Replies

1. 
   Jed_C. | Mar 31, 2000 10:58pm | #1

   *
   Let me guess--this is your first child. (Those exclamation points reveal the anxiety clearly. I hope for the child's sake, the mother is feeling a little calmer.) Relax, you're in great shape--5 weeks to put a finish on something you've already built? I didn’t even start building the diaper-changing table until a week before our firstborn showed up.

   Oil and wax would make a fine finish for a crib as long as you keep diapers on the little occupant. Use mineral oil or walnut oil--not boiled or raw linseed oil (the first of which contains toxic heavy metal driers, the second will never dry).

   You could give the wood a little more protection by using shellac. It's non-toxic (used to make coatings for pills and candy), and you can put it on with brush or rag.

1. 
   Peter_Listerman | Apr 03, 2000 03:05am | #2

   *Any recommendations on brands to use? Will shellac allow the natural light color to remain or will it darken a bit. I don't mind a bit of darkening, but I am not a fan of the "orange" tone I have often seen with curly maple. I appreciate your help very much.

1. 
   Jed_C. | Apr 03, 2000 03:23pm | #3

   *Homestead Finishing Products sells dewaxed pale and white shellac. You buy it in flake form and mix your own, using denatured alcohol as the solvent. Here's the address of their on-line catalog:http://www.homesteadfinishingprod.com/Shellaccatalog.htm

1. 
   Mike_Taylor2 | Apr 09, 2000 06:17am | #4

   *Wiping on poly will create a durable finish. I thin it a little and flood it on the surface then after setting a little while, I wipe it off with shop towels. I sometime take the palm of my hand and apply hard pressure to get it into the pores. If it starts to get tacky you can dampen the cloth in thinner. 5 or 6 coats of this can be done in 3 or 4 days and makes a nice finish. you can use #0000 steel wool after a couple of days to soften the appearence. It will not yellow with age. After poly cures my understanding is that it will be safe.

1. 
   Peter_Listerman | Apr 09, 2000 04:24pm | #5

   *Thanks for all the info. By the way, the dry Poly IS safe after it dries...that is one thing I do know! Again, thanks for all the responses.Peter