finishing a raw wood product

[momofmine]

I purchased some small storage chests from IKEA (like something that you would sit on a desk, with six drawers, and put like craft supplies or desk supplies in), and they are just unfinished wood. I feel like they are a bit "splinter-y" and want to do something to finish them,a nd also make them last longer. But I don't want to paint them, and I don't want to put any stain on it that has any kind of off-gassing or anything. I'm actually not particular about what they look like, I just want them to be smoother and more finished feeling.

What would you suggest I do to them? Should I sand them with some very fine sandpaper? Is there such a thing as a natural polyurethane type product? Do I need to do anything? Maybe I am over-thinking it.

It's this:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50073305

I bought a few of them. I plan to put art supplies in one of them, like paper in one drawer, supplies in another. I thought maybe I'd use the others for the miscellaneous homeschooling we have, to organize things.

I also have some trays from Micheal's that are the same way. The kids use them for Montessori-ish types of sorting, display, play. But they are starting to get more and more "rough". Do you think I need to put a coat of something on them?

They are kind of like this:
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/d...ductNum=cp0190


Thanks for any suggestions!

[Think of Winter]

You could stain them with watered down craft acrylics (they come in every color). Put some paint in a cup, add a little water, and wipe it on until you get the effect you like. Then use some steel wool to make it nice and smooth, and coat them with a beeswax polish. It'll be pretty and shiny.

[mlec]

Sounds nice. Where does one get beeswax polish?

[Think of Winter]

Originally Posted by mlec

Sounds nice. Where does one get beeswax polish?

You can make it with Amber Dusick's recipe (scroll down to the jars of honey): http://www.amberdusick.com/woodmouse...fts/tutorials/

Definitely spend some time on her blog. She is really talented and inspiring.

Or buy it from Nova Natural toys. It's called Beeyoutiful.