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What are safe durable wood finishes that can be used on kid's toys?

I am trying to make some wooden toys for preschool age kids, so I need something that is non-toxic. I don't want to use mineral oil or anything else that might leave stains, and I need something that will be durable and waterproof... okay "saliva-proof." Any thoughts? Thanks Steven for your wisdom and input. I will definitely take your advice into consideration for future projects. However, the projects I currently have in mind really do need some sort of durable top coat.

Public Comments

1. Actually "Nothing" "wood" be best (no pun or insult intended) Certainly I GET IT with regard to safety. I'm a parent and I also understand the decorative touches; but for preschool children; they already have a lot of that kind of stimulation at hand. They truly won't mind unfinished toys of a "simple" nature. Many are already marketed and most; of wood; are UNfinished hardwoods; such as Maple. Saliva proof is nearly impossible with anything in a pre-school; and if you happen to be fortunate enough to spend time, even in the best of them; hopefully you'll see the caregivers constantly "Wiping." Waterproof will also be unlikely in anything other than molded Poly-Styrene, or Ethlyene. I suggest in your crafting, that you focus on making the "cartoon" like, trains/ trucks/ animals; with detail in them to accent interest. Few moving parts; No paint of any kind; no Oils that actually will "attract" Dust and grime, if not bacterias; and likely you'll have to know something of the law and school regulations with regard to children and what is allowed; and if need be run a simple test. Place your creations in that environment and gauge who involves themselves with the toys. Without knowing what toys you have a notion toward; I suspect you'll find the males of the group more interested. But certainly gender cross over with regard to toys; at a pre-school age, is common. Steven Wolf
2. try www.woodburst.com. They make stains specifically for kids toys.
3. my toy books say acrylic paints are non-toxic
4. Krylon spray paint make a very durable and easy to use product. I have used it on several projects for the kids and it works well .
5. Acrylic emulsion washable type paint will not absorb saliva and water proof will be ideal
6. For a top coating over crafts, including stained and painted crafts, Krylon and others sell a super-thick Acrylic Glaze which is meant specifically for these finishes. Wal-Mart even carries one in their acrylic paint section. I believe they advertise it's waterproof (etc.) nature when dried. I've used it for childrens' items. To test for proper hardness, ALSO glaze several other throwaway items and smudge- or chew-test them. A thick acrylic glaze could take several days to dry... and taste really bad until such.