Bee's wax help!

[Paulina]

Hello, this is my first post. I need some help with suggestions for non toxic, natural finishes/polishes for children's toys.

 

I've colored my pieces with food coloring and with liquid water color. I am happy with the colors. I would like to put something on them to protect them.

 

I did search on this forum and learned that bees wax is used, but not how to use it. I rubbed it on, right out of the package and didn't really see anything. I warmed it up abit and it left little bumps all over the piece that I could not rub in.

 

I tried melting the bees wax and adding flax oil. At first it was too hard when it cooled (or so I thought) so I added more oil, then it came out clumpy. It also discolored the piece.

 

What's the secret to bee's wax? What am I doing wrong?

 

Also,how do I get it into the little spaces/nooks and crannies?

 

Is there something all together different that would work?

 

I've tried to attach a photo of the pieces I am working on now.

 

Thank you,

Paulina

[Travis]

Those are really cute. You did a good job on them.

 

Usually bees wax and oil are mixed into a paste for a food safe finish. It just depends on how eco-friendly you want to get with your finish. Bees wax and jojoba oil are a popular combination for toymakers on Etsy. People use jojoba oil because it's a natural oil (unlike mineral oil which is a byproduct of refining petroleum, which isn't a renewable source).

 

Here's a video on making this kind of bees wax paste:

 

 

 

Here's a couple more sources for ya too:

An article by Amber Dusick w/ recipe on how to make beeswax/oil polish: http://www.amberdusick.com/woodmouse_lo ... ecipe.html

 

A nice article on some natural finishes for toys: http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/natural-wood-finish.html

[Mick]

Paulina, all modern day finishes are nontoxic once they are dry.

 

Mick