Safety of spirit/alcohol stains for toys?

[Lou Jacobs]

I wonder if people have information and/or experience with the safety of Chestnut brand or similar alcohol based stains for children’s toys? I know that the liquid stain is of course toxic/poisonous. Does that also apply to the dried stain after it has been applied? Do you use any coating over it to ensure safety? Thanks!

 

[Glenn Lefley]

I quess if any child ate dry stain it would be not good for them.

 

[Richard Coers]

I wouldn't use it. I use beet juice, turmeric, blueberry juice, tea, etc....

 

[Glenn Lefley]

I wonder if people have information and/or experience with the safety of Chestnut brand or similar alcohol based stains for children’s toys? I know that the liquid stain is of course toxic/poisonous. Does that also apply to the dried stain after it has been applied? Do you use any coating over it to ensure safety? Thanks!

Chesnut does say when one of there approved finishes cover up the stain, Ie lacquer!!! It is safe when covered with it. But don’t sue them as they say it hasn’t been tested!

 

[Ed Davidson]

I make a lot of tops, usually stained with Craft Supplies Artisan or Chroma Craft, followed with sanding sealer and Ren-wax. No complaints so far, but most of these are going to adults and late-teens.

 

[Lou Jacobs]

So if spirit stains are questionable, I’m looking at alternatives for toys. When I research Sharpie markers, it sounds like there are no cautions about toxicity of their ink - that I could find. If you were using a sharpie to put bright colors on toys - i.e. a baby rattle, would you then seal it with lacquer? Wax? Richard, I like your natural stain idea. Are you able to get bright colors this way?

 

[Bernie Hrytzak]

So if spirit stains are questionable, I’m looking at alternatives for toys. When I research Sharpie markers, it sounds like there are no cautions about toxicity of their ink - that I could find. If you were using a sharpie to put bright colors on toys - i.e. a baby rattle, would you then seal it with lacquer? Wax? Richard, I like your natural stain idea. Are you able to get bright colors this way?

Crayola has markers that are non-toxic, look for "non-toxic" on the container. We were requested by a hospital to use these when donating tops for sick kids.