safe finish

[woodwaster]

i just finished making a wooden gum ball machine for the grandkids. i'm not sure what type of finish to use, shellac or paint. i think i would like it a bright color. would anyone on the forum know of a safe finish. i am very new to woodworking and would appreciate any help. thanks, bob woodwaster

 

[oldnamvet]

Most finishes -WHEN DRY - are non-toxic( as long as you don't have old leaded paint around). One that is designed for food contact is salad bowl finish. http://www.woodfinishsupply.com/SaladBowl.html

 

[Nailed]

I have an old wooden salad bowl set from the 1950s I've been wanting to use. The bowls are huge and it comes with a large wooden fork-and-spoon tongs to use for tossing. I'd be interested in trying to refinish this set with some type of salad bowl finish. Thanks for the heads-up, oldnamvet.

 

[contractor]

Your best bet is to go into a building supply store and talk to a knowledgeable clerk. He can find you the brand of paint that would be safest to use.