I've started carving small basswood animals for my toddlers, and I'm considering using a transparent coat for them. I've painted the first batch with non-toxic acrylics, but I want to prep the wood properly this time. I've heard that I need to seal the basswood before painting, and while looking into food-safe options, I came across carnauba wax and beeswax. Would these work as sealants under acrylic paint, or would they cause the paint to not stick? If they're not suitable, what other food-safe suggestions do you have?
3 Answers
Nope! Using wax like carnauba won't work because acrylic paint won't adhere properly to a waxed surface. Instead, I'd recommend using shellac since it's food-safe and provides a good base for paint. It's actually made from a beetle secretion and is used in various food products, so it's a solid choice for your carvings.
Tung oil has worked really well for me! It gives a nice finish but does darken the wood a bit. Also, mineral oil is an option but remember it won't fully cure. Just be careful if you’re considering using any finishes since the kids might end up chewing on the wood.
I wouldn't go for wax as a sealant since it just sits on top and doesn't allow paint to stick well. A better option is to paint first and then add a food-safe wax finish if you like. If you're worried about paint soaking in, try pre-soaking the basswood with water or using walnut oil. Do keep in mind that drying oils like linseed or tung oil take a while to cure!