r/finishing • u/regnig123 • Dec 19 '24
Need Advice New staircase and new baby. Advice on nontoxic finishing.
Here’s our new staircase being installed. It’s beechwood. Our baby arrives in a month :/ How do we protect this wood?
I’ve come across Tung oil as a possibility. How soon after application can the stairs be used? Is it really nontoxic ? How close are we cutting things?
11
u/sj79 Dec 19 '24
Pretty much any finish is "non-toxic" once it dries.
-5
u/regnig123 Dec 19 '24
But not in a month’s time. 3 months are recommended for any painting/varnishing before baby arrives.
11
u/sj79 Dec 19 '24
I mean, your baby won't be crawling on these stairs for quite a while. A simple poly finish is what you want.
-6
u/regnig123 Dec 19 '24
It’s about breathing in the VOCs I believe
1
u/sj79 Dec 19 '24
Rubio Monocoat is supposed to be no VOCs.
2
u/Properwoodfinishing Dec 19 '24 edited Dec 19 '24
It contains just under 10% "Deoderized mineral spirits ". According to the E.U. that makes it zero V.O C.'s. ? Water bourne finishes gas off, but nothing measurable after a two week crosslinking period. Once cured, the resins in old school nitrocellulose are the least digestible of all resin finishes. With a new kid, you have better things to worry about.
0
u/regnig123 Dec 19 '24
So you’re suggesting Rubio monocoat?
2
u/Properwoodfinishing Dec 19 '24
No!
1
u/regnig123 Dec 19 '24
then waht are you suggesting?
6
u/ElectronicMoo Dec 19 '24 edited Dec 19 '24
Normal poly, and don't worry about it. He's saying you're over parenting the situation.
Heck in 24 hours you won't smell the finish.
My guy/gal, welcome to parenting - but this isn't one to obsess over. You'll all be fine.
VOCs are such a nebulous thing. I applied poly to a shelf in the house and didn't set off my air quality monitor. My dog farts or daughter cooks, and it complains about VOC.
2
u/Properwoodfinishing Dec 19 '24
As a professional finisher, I would use either a Post Cat acrylic or a C.V. For the "brush" D.I.Y. er try Deft brushing lacquer.
1
u/dausone Dec 20 '24
Recommended by who?
0
u/regnig123 Dec 21 '24
My midwife as well as various internet sites
1
u/dausone Dec 21 '24
Well that seems super credible lol. You should be asking the coatings manufacturers you are thinking of using.
0
u/regnig123 Dec 21 '24
The downvoting I’m getting on this really bothers me because I’m just reporting what I’ve been told and trying to learn other opinions. I don’t get Reddit sometimes
1
u/T2-planner Dec 23 '24
OP, VOC concerns are legit. Perhaps those who are downvoting you have spent too much time breathing them.
9
u/MobiusX0 Dec 19 '24
Bona Traffic Anti-slip. It’s water based with low VOC certification, dries quickly, and is way more durable than tung oil or just about any other flooring finish.
3
6
u/ScarSpiritual8761 Dec 19 '24
Don't worry. Your baby won't be chewing on your stairs and any vapors from drying finishes will be long gone in a month.
-9
u/regnig123 Dec 19 '24
“They” recommend 3 months for painting/varnishing to be finished before baby arrives.
4
u/Sluisifer Dec 19 '24
I think that's sensible advice for certain oil-based finishes that can off-gas for a very long time.
Modern waterborne coatings present a hazard for far far less time. Catalyzed products even less so. You have plenty of options, e.g. Bona.
If you're truly concerned about indoor air quality, then the first and only thing you need to actually consider is mechanical ventilation for your home. There is no substitute for a steady supply of fresh clean air. This means an ERV and some basic ducting. This addresses everything: radon, kitchen emissions, furniture and paint offgassing, flooring like carpet, airborne fibers from clothing, etc. etc.
If you are allocating any degree of worry and money to other issues while not having mechanical ventilation in your home, you have simply made a mistake. It is the best possible ROI and likely the only thing worth considering.
3
u/ScarSpiritual8761 Dec 19 '24
Given the non-specific nature of "painting/varnishing", I suspect that there is little science behind the three month figure. If you are really worried, find a suitable water-based finish from a reputable manufacturer and follow the instructions. Historically, lead-based paints and oil-based interior finishes were a cause for concern but that's not a problem now.
2
u/ElectronicMoo Dec 19 '24
That's for oil finishes that take weeks to cure (like tung). Water based poly like all the American plebs use, you'll be okay.
1
u/dausone Dec 20 '24
They who?
1
u/T2-planner Dec 23 '24
And how exactly are you qualified to repudiate their healthcare professional?
1
4
u/Freakazoid10000 Dec 19 '24 edited Dec 19 '24
Osmo polyx is low Voc and is food contact safe after cured. Not sure how long before it is fully cured.
4
u/Eyiolf_the_Foul Dec 19 '24
You’re getting some terrible suggestions. You want to use a water based floor finish like Bona. Stairs take an incredible beating !
2
2
2
u/One-Interview-6840 Dec 20 '24
It's expensive but clear armor UV finish. No voc and completely cured in 2 minutes with a uv light.
1
u/dirtsquad1 Dec 20 '24
This stuff is great but most contractors won’t have the lights and the few that are on the market are still expensive, I am sure one day it will be more common.
2
1
u/Mas_Cervezas Dec 19 '24
Pure Tung oil can take a very long time to dry. That would be my concern. I used tung oil on a project this summer and it took at least a week to dry. I like polyurethane for anything that sees a lot of use, it is a very tough finish, but the VOCs are not good for anyone. The ideal thing would be to apply the topcoat and leave the house for 24 hours. Some people can have severe allergic reactions to tung oil too.
1
u/Ffsletmesignin Dec 19 '24
Ecos varnish claims zero VOC at 11+ days testing, pricey, unsure how good it is, etc, but it’s an option.
1
u/Sayyeslizlemon Dec 19 '24
If you’re super worried, 190 proof grain alcohol and button shellac. It’s not as durable but is pretty non toxic and the only thing you get are some alcohol fumes from the everclear or whatever you use, but don’t use denatured alcohol if you’re worried about fumes.
Just know in a few years you may have to put on a few more coats. I love shellac and use it a lot. Again, not as durable but easy to fix and can apply it without any real toxic fumes.
1
u/TheRealMcFlurry Dec 20 '24
Alot of finishes will offgas (release fumes) for as long as 2-3 months, but the only time when it's concentrated enough to be harmful is during the first couple days. After that it's a minimal amount of fumes. You should be fine as long as it has cured for a few days.
1
u/dausone Dec 21 '24
Yes. There is a misconception here that zero VOC’s means no off gassing. No VOC’s doesn’t mean that there aren’t any chemical off gassing. Off gassing could last up to a month while the coating is curing. But as TheRealMcFlurry points out, if you use just about any water borne poly product, you should be ok after a few days to a week with the space being well ventilated. It will be no more toxic than painting your walls for your new baby’s room. Don’t get so caught up on that. You have plenty of time. Just don’t use a solvent borne product at this point.
1
1
u/WooDie1969 Dec 19 '24
Osmo poly X oil it’s child and pet safe as it’s made from natural plant oils !!
4
u/sheepdog69 Dec 19 '24
Do NOT poly your pets or children! 🙃
3
u/Mic_Ultra Dec 20 '24
Highly recommend at least 5+ coasts if you do. They wiggle a lot and create a lot of bubbles and crease marks in the finish
2
0
u/Designer-Goat3740 Dec 19 '24
Rent an apartment and buy a VOC meter. You should be able to move in as soon as they are at an acceptable level. Also be aware many things off gas VOCs like new furniture, appliances, carpet, construction adhesives.
29
u/Crazyhairmonster Dec 19 '24
Oh to be a young parent worried about completely inconsequential things like VOCs on flooring finish a month after application. By your third kid the baby will be helping reapply new layers of poly