Looking for the best paint for wooden toys? In this blog post, we will explore the best options for child-safe paint for wood, ensuring both vibrant colors and peace of mind for parents.
Paint makes wooden toys pretty and engaging to children. The majority of wooden toys are painted but we don’t give much thought to paint. How do we know if they are safe for children? Remember that these wooden toys always end up in your children’s mouths so it is important to check if the paint is non-toxic.
What is the best paint for wooden toys? The best paint for wooden toys is one that is made from safe, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on the wood and safe for young children. Children put wooden toys in their mouths, and some bite or lick them. The paint should be safe if injected. Use milk paint, non-toxic acrylic, non-toxic latex paint, natural shellac resin, and natural oils.
Best Paint for Wooden Toys
When it comes to painting wooden toys, it’s crucial to prioritize the use of non-toxic paint that is safe for children. Whether you have wooden toys to paint or you’re looking for guidance on how to paint wooden toys, we have you covered.
Our focus is on providing recommendations for non-toxic wood paint options that are specifically suitable for painting children’s wooden toys. We understand the importance of creating a safe play environment for children, and that includes the materials used on their toys.
Join us as we explore the best non-toxic paint choices and provide helpful tips for painting children’s wooden toys. With these recommendations, you can enjoy the process of transforming and personalizing wooden toys while ensuring the safety and well-being of the little ones.
Milk Paint
One of the best baby or child safe paint for wood or toys are milk paints. Milk paints are made from casein, a type of milk protein. Casein is mixed with limestone or clay, chalk, and natural pigments.
Milk paints come in powder form so you have to mix it with water before it is ready to be painted.
Although milk paints are some of the best paint for children’s toys, always check if the product has been tested and look for safety standards. You can never be careful when it comes to your child’s safety, which is why many parents choose milk paint as an option when looking for a child safe paint for wood.
Non-Toxic Acrylic Paint
Another option for child safe paint is acrylic paint.
Acrylic paints are water-based so they usually are non-toxic and safe for wooden toys. They are one of our top options when looking for non toxic paint for wood or wooden toys. However, some acrylic colors contain toxic chemicals. You must read the labels properly and choose ones that do not contain harmful ingredients. When selecting non-toxic paint for wooden toys, it’s essential to opt for certified products that meet safety standards and ensure worry-free play for your little ones.
The good thing about the market today is that the safety standards are high especially for American products. So it is really easy to find the best paint for children’s toys, so long as you do a little digging around.
Labels are required to disclose harmful chemicals so it is easy to distinguish which acrylic paints are safe and which ones are not. Let the paint dry and leave it for two weeks before giving the toy to your kids.
Non-Toxic Latex Paint
Regular latex paints have harmful chemicals that are not safe for babies and humans in general when inhaled and injected.
There are, however, non-toxic latex paints that are certified toy-safe. It is hard to find though because most latex paints contain harmful titanium oxide.
When it comes to non-toxic latex and acrylic paints, further research is needed before you purchase one. So ensure you do your research in order to find the best non-toxic paint for wood.
Natural Oils
If you want to keep the natural finish of the wood, natural oil is the option to paint wooden toys.
Tung Oil
Tung oil, also called wood oil, is derived from the seeds of the ring tree. It is 100% natural and does not contain any volatile organic compounds. It is FDA approved so it is safe even when ingested.
Tung oil is a hard-drying oil that provides a pale yellow matte finish. It enhances the color aesthetics of the wood.
Tung oil resists marring and protects the wood well. It helps wooden toys last longer
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is a popular non-toxic, 100% natural oil that is used in so many things including wooden toys. Hemp oil is even safe for food products so it is safe for children.
Hemp oil works well on bare wood or won’t with old finishes. It leaves behind a low-sheen matte finish that preserves handcrafted wooden toys without the need of adding gloss.
Hemp oil has a naturally thin viscosity. It can penetrate porous wood very well. There is no need for thinning solvents.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is a non-toxic, allergen-free, food-safe wood oil. It maintains the natural beauty and integrity of wood in toys.
Walnut oil penetrates deep into the wood grains and slowly hardens. It gives a long-lasting finish that will not evaporate or fade keeping the wooden toys looking beautiful with a natural look and feel.
What Paint is Safe for Babies?
Tempera Paint
Tempera paint is the safest option for babies and children’s art projects. Non-toxic and water-based, it dries quickly and comes in a variety of colors, including matte and glossy finishes. It works well on paper, cardboard, canvas, and wood surfaces, making it suitable for various materials.
Popular in daycare centers, tempera paint is easily washable and ideal for small-scale projects. Its wide availability and child-friendly nature make it a go-to option for parents and educators.
Specialized Activity Paint
Specialized activity paint, such as the one produced by Crayola, is designed with child safety in mind. Water-based and non-toxic, it offers a gel-like consistency that children enjoy playing with. This paint is commonly used for activities like creating baby’s imprints and is easily washable from the skin and clothing.
It is stain-free and poses no harm if accidentally ingested by a child. With its safe formulation and versatility, specialized activity paint is perfect for engaging children in various painting-related activities.
Watercolor Paint
Watercolor paint is a safe and vibrant option for children’s coloring activities. Known for its transparency and bright colors, watercolor paint stimulates creativity while developing motor skills. Accidental ingestion of watercolors is generally safe, as they are non-toxic and made of pigments and binders.
Watercolor paper, with its high absorption rate, is the recommended surface for watercolor painting, allowing better control of wetness. Children can enjoy exploring and creating with watercolor paint, knowing that it poses minimal risk to their health.
Non-Toxic Nursery Paint
Paint brands have responded to the need for safe paints by manufacturing non-toxic options suitable for babies and nurseries. These paints are formulated without volatile organic compounds (VOC) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE), making them odorless and free from harmful chemicals.
Brands like AFM Safecoat Zero VOC, Benjamin Moore Eco Spec, Clare paint, and Sherwin Williams Harmony are known for their non-toxic formulations, meeting safety standards for nursery environments. These paints prioritize the well-being of babies by avoiding unnecessary additives and potential health hazards, ensuring a safe and healthy living space.
FAQs
Why are regular paints not recommended for wooden toys? Regular paint contains harsh chemicals that are not safe for babies especially when ingested. It can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin irritation, respiratory irritation, and other harmful effects. Young children do not have a strong immune system. Parents need to make sure that the wooden tots they play with do not pose any risk to their health.
Why are regular paints harmful? Paints contain formaldehyde, metals, crystalline silica, and other harsh chemicals that are unsafe for children and adults.
What to do to make sure the paint I use is non-toxic? Read the labels. All products sold in the US are required to disclose all information, especially the ingredients and safety precautions. If you have to research or call the company to clarify and ensure that the product you are buying is indeed non-toxic, do so.
What are some examples of baby safe paint for toys? There are several examples of baby-safe paint for toys as mentioned above. Some popular choices include:
- Water-based paints: These paints are non-toxic and have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They dry quickly and are generally safe for babies and children.
- Natural plant-based paints: Made from ingredients like plant extracts and natural pigments, these paints are free from harmful chemicals and safe for babies to play with.
- Milk paint: This type of paint is made from a mixture of milk protein, lime, and natural pigments. It is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for baby toys.
- Food-grade paints: These paints are made from edible ingredients and are specifically designed for use on toys and items that may come into contact with babies’ mouths.
When selecting a baby-safe paint, it’s essential to look for labels indicating that the paint is non-toxic, VOC-free, and specifically formulated for use on children’s toys.
Summary
The best paint for wooden toys is one that is made from safe, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on the wood and safe for young children. Children put wooden toys in their mouths, and some bite or lick them. The paint should be safe if injected. Use milk paint, non-toxic acrylic, non-toxic latex paint, natural shellac resin, and natural oils.
You can never be too careful when it comes to your children’s safety. If you prefer wooden toys as we do, choose ones that use child-friendly and eco-friendly paint. The same goes for your DIY toy projects.