finishing my work

[tonybell96]

Hello,

I am new to this and want to make some puzzles for my grand kids, what do you suggest for finishing the work? I read about sealers and paint, i am looking for brands I can buy at home depote or lows and are good for kids who will end up eating them..

Also, I am getting into making boxes, I want to try to use Linsead oil, shellac and some sort of wax, any suggested brands? These do not need to be kid safe!!

thanks!

[Jediscroller]

For puzzles, I'd suggest the Cream Coat brand of Acrylics. I know Walmart sells them but I'm not sure if the BORG carries them. As far as Boiled Linseed Oil and Shellac, I don't really have a favorite. I prefer Watco Danish Oil. For wax, I like pure Bee's Wax that I get from a local farm but Briwax is an excellent choice as well.

[scrollerjoe22]

Tony,

I sell puzzles at arts and craft shows. I don't put a finish on them and tell the parents that. I let them know that the kids can color them using food coloring, crayons, kid safe markers/paint or anything else. This seems to appeal to them.

As for the other I use a mixture of linseed oil and mineral spirits. Usually a 50/50 mix, I use the Kleen Strip brand.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[ron w b]

i use old english polish puts a great shine

[unixpro]

For things like the puzzles you're asking about, I'd either leave them alone or use some Watco Danish Oil (Neutral color) on them. Once the oil has completely cured, it's perfectly safe.

For Shellac, you can use the Bullseye pre-mixed shellac. You can get it at HD, at least, I know. I also like using Deft clear lacquer for a lot of my finishing; both the spray and the brush. I usually do 3 coats with a 220+ sanding between.

I don't like any of the waxes I can find at our local Borg. I really like a good, high-quality furniture wax, like the Black Bison stuff. I do know that you can order that on-line, though, if you're someplace without access to a woodworking store.

[Kim]

I use Watco danish oil on my puzzles. I dip the pieces in and then let them sit on paper towels for about 15 min. Then I wipe off the extra. When the smell is gone it is safe for the children. In S. Florida it takes about 3 days of sitting in my garage for the smell to go, longer if in A/C.

Good luck with your project.

[Marsha]

I use acrylic craft paint by Plaid. They make lots of brands, Apple Barrel, and Folk art to name a couple. Or there's Americana by DecoArt. All these paints are kid friendly and they come in a great aray of colors. My favorite is Apple Barrel Gloss it dries really hard and there's no need to use a top coat. I've never seen craft paint at the Big Box Stores but they're readily available at Wal Mart and Michael's

Marsha