The Right Paint for Wooden Toys: Safety and Durability

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: April 22, 2023

Wooden toys are fun and durable, but how do you make sure they stay fun and last even longer?

Painting wooden toys is one of the best ways to make the toy last longer. 

A safe and durable type of paint for painting wooden toys is water-based acrylic paint. This type of paint is non-toxic, dries quickly, has little odor and contains no harmful solvents. In addition, water-based acrylic paint is resistant to wear and fading, making it a good choice for toys that are used frequently.

In this article I will tell you all about the best paint for wooden toys and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Also read: 20 Wooden Toy Brands That Will Surprise Your Child

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Non-toxic paint for wooden toys: a safe choice

If you would like to refurbish wooden toys or children's furniture, it is important to choose a non-toxic paint. 

This way you create a carefree play area for your child and you can let your child play with peace of mind. 

Non-toxic paint does not contain any harmful components that can evaporate during the drying process and end up in the air.

When refurbishing furniture for the children's room, you can opt for atmospheric, neutral tones that match the rest of the interior. 

This way you create a harmonious space where your child likes to spend time. Think, for example, of soft pastel colors or natural wood tones.

With non-toxic paint you ensure that the wooden toys and children's furniture last for generations, without having to worry about harmful substances. 

Do you already have enough wooden toys at home? Here I have the best alternatives to wooden toys listed for you (bamboo, felt, metal, etc.)

How do you choose the right type of paint for wooden toys?

Make sure you buy paint that is specifically designed for children's toys and meets applicable safety standards.

Always read the labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the paint is safe and effective for its intended use.

When choosing the right paint for wooden toys, there are a few factors to consider:

• Safety: Make sure the paint does not contain toxic substances and is safe for children.
• Durability: Choose a paint that is resistant to wear and moisture to make the toy last longer.
• Color choice: Go for a paint type with a wide range of colors, so that you can let your creativity run wild.
• Application: Choose a paint that is easy to apply and dries evenly.

Taking these factors into account will help you choose the perfect paint for your wooden toy project.

The best paints for wooden toys

It is of course important that the paint you choose for wooden toys is safe for children. 

Fortunately, there are many types of paint that have been specially developed with children's health and safety in mind. 

These types of paint comply with European directives and are free of harmful substances. 

It is important to always take a good look at the brand and quality of the paint before purchasing it.

Water based paint

Water-based paint is an excellent choice for wooden toys. This type of paint is water-based and contains no harmful substances, making it safe for children. 

In addition, water-based paint dries quickly and evenly, making application easier.

Another advantage is that this paint is waterproof, so that the toy remains protected against moisture and wear.

Liquid acrylic paint

Liquid acrylic paint is another suitable option for wooden toys. This type of paint includes a wide selection of colors and dries quickly. 

In addition, liquid acrylic paint is water-resistant and wear-resistant, which extends the life of the toy. 

It is a thicker paint than water-based paint and is often used for making paintings and works of art.

Liquid acrylic paint cannot be thinned with water, but it can be mixed with other acrylic paints to create new colours.

Acrylic paint is easy to mix, allowing you to realize a wide range of color projects.

Liquid acrylic paint is also easy to clean with soap and water.

Posca markers and acrylic markers

For applying fine details and patterns to wooden toys Posca markers or similar acrylic markers are an excellent choice. 

These markers are available in different thicknesses and colors, making it easy to choose the perfect marker for your specific project. 

In addition, these markers are water-based, making them safe for children.

In addition, there are brands that are committed to sustainability and the use of natural materials. 

By choosing this paint you contribute to a better environment and give your child a responsible toy.

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Advice for choosing the right child-friendly paint

There are several brands and types of child-friendly paint on the market.

It is important to know which paint is suitable for your wooden toys. 

Ask a paint specialist for advice or do your own research into the different types of paint and their benefits.

It is especially important to pay attention to the following aspects:

• Safety: is the paint free of harmful substances and does it comply with European directives?
• Quality: is the brand known for its good quality and durability?
• Suitability: is the paint suitable for wooden toys and can it be used both indoors and outdoors?

The best paint for wooden toys: essential for quality and safety

The quality of the paint is essential for the life of the wooden toy. Good paint ensures that the toys still look beautiful and colorful after years. 

Therefore choose a high quality paint that is resistant to intensive use and wear. 

This allows your child to enjoy the toy for days and it will continue to look fun and attractive over time.

Aesthetics and creativity: beautiful colors and finish

The right choice of paint contributes to the aesthetics of the wooden toy. Beautiful, bright colors and a good finish ensure that the toy is attractive to your child. 

This stimulates creativity and ensures that your child likes to play with the toy. 

Moreover, it is fun to choose colors and shapes together with your child that match their personal taste and preferences.

Taking the environment into account

By choosing the best paint for wooden toys, you also take the environment into account. 

For example, water-based paint is more environmentally friendly than solvent-based paint.

Advantages of water-based paint for wooden toys

Many companies offer an extensive range of safe water-based paints, giving you a wide choice of colors and quality.

Fast drying time and good adhesion

An important advantage of water-based paint is the fast drying time. 

This allows you to continue decorating or assembling the wooden toys almost immediately after applying the paint. 

In addition, the good adhesion of this paint ensures that the toy looks beautiful for years and can withstand intensive use.

Ease of use and easy cleaning

Water-based paint is very user-friendly. Applying the paint is easy and the result is often better than with other types of paint. 

In addition, cleaning brushes and other materials is a piece of cake, as water is enough to remove the paint.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Whether you want to paint indoor or outdoor wooden toys, water-based paint is suitable for both situations. 

This type of paint is resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, so that the toy stays beautiful for a long time, both indoors and outdoors.

Healthy choice for people and the environment

Finally, water-based paint is a healthy choice for both people and the environment. 

Because this paint is free of harmful substances, it contributes to a healthy living environment for children and adults. 

In addition, the production process of water-based paint is less harmful to the environment, so purchasing this paint is a sustainable choice.

In short, water-based paint offers numerous advantages when painting wooden toys.

It is safe, user-friendly and environmentally friendly, and ensures a long-lasting beautiful result. 

A responsible choice that you will not regret!

Choosing the perfect paint for wooden toys

There are many different colors of paint available for wooden toys. The range is very extensive, so you can find the perfect color that suits your child. 

For example, think of:

• Bright, cheerful colors that attract attention and are fun for young children
• Softer, pastel colors that are soothing and fit well in a calm environment
• Natural, wood tones that give the wooden toys an authentic look

Matte or glossy finish

When choosing the right paint color, it's also important to decide whether you want a matte or glossy finish. 

Matte paint has a subtle look and is less noticeable, while gloss paint is more noticeable and has a vibrant look. 

Both options are suitable for wooden toys, so it's mostly a matter of personal preference.

Outdoor or indoor use

When choosing wooden toys for outdoor use, it is important to choose paint that adheres well to the wood and can withstand the elements. 

This means that you should look for paint that is specifically suitable for outdoor use and will last a long time. 

For indoor toys, this is less important, but it's still a good idea to choose high-quality paint that will last.

Test and compare

Before making a final decision on the color of paint for wooden toys, it's a good idea to test and compare different colors and brands. 

This will give you a better idea of ​​how the paint looks on the wood and how it feels. 

You can also ask other parents questions or read online reviews to see which paint works best for wooden toys.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the perfect color of paint for wooden toys that is both safe and attractive to your child.

How do you paint wooden toys?

Before you start painting, it's important to clean the wooden toys properly.

Prepare a solution of soap and water and clean the toy thoroughly. 

Note any loose bits and carefully remove them. Then let the toy dry completely. 

A clean and dry surface ensures better paint adhesion and a better end result.

Choose the right paint

As discussed earlier, it is important to choose a safe and suitable paint for wooden toys. 

Go for a water-based paint, as it dries quickly, contains no hazardous substances and is easy to clean. 

There are several brands that offer water-based paints, so take the time to find the best option for your project.

Create a workplace

Provide a well-ventilated and uncluttered workplace. Place all necessary materials, such as brushes, paint and possibly masking tape, within reach. 

Protect the surface with a tarp or old newspapers to catch any paint splashes.

Step-by-step plan for applying the paint

Follow this step-by-step plan to apply the paint to the wooden toy for the best result:

Test the color

Before you start painting, it is useful to test the chosen color on an inconspicuous spot or a piece of residual wood. 

This way you can be sure that the color meets your wishes and you avoid disappointments.

Stir the paint well

Take the time to stir the paint well so that all the pigments are well mixed. This ensures an even color on the toy.

Paint in thin layers

Apply the paint in thin layers for a tight and even result. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. 

The number of layers depends on the opacity of the paint and the desired end result.

Sand between coats

For an extra smooth and professional result, you can lightly sand the toy between coats of paint. 

Use fine sandpaper for this and remove the dust with a damp cloth before proceeding with the next layer.

Let the paint harden properly

Although water-based paint dries quickly, it is important to give the toy enough time to fully cure. 

This prevents damage and ensures a durable result.

By following these steps you will create a beautifully and safely painted wooden toy that your child will enjoy for years to come. 

Good luck and above all have fun refurbishing the toys!

Extend the life of paint on wooden toys

To extend the life of the paint on wooden toys, it is important to start with good preparation. 

Make sure the wood is well treated before you start painting. Lightly sand the toy first and then apply a coat of primer. 

This ensures better adhesion of the paint and helps to extend its life.

Beech is the easiest to treat, as this is a strong type of wood that is resistant to moisture and juices. 

Use stain or oil

To extend the life of the paint on wooden toys, consider using stain or oil. 

Stain penetrates deeper into the wood and protects it against moisture, while oil nourishes the wood and provides a beautiful shine. 

Both options are available in different shades, so you can always find a color that matches the toy.

Treat the toy regularly

To ensure that the paint on wooden toys stays beautiful for as long as possible, it is important to treat the toys regularly. 

This can be done, for example, by occasionally lightly sanding the toy and applying a new layer of paint. 

This ensures that the paint adheres well and extends its life.

Paint versus oil or stain

Water-based paint adheres to the surface of the wooden toy and provides good protection. It dries quickly and contains no hazardous substances.

However, stain penetrates deep into the wood, so stained wood is perfectly protected against moisture not only on the outside, but also on the inside of the wood.

Oil does almost the same as stain, but to a lesser extent, you will have to repeat a treatment with oil more often.

Oil gives a beautiful shine and keeps the wooden toys in perfect condition, it prevents the toys from becoming too dry and cracking.

Conclusion

When painting wooden toys, safety comes first.

Water-based paint is an extremely suitable choice, because it is free of harmful substances. 

This way children can play with the toys without any worries and the environment is spared. 

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.