I’m making a toddler bed out of 3/4" ply for my son. I’m keeping the design simple since he’ll grow out of it very soon. His teeth are just starting to come in an he chews on everything. What’s a good non toxic finish to use for this type of project?
Go to a kitchen cabinet shop. They will have a food-grade oil used to seal maple countertops & butcher blocks. Few coats of that & you’ll be fine.
Eventually, the splinters will slow 'im down 
Ive used mineral oil on some rattles before. Its odorless and pretty much what they bottle as butcher block finish. Also heard of heating the mineral and disolving about 1/3 bees wax. Never tried but thatd give harder finish. Nice job building for the kids. I like to do the same stuff. If you want to make something that could last. Make twin and buy some temporary safety sides. Thats what my little guy uses.
Great idea! I’ll try the food-grade oil. Thanks.
something similar to this stuff should work…
Salad Bowl Finish
General Finishes’ Salad Bowl Finish is non-toxic and food safe when dry. It works well for wooden bowls, plates, cutting boards, eating utensils, and other wood surfaces that come in contact with food. It is also highly resistant to water and food stains. Salad Bowl Finish is applied with a clean soft cloth
ried & True Wood Finishes
Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. Premium oil finishes from 19th century recipes that are 100% solids and solvent free. These unique finishes are even safe for cutting boards, toys, and children’s furniture. They comply with the FDA regulations (FDA 21 Sec. 175.300) as “safe for food contact surfaces”. We’ve tried these in our shop and are very impressed with both the ease of application and quality of finish.
Original Wood Finish is a highly polymerized linseed oil, combined with Beeswax. It dries to a fine finish reminiscent of the patina of well cared for antique furniture, yet it is durable and easy to use. It is commonly used on doors and windows, paneling and furniture. It may be used to revive any existing finish.
Varnish Oil is highly polymerized linseed oil fortified with natural resin varnish. This is a semi-gloss topcoat that builds durability and sheen with each application. It has excellent abrasion and scratch resistance and takes a high polish. Applications are primarily to furniture (including table tops) and kitchen counter tops.
Danish Oil is pure, moderately polymerized linseed oil. This penetrating oil produces a beautiful satin sheen. Apply to kitchenware, cabinets, or your interior woodwork for an easy and economical finish.
Butcher Block Oil
New from General Finishes. Great for wooden butcher blocks, cutting boards, utensils, even kid’s toys. Simply flood the surface, allow the oil to penetrate, then wipe off the excess. Re-apply when surface shows wear. One pint, clear.
What about wood that will be smoked from?
My friend whittled a pipe out of beach wood, pretty nice grain, but he coated it with poly resin so it’s purely decoration now.
Quote:
General Finishes' Salad Bowl Finish is non-toxic and food safe when dry. It works well for wooden bowls, plates, cutting boards, eating utensils, and other wood surfaces that come in contact with food. It is also highly resistant to water and food stains. Salad Bowl Finish is applied with a clean soft cloth
I just went to Rockler, and got a can of General Finishes Toymakers Finish. They had GF Salad Bowl Finish, but the guy at the store told me that they were identical products. The Toy Makers Finish was a dollar cheaper, so bough it instead.
Thanks for the help!
http://www.generalfinishes.com/…finishes/oilbase.htm
I use General Finish’s products most of the time. I’m into their oil base / two part systems of oil penetration, and urethane top coats. I’ve been under the impression that they are non toxic after dry time.
Call them for questions
Aloha
==ep
Phone: 800-783-6050
I’ve used Tried and True on several pieces, and I love the the product. The only drawback is the beeswax in the Original Finish. Like all products with beeswax in them, water can turn the finish white (“glass ring” effect). It has to be a good bit of water, but I can tell you that leaving a Camelback on a dining room table with the mouthpiece open, leaves a good bit of water on the table (I swear it wasn’t my fault).
Another couple of options – Walnut oil. Doesn’t go rancid. Soaks in nicely. Lasts. Easy to re-finish.
Bio-Shield Wax over linseed or walnut oil. Bio-Shield is a carnuba-based wax.
OSMO finishes – non-toxic, built to stay that way.
Contact either the Environmental Home Center in Seattle:
http://www.environmentalhomecenter.com/shop.mv?CatCode=10350_STNPRMWX
Or Building for Health in Colorado:
http://www.buildingforhealth.com/proddetail.php?prod=BIO_39
Hope that helps
http://www.floorings.com/livos.html
The Livos all-natural wood treatment product line of sealers, stains, finishes and thinners is based on renewable raw plant materials, is harmless to humans, animals and plants. It is environmentally and ecologically friendly and completely recyclable. Livos exclusively uses natural and toxic-free raw materials such as binders, pigments and other ingredients
The things you find on Swaylocks.
I used to use Livos all the damn time, but it disappeared from most of the places I bought it. I found other finishes, but missed Livos. Great natural products from Germany. Both the oils and the waxes are fantastic to work with. Glad they’ve returned from eco-limbo.
Thanks a lot for this link.