Painting & staining childrens rooms, toys & furniture

Q. I was wondering if you have any glow in the dark paint I would like to paint some pictures on the wall for my son to see.

A. Yes we do, it is called Resene FX Nightlight.

March 2023

Q. I want to paint quite a large concrete play area (I have a design using up to 8 different colours). What paint type/finish would you suggest? It will be used by children so needs to be non-slip when wet.

A. We recommend sealing with one coat of Resene Sureseal, followed by two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen. Resene SRG Grit can be added to the Resene Lumbersider for a non-slip effect. This is a product we sell but you add it yourself either by adding it to the paint for the final coat or sprinkling it to the still-wet first coat and once dry follow with the second coat. This way you can control how much grit and wear you'd like it.

Please note, adding any paint system will add a level of maintenance, and grit does reduce cleanability. Please be sure that the concrete does not have any moisture issues before starting ass any moisture that can get into the concrete can push the paint off and form bubbles as the moisture comes to the surface.

March 2023

Q. I have a small outdoor standalone playhouse for my children made from what looks to be thinly cut wooden planks, it is in need of some weather protection (to prevent mould and water damage) and some bright paint. I need primer and topcoats to ensure the playhouse is safe from weather and water damage.

A. If the timber is clean and dry, you can apply three full coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in a colour of your choice.

If this is for new timber, apply a coat of Resene Wood Primer and then finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen topcoat colour.

January 2023

Q. Please recommend a waterbased enamel that is chip resistant on kid’s furniture.

A. Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss and Resene Enamacryl gloss are our two hardy waterborne enamels that are suitable for most furniture options, including children’s furniture.

However, all paint systems will chip from mechanical damage.

January 2023

Q. What is the best option to seal a CCA treated pine children's play fort to minimise leaching?

A. The best system would be to prime with one coat of Resene Wood Primer (oil based) followed by two topcoats of either Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen or Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss. These topcoats are both water-based and can be applied directly over the Resene Wood Primer. Please consider the use of Resene CoolColour technology if you are using a dark shade to reflect more heat.

April 2022

Q. How do I stain or varnish an old cot? If I had to paint it, what would I use?

A. For a solid colour finish, apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

For a stained finish, apply a coat of Resene Colorwood Stain colour then finish with three coats of Resene Aquaclear Gloss.

Allow the paint system to cure for at least two weeks in a well-ventilated area then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before placing into use.

These products are Environmental Choice approved so contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

October 2021

Q. I have a Mocka high chair that the varnish has been worn away. On the food tray is the worst damage. I want to repair it for further use and am wondering what varnish or lacquer I can safely use?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to profile/degloss to a smooth surface with 220 grit sandpaper. Then apply three coats of Resene Aquaclear stain, semi-gloss or gloss (not Resene Aquaclear Natural).

October 2021

Q. I need to seal stained wood ready to paint white but I have an infant so need a waterbased low VOC option. Which primer and topcoat do you recommend?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the stained timber surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. For the stained wood apply a coat of Resene StainLock then two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel topcoat, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

September 2021

Q. I have some wooden baby nursery toys I would like to paint. I am wondering if Resene does a product which is waterbased and nontoxic? Or if you would have a similar recommendation? They could end up in babies mouths so I am looking for a safe product to use.

A. Suggest you use Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen, or Resene testpot colours (made with Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen) if you only want small quantities. Both are Environmental Choice NZ approved and contain no heavy metal pigments or formaldehyde. After painting leave to cure for a couple of weeks then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before handing over to baby. You can apply Resene Quick Dry first, which is also Environmental Choice approved, before topcoating.

August 2021

Q. I am fixing up a children’s table and chairs set. Can you please recommend what paint I should use that is safe for children to eat off, and that will also be able to withstand a lot of cleaning?

A. The toughest Environmental Choice NZ approved paint for this application would be Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

August 2021

Q. Which interior low sheen paint type is best for frequent wiping down? Kids and their handprints = lots of wiping walls.

A. Use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

August 2021

Q. I have made three desks for grandkids to study on and have painted them with white waterborne enamel. We have recently realised the paint is wearing quite badly along the front edge of the desk where they are obviously being leaned on. What should I use instead?

A. The best approach would be to change to a solventborne topcoat such as Resene Lusta-Glo. Resene Lustacryl is a waterborne enamel and when cured is harder wearing than a conventional waterborne paint but not as hard as a solventborne enamel.

Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo topcoat.

June 2021

Q. What paints are non-toxic for children toys? Are the testpots non toxic?

A. All Resene Environmental Choice approved paints contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde and are therefore considered safe for children exposure after the paint system has fully cured, this includes testpot paints.

I suggest that painted toys are allowed to cure for at least two weeks in a well ventilated area and then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before handing over to the children.

June 2021

Q. Which paint can I use that is safe for use on a cubby house for our 2 year old daughter?

A. Apply a prime coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen colour. If there is an existing factory primer, sand using 220 grit sandpaper to profile for priming.

April 2021

Q. Is your fly deterrent product safe to use on the ceiling of a bedroom for expecting mothers and newborn/infant babies?

A. The repellent is based on the same insect repellent used in topical insect repellents. It does not kill flies, only repels them. Discouraging them sitting on the surface reduces the number and size of fly spots.

March 2021

Q. I am looking to paint a wooden cart for a child and would appreciate your advice on which paints would work best for wood which are 100% baby/child friendly?

A. Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen, three coats direct to timber, would be our recommendation, the paint has Environment Choice NZ approval and contains no heavy metal pigments or formaldehyde. Allow the paint system to dry for at least two weeks then wipe down using a cloth and warm water before placing into service.

February 2021

Q. I have a baby cradle that the next generation want to use. The veneer edging has come off in places and we want to remove the veneer and paint the edges in a black paint. What paint should we use?

A. After removing the veneer, I assume that you will see a solid timber base to which the veneer was glued. Assuming this is the case, then sand and apply a prime coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl topcoat colour. After completing painting leave the paint system to cure for a minimum of two weeks than wipe down with a cloth and warm water before placing into use. Both products are Environmental Choice NZ approved.

January 2021

Q. Can I repaint a varnished cot with paint?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to profile (220 grit) then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Leave the completed paint system to dry for two weeks then wipe down with a cloth and water. The paints are both NZ Environmental Choice approved and contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

December 2020

Q. Quick question around infants and newly painted rooms. What duration do you recommend to wait when using Resene Zylone Sheen before reintroducing the infant back into that space?

A. I suggest at least two days with good ventilation as a minimum time of non-occupancy. This gives the time for the paint to cure more. Often children go back into a room sooner.fo

November 2020

Q. I would like to paint a child's cot. Could you please advise which paint I need to buy? It needs to be a safe paint as children tend to chew and bit on the sides of the cot.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Thoroughly sand the surface then dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Both paints are Environmental Choice Approved.

After completing the painting leave to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water and a cloth then the furniture can be used.

May 2020

Q. What undercoat and paint can I use on a baby’s cot? Just looking at a white but believe it needs to be VOC free?

A. Prime with Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Both paints are Environmental Choice NZ approved. If the cot is painted or varnished thoroughly sand to profile for recoating.

April 2020

Q. I am currently designing and building a playground. We need to coat the concrete walls in a clear low sheen graffiti protection product. What would you recommend?

A. Apply a saturation coat of Resene Solventborne Aquapel and leave to cure for at least 48 hours.

Apply a full coat of Resene Concrete Clear Gloss (there must be a full, even coat applied as misses will show up as milky patches when the Uracryl 404 Clear is applied) and leave to dry for at least 48 hours. Then apply three coats of Resene Uracryl 404 Clear.

October 2019

Q. Do you have a paint that is suitable to use on a wooden toy I've made?  It's for a toddler who still sticks things in his mouth so I want to make sure what I paint the toy with won't hurt him.  Obviously if we see him do it we will stop him but you know what kids are like.

A. We recommend Resene Lumbersider or Resene testpot colours.

Q. I am looking for a child-safe stain for wooden blocks in brilliant colours.

A. We recommend Resene Colorwood.

Q. I am looking at staining some wooden toys and just wonder whether the wood interior stains would be appropriate. They are toys not designed to go in the mouth but with kids you never know.

A. Resene Colorwood is an Resene Environment Choice Approved product and will be suitable for staining wooden toys.  The stained timber is usually protected by application of Resene Aquaclear, which is also Environmental Choice approved.

Q. I am looking for a child safe stain for wooden blocks in brilliant colours

A. We recommend Resene Colorwood wood stain.

Q. We are making toys for children and want to know what the safest paint and stain is with varnish we can use for the toys.

A. Resene Colorwood stains for staining and Resene Aquaclear waterborne varnish for clear coating. Both products have Resene Environmental Choice approval.

Q. As a member of Men's Shed, I have a community project to repaint a child's therapy toy which is used at a playgroup of Downs Syndrome children. The 'pegs' and the board need to be painted using child safe paint. 

Can you advise if the paint in the Resene testpots is suitable for this application or of a more appropriate product? I will need seven different colours, a small amount of each - a testpot would be enough. 

A. Resene testpots are filled with one of our Environmental Choice Approved NZ paints, so yes to your question.

After painting, leave for a couple of weeks to fully cure then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before placing into use.

Q. Which paints in your range (if any) would be safe to use on a baby's cot? The cot is currently stained/varnished - unsure of the original product used. I think we would need to sand before repainting.

A. Thoroughly sand, dust off and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Leave the paint system to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water, rinsing the cloth often before placing into use.

Both products are Environmental Choice Approved and contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

Q. Which paints in your range (if any) would be safe to use on a baby's cot? The cot is currently stained/varnished - unsure of the original product used. I think we would need to sand before repainting.

A. Thoroughly sand, dust off and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Leave the paint system to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water, rinsing the cloth often before placing into use.

Both products are Environmental Choice Approved and contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

Q. I am restoring wooden toys for children. What varnish can I use to protect the paint please? It also needs to be non-toxic.

A. Suggest you use Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I am looking to paint a large wooden doll house that we have. It was made about 30 years ago. Can you advise what paint is best for this application? i.e. safe for kids.

A. We recommend Resene Lumbersider.

Q. I want to paint my child’s wooden high chair and want to use non-toxic safe paint. What do you recommend?

A. Ensure the surfaces are clean and then sand (220 grit sandpaper) to profile for painting. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow the paint to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water and detergent before placing in use. Both products are Resene Environmental Choice Approved and contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

Q. I am hoping you can help me with painting a wooden cot for a baby. It is wooden with a clear shiny coating on it probably polyurethane. My plan was to lightly sand this and then apply a primer and topcoat. What primer and topcoat should I use that is safe if baby decides to chew the cot as they do?

A. We recommend Resene Quick Dry for the primer and two coats of Resene Lustacryl for the topcoats. Allow the completed paint system to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water before placing into use.

Q. I'm just finishing the railings for my baby's cot. I have some of your Resene Danska Teak Oil which I'd like to put on the rails before I put everything together however I wanted to check that this product is safe in the event the baby chews on the rails in the future. Can you please confirm?

A. The product is based on a natural vegetable oil with added driers, the driers are lead free. I suggest that you wait until the oil is hard dry then leave for an additional two weeks then wipe down with warm water and a detergent before using the cot.

We are not aware of any safety issues with the cured oil.

Q. I want to paint my child's highchair but I'm unsure of which paint would be safe and easily able to be wiped down. The highchair is wooden with a varnish that is wearing off. Which paint would you recommend?

A. It may need a thorough sand before painting, then dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Allow the completed paint system to cure for a couple of weeks then wipe down with warm water before commissioning.

Q. I am looking to paint a baby's cot and wondering which paint is the correct paint to use. It’s currently varnished, I am sanding back and plan to use the waterborne primer from Resene that blocks bleed from any leftover varnish. Just curious as which the safest paint will be for topcoat.

A. Resene Lustacryl would be our recommendation. Allow the paint to dry for at least two weeks then wipe down using warm water before using.

Q. Please recommend the type of paint to use for painting a kid's kitchen. I was going to paint two coats of pigmented sealer over the top of a factory painted product.

A. Resene Sureseal is usually used for priming a bare cementitious surface not a painted surface. The coating that comes with the unit is unknown and could be a number of factor applied paint types. My suggestion would be to thoroughly sand using 220 grit sandpaper then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I have recently started making wooden toys and would like to paint them using your product and coat them with a varnish of some type to ensure they are long lasting.

I see that you have listed many of your products as safe for use on toys as per the NZ standards 2003 which is great but I just want to know if you have this against a more recent version of the standards Just want to make sure that I am using products that are completely safe as they often end up getting chewed on.

A. We recommend that you use Resene Aquaclear, it is an Environmental Choice Approved waterborne clear varnish. However we have not had the cured clear film reviewed for compliance to an NZ toy safety standard.

Q. Do you have paint which is safe for babies to chew? I want to paint a cot.

A. We recommend using Resene Environmental Choice paints such as Resene Lustacryl  for this application; allow the paint to dry for two weeks, and then wipe down with warm water and a cloth, rinsing the cloth often before putting the cot back into use.

Q. I want to paint our change table, in our new Plunket rooms. It is made from wood. Someone recommended chalk finish paint? It is bare.

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, then sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Dust down, and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. Which paint can I safely use to paint my baby's cot?

A. Any Resene Environmental Choice paint may be used, such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Leave the paint system to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before placing into service.

Q. We have just renovated a bedroom for the baby we are expecting in November. What would be the best undercoat to put straight onto the plasterboard? Also, is there a specific ceiling paint we should be using? We would like to keep the theme of wood and white throughout our house, as we have native wood (which we will keep around the windows, skirting and scotia). We quite like the colour Resene Alabaster or a shade of it, but are yet to try a testpot of the colour in the room. Is there something in Resene paint that will deter flies from pooping on it?

A. Paint bare plasterboard with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer then Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Use Resene Ceiling Paint for the ceiling. Resene Fly Deterrent can be added to the ceiling paint; it is a deterrent but contains no active to kill flies. Its efficacy will diminish over time.

Q. I am in the process of painting a child's high chair. I would like to use Resene Uracryl 403 as a finish coat because of its durability. I am concerned about the toxicity of that paint as to whether it would be suitable for that application? Would it be safe for children once it has dried hard please?

A. Once the Resene Uracryl 403 film is fully cured there are no significant issues associated with the use you intend. Allow to cure for at least two weeks in a well ventilated area before using.

Q. I am repairing a MDF toy box, which I think has been powdercoated. What method and products can I use to prepare the surface for painting over? I've tried sanding, but it's taking a long time to get through the layers, and the surface is still too smooth for painting. I've had to sand back the toy box to remove chips in the paint, as well as get an even surface, in order to fill some holes etc.

Parts of the MDF box are dark blue with the rest white and I'd like to repaint it in Resene Tutti Fruitti, to match other projects I've done.

A. The following system would be our recommendation for a powdercoated surface:

Step 1: Thoroughly wash down with a 2% solution of Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner concentrate and water to remove all dirt, grease, stains, dust and other contaminants. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry.

Step 2: For best results, thoroughly wet sand with 220 grit wet and dry paper to aid adhesion. Wipe down with a cloth and water to remove sanding debris.

Note 1: While sanding will give the best results, this can be omitted where contact with the painted surface is low frequency.

Adhesion primer: 1 coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave to cure for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Topcoat with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I want to sand back and paint my old wooden doll’s cot and highchair, and would like to know what paint would be suitable and safe, as it will be for my infant daughter.

A. After sanding, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Leave the paint to cure for two weeks in a warm, well ventilated area, and then wipe down the painted surfaces with water and a cloth then place back into service. Both paints are Resene Environmental Choice approved paints.

Q. I need to paint my baby's cot. What product is safe to use - given the baby will chew on it when it is teething? The coat is an oak IKEA one, with a clear stain.

A. I assume by clear stain you mean varnish over a stain. Thoroughly sand the existing paint/clear system and then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Both products are Environmental Choice Approved. Leave the painted cot to cure for a couple of weeks, and then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before placing into service.

Q. I want to paint a baby's cot. What paint do you recommend? The cot is painted white and I only need to sand it a little. It's in good condition.

A. Sand, then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Leave to dry for two weeks in a well ventilated area, then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before placing back into use.

Q. I want to re-coat a rimu wooden cot; I believe its stained rimu. I'm not sure what product is safe to use.

A. Suggest that you sand using 220 grit sandpaper then dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow to cure for at least two weeks in a well ventilated area then wipe down painted surfaces with a cloth and warm water, changing water at least once during this. When dry you can put the cot back into service. Both paint products are Environmental Choice Approved.

Q. Is your paint safe to use on kids toys and furniture? Also is there any sealer that is needed.

A. Environmental Choice Approved paints are suitable to use for painting timber toys and the like. If the wood is new then you can apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider and then leave to dry for at least two weeks to fully harden then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before handing over.

Q. I need to know if, when I painted my walls with high VOC paint could I have exposed my children to the VOC? The can label says High Gloss Enamel based. It’s all over my dining room walls and it says it’s washable on the can but it doesn’t come off with water, it’s very oily? One of my children experienced a migraine type headache two days after painting.

A. Solventborne enamel paints do contain VOCs but the VOC type and levels can vary with the brand. As long as there is good ventilation in the painted areas the VOCs usually come off the paint and are dissipated to the exterior within seven days. Ventilation is the key to removal of VOCs from a painted room. A one off exposure to these does not normally result in any long term health issues.

Q. Is Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel safe to paint an infant's cot in terms of toxicity?

A. The product is an Environmental Choice Approved paint and contains no heavy metals and is low in VOC (volatile organic content). Allow the paint system to cure for two weeks then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before placing into use.

Q. I have been buying your testpots and using them to paint wooden toys I'm making. I just got advised in another store that no interior paint is safe!! Can you give me any advice because I have made quite a few toys?

A. Resene testpots are made using a Resene Environmental Choice Approved paint. If the painted items are allowed to cure for two weeks then wiped down with warm water and a cloth then we see no issues with the coated items being used for children toys.

Q. I want to paint my house and I have a little baby. I want to know, is there any chemical material that is not good for the baby? Can I move in to the house immediately after I have painted the house or do I have to wait for a few days?

A. If you use a Resene Environmental Choice Paint System and leave the paint to cure with good ventilation of at least two weeks, then there are no known issues with using the room for a baby.

Q. I have a plastic piece of kid’s furniture which I'd like to paint. Your comments say that metallic paints need a coloured basecoat. Does that mean the base coat has to be same colour as the topcoat?

A. The basecoat is a solid colour which is needed to achieve the final colour after application of the metallic topcoat. The basecoat is always a tinted Resene waterborne paint. Waterborne paint adhesion is poor to polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, so the type of plastic would need to be identified proceeding.

Q. We need to repaint a child’s bedroom where some of the paint and plaster has chipped off. Do I just plaster the bits that need it then sand just those bits and then repaint the whole wall?

A. Sand chipped areas back to a sound feathered surface and spot prime bare substrate with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer (if deep damage then fill these areas using a gypsum plaster repair product and then seal using Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer). Finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. I'm painting an old wooden outdoor fort. I was going to waterblast first then how many coats of paint will it need and does it need an undercoat?

A. Suggest you apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

Q. I have a baby cot which someone has started to sand. It is currently varnished. I want to paint over it now but trying to sand the rest is unrealistic. Is there a product I can use over the varnish that will have great coverage without letting the varnish bleed through into the topcoat?

A. Yes, Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Leave this coat to cure for at least 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow the painted cot to dry for two weeks then wipe down using warm water and a cloth before using the cot.

Q. What kind of paint is good for painting a bed frame for a two year old?

A. Sand, dust off and then apply a prime coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Both these paints are Resene Environmental Choice Approved. Then leave to cure for two weeks, then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before putting into use.

Q. I am painting the interior of our house and my wife is concerned about the paint fumes having an effect on our 16 month old baby. We are using Resene Sureseal penetrating pigment sealer – solventborne, Resene Ceiling Paint flat - waterborne and Resene Enamacryl – waterborne.

Is he OK to be in the house while we are painting (in a separate room of course) and how long before he would be OK to go into the finished room?

A. Ventilation and air flow is the key, usually if changes in the room air can regularly be achieved then at least a week will be required to allow for release of solvents and dissipation to exterior to occur.

Q. I found some Resene Half Spun Pearl enamel undercoat in our garage from 12 years ago. Is it safe to use on an outside playhouse for my toddler? It's very strong smelling and hard to remove from paint brushes.

A. The product is only an undercoat and if used in an exterior situation will need topcoating with a Resene waterborne exterior topcoat paint, for exterior use you will also have to prime the substrate with the required substrate primer. The product is a solventborne undercoat and the thinner and clean up solvent will be mineral turps. Most decorators, if buying new paint, would just use waterborne paint.

Q. Could you advise me of a gloss or semi-gloss paint safe for children’s toys?

A. Resene Enamacryl and Lustacryl are Environmental Choice Approved and contain no formaldehyde or heavy metal pigments. I suggest that the painted items are left to cure for at least two weeks then wiped down with warm water and a cloth before putting into service. If the toys are wood than apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.

Q. For a kid’s bedroom makeover, I am planning to use Resene Quick Dry and Resene Lumbersider. What do you recommend as a clear coat on top?

A. As long as the Resene Lumbersider is allowed to fully cure then I suggest using Resene Uracryl GraffitiShield as this gives a low VOC system.

Q. I would like to know your paint range that is safe for children's wooden toys?

A. We recommend Resene Lumbersider for wooden children's toys; the product is Environmental Choice Approved and contains no heavy metal pigmentation.

Q. I want to paint a baby’s cot however have been warned about using the correct paint which will not be toxic. Can you please confirm which paint is best for this?

A. We recommend Resene Lustacryl; the product is Environmental Choice Approved and hence contains no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

Q. I want to paint my cot and I would like to know if interior/exterior wall and trim water based semi-gloss is okay to use on it?

A. Resene Lustacryl is Environment Choice approved. I would suggest that after painting you allow the paint to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down a couple of times using a cloth and warm water and allow to dry.

Q. I want to paint some children’s wooden blocks - can you recommend if you have any non-toxic child safe paints I could use? A clear glaze specifically would be ideal.

A. The only paints we could supply are Environment Choice paints. For colours you can use Resene testpot colours (Resene Lumbersider) and for the clear glaze use Resene Aquaclear.

Apply the base colour and then leave to cure for a week and wipe down with a cloth and warm water, when dry then apply the glaze coat and repeat the cure and wash for the clear coat.

Q. I have some of your waterborne paint that I was planning on painting some kids’ furniture, but am concerned about wear. Is there some type of clear topcoat that can be applied to protect the finish?

A. The easiest would be to apply a coat of Resene Aquaclear.

Q. We have a varnished cot that needs touching up from teeth marks, scrapes and scratches. What can we use and how do we go about it? I don’t really want to have to sand the whole cot back.

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to label directions then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure for 48 hours. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Leave to cure for at least two weeks in a well ventilated area then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before using.

Q. I want to paint a baby cot that is already painted. Can I use enamel paint? I was told that if I use zero VOC paint it wouldn't stick to the old paint.

A. Sand the existing paint work then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel (both are Environmental Choice approved paints). Leave to cure for at least two weeks in a well ventilated area then wipe down with warm water and detergent before using the cot.

Q. I have testpots for Resene Resolution Blue, Resene Turbo, Resene White and Resene Red Hot which I bought on Friday. The salesperson told me the paint was safe for children. I want to paint blocks with them. Could you tell me what kind of paint is in these testpots and whether it is safe for kid's toys?

A. The paint used in Resene testpots is a Resene Environmental Choice approved paint. Suggest that after painting that you leave the items to dry for two weeks then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before handing over to their future.

Q. Can you please tell me about your low VOC paints or no VOC paints? I need to paint over wallpaper (vinyl with an embossed stripe) and would like to use the least toxic paint possible as I have a 10 month old baby. Is there a low VOC sealant that can be painted directly onto wallpaper to make the paint go on better?

A. Our recommendation would be to apply Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer first. This is not low VOC but the VOC exits the coating very quickly. With good ventilation the VOC should be gone within 24 hours.

Q. I have been in touch with the original maker of our cot; however they no longer have the stain. I'm after a completely non toxic stain in a rimu (ish) colour that we will be able to restain our cot with ready for our next arrival in June.

A. We recommend Resene Colorwood, an Environmental Choice approved wood stain.

Q. I'm doing a DIY project for my daughter for Christmas. I need paint to paint a dolls house we are making. I am wanting a cheap option.

A. Many customers have used Resene testpots to paint doll's houses. They come in 55/60ml sizes, a huge range of colours and metallics. You would only probably need a few of them to coat your doll's house and you could vary the colours if you wanted to highlight areas of the doll's house.

Q. Do you have a waterborne sealer that I can use over my toys that I've painted in acrylics?

A. Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I have a Touchwood cot for a child. It's secondhand and I want to paint over the teeth marks left by the previous child who used it. What is the safest paint for this?

A. Sand the painted timber using 220 grit sandpaper to provide a mechanical key for subsequent paint (remove any sharp points) then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow to cure for two weeks in a well-ventilated area then wipe the new paintwork down with warm water and a cloth before using, rinse cloth often.

Q. Do you have a paint for children so that they can express their drawing on the wall and then be able to wipe off and re-draw continually?

A. We have two options for writing on walls:

• Resene FX Write-On Wall Paint – this is a clear paint finish that you apply over the existing Resene paint. It turns the surface into a whiteboard style finish that you can write on with whiteboard markers. Because it is a clear finish you can see the paint colour through it so you can have a whiteboard style finish in a huge range of colours. If you decide to use a dark colour then it can be written on with liquid chalk.
  
• Resene FX Blackboard Paint – available in black and Resene FX Chalkboard Paint. Available in a range of colours and turns walls into chalkboards.

Q. I want to paint my cot, just a white, but want to know if you have a non toxic baby safe paint?

A. A Resene Environmental Choice paint such as Resene Lustacryl can be used. After painting leave the painted cot to cure for at least two weeks then wipe down with warm water and detergent, then wipe with water before using. If painting over an existing paint then thoroughly sand the existing paint before applying the new paint.

Q. Do you have a durable hot pink or pink paint suitable to paint a small kid's retro one seater couch and small toy box? I think its PVC. All the top plastic coat is peeling off.

A. Sorry but paint cannot act as a resurfacer for the PVC.

Q. I am looking at getting some paint for toys and furniture in a nursery. Am wanting to know what child safe/non toxic paint is available for use on things that a kid is likely to stick in their mouth at some point?

A. Suggest you use Resene Lumbersider, this is an Environmental Choice product. After painting leave the paint to cure for a couple of weeks then wipe down with a damp cloth.

Q. I have a children's bed made from mdf that I need to seal and paint white. What products are suitable for this?

A. Prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

Q. Just wondering what non toxic paint would be suitable for painting a baby's cot?

A. Sand the painted surfaces to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Allow to cure for two weeks with good ventilation then wipe the newly painted surface down with water and detergent to remove any water soluble material that may be present.

Both products are Environmental Choice approved.

Q. I have just painted a children's chair in artist's acrylic paint and want to seal it in a gloss vanish. Do you have any recommendations?

A. You should be able to use Resene Aquaclear for this. You will need three coats.

Q. My daughter wants to repaint her baby cot. What is your recommendation for a safe paint, i.e. one that can be gnawed etc?

A. We recommend using Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat for priming bare timber and two coats of Resene Lustacryl as the topcoat. Leave to cure for at least two weeks with good ventilation then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before using. Both products are Environmental Choice approved.

Q. I am looking for a non toxic rimu coloured varnish that gives a satin finish for a baby's cot. Can you tell me what product to use? I only need a small amount so does it come in a small container or can I buy a testpot?

A. We have Resene Aquaclear which is a waterborne Environmental Choice approved varnish but this is not supplied to a specific colour. Usually we stain the bare timber with Resene Colorwood stain then apply 2-3 coats of Resene Aquaclear in the required gloss level. The smallest size we sell Aquaclear in is 500ml can. Resene Colorwood is available in 55ml testpots.

Q. I am building a wardrobe and drawers from MDF to go in a child's room. I plan on painting the doors/drawer fronts. This area will get a bit more of a hammering. Is Resene Lustacryl ok by itself, or should I coat it will a clear coat of some sort to add a bit more durability?

A. Generally a clear coat shouldn't be needed over Resene Lustacryl; however for an extra bit of protection adding a third topcoat would be a better option. This will give extra film build on the pigmented coating. Curing time for waterborne enamels is important as they take a little longer to set up than solventborne enamels. 2-4 weeks in good curing conditions will have it at optimum performance. In the first week or so waterborne enamels can be susceptible to damage as they are still curing.

Q. I am looking to buy a cheap set of drawers to paint for my kids. What kind of timber should I be looking for? I heard veneer isn't the best.

A. Unfortunately ‘cheap’ usually aligns itself with MDF/veneer type drawers when you are dealing with furniture. Anything that is solid timber will always last much longer and will be more easily painted. Pine timber or similar would be a good option and easily painted.

Q. What is the best paint for children's furniture? I have an old wooden high chair I'll be using and an old toy box.

A. For bare timber prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Leave the painted item to cure for at least two weeks in a well-ventilated area then wipe down with a cloth and Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and wipe dry. Both products are waterborne (low volatile organic content) and Environmental Choice Approved and therefore contain no heavy metals or formaldehyde.

Q. What type of paint should I use when painting a baby cot, which has already been painted?

A. Sand back to a smooth finish; you do not need to remove all of the old paint. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and follow with two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to your chosen colour. Leave to dry for two weeks in a warm well-ventilated area, wipe down with a cloth and warm water and replace the water if the wash water becomes cloudy. Then you can place the cot back in use.

Q. If using magnetic paint, does it need to be away from where a child’s head is? Thinking of magnetic underlays and such, that anything with a magnetic field may have an effect on health?

A. There is no known health issue with low strength magnetic fields and the materials used in Resene FX Magnetic Magic are a mixture of iron metal (to attract magnets) and natural magnetite. At the level used in our product the magnetic field is only operating over several millimetres. Beyond that sort of distance the natural background magnetism is stronger so there is no need to be concerned.

Q. What can I use for a baby’s cot?

A. You can use Environmental Choice approved Resene waterborne enamels, such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel; however do not use the Kitchen and Bathroom versions for this application. After painting leave the cot to cure in a well-ventilated area for at least two weeks and prior to use wipe down the surface with warm water and a cloth.

Q. What would be the best type of paint to use when repainting a baby's cot?

A. We would recommend that you use Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat and then topcoat with Resene Enamacryl (gloss) or Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss) waterborne enamels. These are easy to wipe down and keep clean.