[MR] A & S question - finishing wood

[David Chessler]

At 08:30 PM 12/2/2007, Karen Summerfelt-Hume wrote:
>MOstly good info but, sorry, paint does not - even in several layers 
>- waterproof wood completely.  It will slow down water absorption 
>but not eliminate it.

Latex paint won't, but this may be OK if you're not using it for 
storage. Alkyd paint will block all water. Consider Rustoleum

>  I mentioned polyurethane in an earlier e-mail but I should also 
> have mentioned using a marine grade varnish as this is made for use 
> on watercraft and should also serve the purpose as well.   I would 
> check the marine grade varnish as I am not aware of whether or not 
> it's food grade safe but then I'm not sure there are any food grade 
> safe paints, varnishes , shellacs or finishes as such.  I could be 
> wrong but most food grade surfaces nowadays seem to be plastic or metal.

Yes. But paints for baby furniture and toys have to be food grade 
because the kids put everything in their mouths, and, when teething, chew.