Finish suggestions for toy trucks?

[Ryan Sparreboom]

I'm building 5 toy trucks for some lucky young lads for x-mas.
They are all maple, walnut, and some pine.
I'm wondering what the best finishing option would be to finish these after assembly (but before the wheels and axles go on).
Some pretty tight corners and inside spaces, so I was thinking something in a spray can would be best. I can get shellac, laquer, and poly (both oil and WB) in spray cans. I could also do a wipe on finish like danish oil. Suggestions?

I'm not too concerned about "child safe" as these boys are old enough not to put things in their mouth. And as for durability, well, I want something that won't crack and peel off, other than that, dents and dings are expected on a tuff wooden toy!

Maybe I should forgo any finish at all?

Please let me know what you think.

Ryan

[J. Scott Holmes]

Any of the ideas you have will work. The poly in the spray can will be the most economical and it is tough.

FYI: All finishes are "child/food" safe after they are dry and cured. The ones that were a problem had lead as the drier. Not used in the good old USA anymore. In China .... well that is another topic altogether.

Manufatures like to label it "child safe" or "food safe" so they can charge more for the finish and get you to buy another product; many share an MSDS sheet with the "regular" product.