Finish unfinished ply?

[FestMax]

I finally laid up my toddler bed. 1" 17-ply for the rails and head/foot boards. Both end boards stand proud of the rails by about six inches. I connected everything with 1x1 maple edge trimming. I doweled the end boards and rails into the maple with my Domino. What a great tool. Everything fit tight and square.

Now I'm wondering what's the best way to finish this? I need something child safe - so thinking water based though I'm worried about the ply fuzzing up.

I'd like to use a solid pigment for the maple trim to add color then seal the whole thing.

So questions to the group -
1)  any recommended paint?
2) do I paint each piece separately and glue together afterward?
3) how best to seal the whole thing once assembled?

Thanks

 

[gkaiseril]

To eliminate the fuzzing or the plywood by water based anything, just dampen the wood with water, let dry, and then sand the raised grain. That should eliminate that issue.

Water based does not eliminate the possible toxins, after all there can be lead in water. Water is just a carrier for the finishing material. Also it is a fact that some paints and finishes are toxic in the liquid state but once cured are non-toxic. I would look for products that are child safe and not does contain any harmful chemicals. The paint and stain should be marked as child safe.

Pre-finishing or priming will before assembly will minimize any bare spaces when assembled. Just remember to keep most of the contact area for gluing free of finish. If it is take apart I would finish the parts prior to assembly. Otherwise, just finish after assembly.

I would finish off with a polyurethane, shellac, or varnish final coat to seal everything.

 

[sancho57]

Woodcraft and others sell a non toxic  finish that is good for children

 

[Danial1981]

Good old Shellac is child friendly. I realize that it's suppose to be used for French Polishing. However it can be brushed or sprayed on with light sanding in between coats. its a fantastic sealer and makes the timber grain pop. 

 

[FestMax]

All - thank you for the info.
I'm leaning towards a shellac coat on the ply. A water-based pigment paint on the solid wood trim then a water-based polyurethane coat on the whole thing to protect it from the inevitable damage little people cause.

Any thoughts on whether this would work or what product in particular you like?