Wooden toys hold timeless appeal, offering kids a safe, natural and durable alternative to modern plastics. Adding color makes unfinished wooden toys visually pleasing while protecting the wood and enhancing its longevity. However, not all paints have a toy-safe formulation ideal for playthings such as wooden blocks — many contain harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that don’t meet safety standards for children’s little hands (and mouths!). When you want to know how to paint wooden toys for children, turn to Real Milk Paint for a non-toxic formulation safe for food contact, reliable paint adhesion on wooden surfaces and a durable finish that holds up well to frequent handling.
How to Paint Wooden Toys
Step 1: Choose the Right Wooden Toys for Painting
Not all wood absorbs paint the same way, so selecting the right type makes a big difference when painting wooden toys. For instance, unfinished wooden toys absorb milk paint the best. Sanded wood surfaces with no rough edges ensure good adhesion, a smooth surface and added safety for little ones. Likewise, hardwoods such as maple, birch, or beech offer long-term durability and a fine grain that is ideal for children’s toys and imbues a polished look.
For the best results when painting wood toys, avoid those with varnish, which repels paint and requires stripping before application. Likewise, wooden toys made from softwoods with knots often contain sap that bleeds through the paint, making these playthings less than ideal for successful projects.
Step 2: Prepare the Wooden Surface
When you want to know how to paint wood toys, start the process by properly preparing the surface.
- Sand the Toys: First, sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper between 120 and 150 grit. This process smooths out rough edges and creates a soft finish that lets paint penetrate deeply into the pores of the wood. To prevent scratches and get the best results, sand in the wood grain’s natural direction.
- Clean the Surface: After sanding, wipe wooden toys down with tri-sodium phosphate to clean dust from the surface and remove residue. Cleaning matters because leftover dust and debris can cause uneven paint absorption.
- Repair Cracks or Imperfections: If the wood has small cracks and dents, fill them in with a child-safe Real Wood Filler. Next, sand the areas you repaired once they’re completely dry to ensure your painted wooden toys have a safe, smooth surface.
Step 3: Choose Child-Safe Paint – Why Use Milk Paint?
Real Milk Paint meets specific safety standards. Its non-toxic, food-safe formulation makes wooden toys safe for kids who like to chew, and its no VOCs make it safe to use indoors. Made from all-natural biodegradable ingredients, it eschews harmful chemicals and heavy metals for safe coverage.
Choose vibrant, cheerful colors that draw kids’ eyes and hands to painted toys. For instance, bright colors like Fresh Lemon add a sunny feel to wooden blocks, while vivid hues like Barn Red work great on wagons and rocking horses. Choose lively shades like Blue Lagoon for swings or Goldenrod for specialty pieces such as kids’ kitchen sets.
Step 4: Mix and Apply Milk Paint
Mixing the Paint
Real Milk Paint comes as a powder that needs to be mixed with water at a 1:1 ratio before application. Stir the mixture until smooth, then wait about 15 minutes for the foam to subside before using it. If you want to get started right away, add an Anti-Foaming Agent to prepare the mixture sooner.
Applying the Paint
To achieve the best results, use painting techniques well-suited for Real Milk Paint. To avoid dripping, apply multiple thin coats to the wooden toys with a soft-bristle paintbrush. Let the first coat dry completely for roughly 30 minutes before applying another. Add additional coats to achieve the desired color intensity.
Step 5: Seal the Paint for Durability and Safety
1. Pure Tung Oil (Best for a Natural Finish)
Apply Pure Tung Oil after painting unfinished wooden toys for a 100% plant-based, food-safe finish. This finishing oil absorbs deeply into wood to add a waterproof barrier and enhances the natural grain without adding a glossy look.
2. Wood Wax (Best for a Soft, Matte Finish)
Made from natural beeswax and carnauba wax, Wood Wax provides a smooth, silky texture to painted wooden toys and a light protective barrier. This sealing option works best for children’s toys that don’t need heavy-duty coverage or protection.
3. Hemp Oil
Choose Hemp Oil for deep penetration and a soft, natural look. As a naturally thin, hypoallergenic oil, it absorbs into the wood for long-lasting protection without leaving a greasy residue. It enhances the richness of milk paint while maintaining a smooth, satin-like finish.
Step 6: Allow the Toys to Cure
Letting wooden toys for kids cure fully ensures the finish hardens properly before use. Tung Oil-coated and waxed surfaces cure lightly in 7 to 15 days and fully in 30 days. For the best results, store them in a warm, well-ventilated area during curing.
Caring for Painted Wooden Toys
When wooden painted toys need cleaning, wipe them down with a damp cloth instead of soaking them in water. Store toys indoors when not in use to prevent added wear and tear, and reapply oil or wax as needed to maintain their durability over time. Remember—a little care helps you maintain the beauty of painted wooden toys for years.
Bring Your Wooden Toys to Life With Real Milk Paint
Now that you know how to paint wooden toys, you can create colorful, durable, child-safe playthings while enjoying a fun DIY project. Using Real Milk Paint keeps kids’ toys free from toxins, ensures their eco-friendliness and helps you feel confident in their safety for little hands and mouths. Ready to start your project? Shop Milk Paint today and discover a world of vibrant, child-safe possibilities.
