#Very low VOC finish options for SPF staked bed

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

sharp goblet
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I am getting close to completing Chris Schwartz's staked bed from the Anarchist's Design Book for my daughter. The stock is lumberyard SPF construction lumber. I'm wondering what good options are for an interior finish on softwoods like this?

A particular requirement is that it be very, very low VOC. We have some chemical sensitivities in the family and I'd hate to be giving her migraines when she sleeps in her new bed.

In the past, I've been content with hardware store Boiled Linseed Oil on small projects like stools and shop furniture, but I know now that there is lots more than Linseed oil in there. For low-touch completely indoor items, is no finish at all a safe choice for the wood? If not, are there oil or oil/wax combinations that are less odiferous?

My last concern is that this is a particularly large area so something that doesn't cost a fortune, nor take a toothpick or a week to apply would be nice.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can offer.

balmy ruin
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Once finishes are completely done curing, they won't be releasing VOCs. If you're worried about VOCs during the application process, shellac is a solid choice.

small yoke
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technically, alcohols are VOC, but unless it’s methanol, it is of low concern 😄

glad venture
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The hardward/big box store shellac still isn't amazing. But you could get shellac flakes and pure ethanol and it's basically food safe if you wanted.

solemn temple
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If you have a powered buffer, just burnishing in solid coat of beeswax may work? It's more protection than raw wood, so if you're willing to go with raw wood, it'll work.

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dunno if I'd want to do it with a polissoir or something

sharp goblet
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I'm going to go with shellac, thanks everyone!

keen nimbus
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I use pure tung oil and citrus solvent (50/50). No VOC and actually smells nice. It's also easy to apply.

small yoke
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er, citrus solvent is a VOC, isn’t it?

keen nimbus
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Damn, actually had to look that up again. Looks like the vapors can be flammable. I was wrong on the VOC, but it is still a lot safer than some other options.

spice stone
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I have been enjoying "Tried and True". It's a mixture of polymerized linseed oil and natural resins. It's food contact safe with no VOCs

sharp goblet
spice stone
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Before when I took some classes at Rockler the instructor said that he used the Tried and True Varnish oil and that it was good for strengthening the wood due to resins that cure in the wood. He told me to rub it in, make sure there is no residue and let cure 24 hours. Then add Tried and True Original (it has beeswax) if I want water resistance to rub that in and buff it and let it cure.

I have been using it on bowls, cutting boards and kitchen utensils with better success than mineral oil and beeswax.

I have also finished a bowl with Odies Oil which is nice but I found it difficult to justify the price of $55 a pint.