Safe Baby Crib Finish

[Don Stutsman]

I am just completing a baby crib for an expected granddaughter. I am looking for suggestions concerning a safe, durable, and nice looking finish. The crib will be stained dark (daughter-in-law request) and I would like to give the crib a nice smoothe topcoat with a satin look. Any ideas? Thanks

[Howard Acheson]

All finishes are required by law to be non-toxic when fully cured.

The most durable finish would be an oil based varnish. What species of wood are you using?

[Sam Layton]

Hi Don,

I just finished a cradle for my granddaughter. My son and daughter-in-law also requested a dark finish. I used General Finishes oil base stain, and top coated with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal, satin. Prior to using the GF stain and top coat, I called GF to verify it would be ok. They said it would be fine, non-toxic. It takes 14 days to cure.

Sam

[Don Stutsman]

Thanks for the input. The wood species is hard maple. I would prefer it lighter finish so the grain would show better, but it is not for me. Thanks again.

[Scott Holmes]

Coloring Maple can be a real challenge.

I'm just finishing up 2 built-in maple bookcases and a 7 section maple railing that the home owner wanted to match the walnut breakfast bar. I think she got a lot of NO's for doing this job until she got to me. I used dye, not stain.