Hey everyone! I need some advice. I accidentally used Minwax Finishing Paste on a vintage baby doll crib I was trying to restore. I thought it would give it a nice look, but now I'm worried after reading that it's not considered kid safe due to harmful VOCs. It's currently resting in my garage, and I'm not sure how long I should keep it there before bringing it inside. I've heard I might be able to remove the paste with mineral spirits, but I'm thinking maybe I should just let it go and scrap the crib entirely. Also, can someone clarify what finishes are actually safe for kids' items? Thanks so much for any help!
2 Answers
Kids often explore toys by tasting, so it's super important to use a safe finish. Since this is a doll crib, if your child is old enough, you could apply a kid-safe lacquer over the paste—two coats would be even better! Just make sure to ventilate the crib in the garage for at least a week to help with any smells. And please, share a picture once you're done!
I’ve been in a similar situation with a bedframe I tried to stain. After a month of airing it out, the VOCs were still overwhelming. I really think you should consider cutting your losses with the crib. Kids tend to put everything in their mouths, so it’s not worth the risk to keep it. Maybe look for finishes that are specifically labeled as kid-safe, like cutting board oil, instead. It’s going to be tough to make that crib safe again. Good luck!
Thanks for the warning! It’s tough to let it go, but I definitely don’t want to take any chances.
That's a good idea! I’ll definitely look into the lacquer. Do you think it would stick to the wax?