I'm crafting an ocarina for my niece, inspired by Nemo from the movie. While I don't usually paint my projects, she's requested bright colors for this one. My main concern is what type of paint or finish I should use since she will be putting her mouth on it. It needs to be non-toxic but also well protected. Should I leave the mouthpiece unpainted and simply treat it with beeswax, or go for a poly finish on the rest? I have Minwax water-based polycrylic—can I apply this over water-based acrylic paints, and will it be safe for her? Additionally, I'm planning to integrate the mouthpiece into the dorsal fin. Any tips would be super helpful!
2 Answers
Milk paint could be a great choice for your ocarina! It's made from milk casein, lime, and natural pigments, which are generally safe. I recommend checking out brands like RMP Co Finishes or Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. They both have kid-safe certifications and detailed ingredient info. After the milk paint, you can apply oil or wax finishes. Something like Tung oil would be ideal, but make sure it’s the pure kind without harmful additives. It’s safer for mouths too, though it takes a while to cure fully. Just wait a few weeks for it to be completely ready!
That's a really good and complete answer to a question we see often. Maybe consider adding this to the wiki?
If you're looking for a quick option, you might want to explore non-toxic acrylics, but always check if they specify safety for mouth contact. As for the finish, Minwax poly is fine over water-based acrylics, and it’s generally safe once cured. Yet, using beeswax on the edge of the mouthpiece would be a smart move for extra safety. Just ensure everything is well-done and fully dried before use!
Oh this is great, thanks!