

....I have read through the MSDS for Future....

And I have been through every paint article, website, and parenting opinion forum I can find. The paint is not the issue. I used non toxic, baby safe paint. I just need to seal them up now.