What finish?

[PHT]

I am refurbishing a high chair. What I need is recommendations for a finish. I need something safe if the baby is teething and bits on the wood. I don't want to use paint of any kind. What do you suggest?

Paul T.

[Leon]

Most any varnish is safe after it has cured.

[tom]

Shellac. Tom

[DonkeyHody]

A high chair needs to have a finish that can stand up to repeated washings and disinfectants. Waterlox is tough as nails, thin enough to wipe on, and like Leon said, safe after drying.

DonkeyHody "Never kick a pulling mule."

[Ferd Farkel]

Tung or shellac. Both are used for food packaging.

[SonomaProducts.com]

Yes, it has been proven that "nearly" all film finishes are non-toxic when fully cured. However, if you want to be very safe you can use this product from General Finishes

manufacturer makes a specific claim of food safety and non toxicity. It is an easy wipe on type finish and very durable. I used it on some Sushi boards (Gita), the little wood platters with the cool sliding dovetail legs and it has held up well in a commercial environment where they get washed all the time. It seems about as tough as poly. I had some drips and had a bitch sanding them out.

[Larry Blanchard]

Shellac is approved for use on food (i.e. M&Ms). While it may not be as tough as some other finishes, it's easily repaired by just wiping on another coat.

[PHT]

Thanks to all for the finishing suggestions.

Paul T.

[B A R R Y]

I third the Waterlox.

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[Bob W]

Actually, you can just wipe it with denatured alcohol for minor repairs.