Paint is an important aspect of peg dolls. It makes them attractive and interesting educational tools for little ones to learn while having fun.
The beauty of hand painting peg dolls is in the freedom of creativity. You can paint your way into any character or object for pretend play, to learn colors, sorting, etc.
However, one of the greatest dilemmas for beginners with unfinished wooden peg dolls is choosing the type of paint to use.
So what is the best non-toxic paint to use on peg dolls? The best and most common kind of paint used on peg dolls is craft acrylic paint. Craft acrylic paint is usually non-toxic, vibrant, easy to use, and water-resistant when dry.
In this post, we’ll share with you the criteria for finding the best non-toxic paint for peg toys. We also recommend the best three products, so you have an effortless time finding exactly what you need.
Non-Toxic Paint For Peg Dolls – What to Look For
If you’ve just purchased a set of peg dolls (like this one from LOLO TOYS) to make fun toys, holiday decorations, or as part of themed gifts, you’ll need the right paint to finish off the job.
Just like choosing paint for your walls, furniture, or even paper and canvas painting, there are certain factors to consider when buying paint for peg dolls.
Here are the three key factors to keep in mind when choosing non-toxic paints for peg dolls:
Safety
Safety is a priority when it comes to chidrens’ toys. Because peg dolls are likely to end up in their mouths, you must ensure that the paint is free of any hazardous substances.
Always scrutinize the ingredients for harmful VOCs or solvents that can be inhaled or ingested. It is best if the paint is certified as non-toxic and conforms to the US safety standards for kids’ products. Look for safety and non-toxic standards such as ACMI or AP-certified, compliant with ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, etc.
Compatibility
Next is to check whether the paint is compatible with wood. Unfinished wooden peg dolls are the most preferred and easiest way to start making peg dolls. Therefore, paint formulated to adhere to wood and stay creates a resilient coat that will last longer than any other random paint.
Fortunately, most acrylic craft paints seem to work just fine on wood.
Vibrancy
Color is the most appealing feature that quickly sparks children’s interest in toys. So you want to make your peg dolls with vivid paints. Go for paints with a high pigment load to be assured of the desired opacity and intensity.
The 3 Best Non-Toxic Paints For Peg Dolls
The process of choosing paint for peg toys is a meticulous one. The little energetic explorers are not only at a sensitive age but also go hard on their toys.
Therefore, you are looking for a combination of durability and safety. Well, we’ve got you. Here are our top three picks for the best non-toxic paint for peg dolls:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Apple Barrel Craft Paint Set | Matte, acrylic paint, 18 colors |
| 2. | Arteza Craft Acrylic Paint Set | Matte, acrylic paint, 20 colors |
| 3. | Sargent Art Acrylic Paint Set | Semi-glossy, acrylic paint, 6 colors |
With these, you and your little one can have plenty of safe fun. But we also have a full review of each if you’d like to learn more before you buy.
1. Apple Barrel Craft Paint Set
When looking for non-toxic paint, you want a brand you can trust. Apple Barrel paints from plaid enterprises have been home crafters’ favorite paint for decades.
The water-based paints are chock full of pigment and are so vivid. They maintain their color intensity for so long; your peg dolls will always appear freshly painted.
Whether your peg people are wooden, bone, or clay, Apple Barrel paints are versatile enough for multiple surfaces. They are a thin fluid that goes on smoothly and dries quickly for the next coat.
The brand guarantees consumer safety with ACMI/AP seal indicating that the water-based paints do not contain any harmful solvents or ingredients. This particular set gets you a beautiful selection of 18 colors in 2 oz bottles.
2. Arteza Craft Acrylic Paint Set
Arteza brand is the maker of premium paint and this craft outdoor acrylic paint set matches the same high quality standards of its products.
The set offers 20 delicious colors enabling you to go straight to painting without thinking about mixing colors.There’s different shades of primary and secondary colors and some pinks, lilac, greys, white, black, brown, and even gold.
The paint is packaged in 2 oz bottles and is a medium thickness if you like more body; thicker than Apple Barrel and most other acrylic paints.
The best part about this paint is that it is formulated to withstand outdoor conditions meaning the peg dolls will stay brilliant throughout their lifetime regardless of where kids are playing with them.
Most importantly, Arteza paints come with ACMI/AP mark and are certified non-toxic. They are water-based acrylic paints made in line with ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards.
3. Sargent Art Acrylic Paint Set
You don’t have to splurge so much on painting your peg dolls if you are on a tight budget. Sargent primary acrylic paint set offers an economical solution.
The 6-color set has a reasonable set of basic colors you can use to combine and create an array of new tones and hues. There’s a pink-red, turquoise blue, yellow, green, black, and white – enough to create a broader variety of hues and shades.
Each 4 oz bottle contains a richly pigmented fluid formula that goes on prepped wood really easily and adheres well. It is a fast-drying paint with an almost glossy finish (something between a matte and a true gloss look) which allows you to handle the peg doll to paint other parts quickly.
Sargent’s art primary acrylic paint set is a decent paint set to get you started on your peg doll project. It is non-toxic paint and made in the U.S., conforming to ASTM D 4236 standards of safety.
Regardless of your choice, always follow up the painted surface with a non-toxic sealer for enhanced longevity of your peg dolls.
Here’s a tutorial on painting peg dolls from Art ala Carte if you’re feeling a little apprehensive about trying it for the first time:
Watching another crafter is a great way to get a feel for painting on an awkward rounded surface and for other great tips on how to make your peg people pop!
Up Next: How To Seal Acrylic Paint On Wood
