Washable finish

[Dakota Sage]

First of all, I want to apologize to people who have helped me out with other posts and failed to get a note of appreciation from me. I thought that I was notified of replies and didn't know until I came to post THIS question, that people had replied to another post I had done some time ago.

I have made some wooden buttons and I am looking for a finish that would enable them to be washed or dry cleaned rather than be removed from clothing prior to doing so.

I googled some wooden button companies. Only one hinted at how they treated them....high wax finish. I need a little more guidance than that after looking at the results page from a "high wax" google.

Anyone out there that can help me with this? Thanks so much.

[chipmunk]

u could just clear over them with spar varnish or clear enamel clear e-pox the only thing that all these things will make it shiney

[Dakota Sage]

Thanks, Chipmunk! Then they can be washed in the washer or dry cleaned, right? I'm not fond of shiny...but it's a place to start, eh!

[carvingbarn]

Most I have made some buttons for my wife from ebony. I use Tung-oil. I thin the tung-oil 50% with mineral spirits. I applied that in 2 thin coats letting it soak in thin a few coats of just the tung-oil until I got the look I wanted. I let them dry for about a week before she use them. They have washed well. I touch them up now and then with the tung –oil. The density of the wood helps in how long they have lasted. You could also use satin finish spar-varnish. I would thin the first coats it will soak deeper in the wood. Dry cleaning is hard an y wood because of the chemicals use. My wife wash on gentile and hang dries the coat she put them on. Hope that helps.

[Bob K.]

I think several thin coats of satin varnish or polyurethane should work.

[rare yellow zebra]

I don't think that you are going to find a finish that will allow your wood buttons to stand up to being washed on a regular basis. Moving water & wood are not a good combination. Throw a plastic agitator & detergent into that mix and I don't think there is any finish that will survive. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I hope I'm wrong.
Jay

[Dakota Sage]

Thanks, Randy. I want to market these and I would be horrified if I got a customer writing that my finish had stained their clothing. I guess i should try your suggestions on some of my own clothing, huh. Will do that. Thanks so much, again!

[Dakota Sage]

Thanks, Bob. I am taking notes on all suggestions and will try them out on my own clothes.

[Dakota Sage]

Thanks, Jay. I am going to try some of the suggestions. I don't fear the wearing down of the buttons as much as I do the staining of someone's clothing. That is my worst nightmare.

[Dakota Sage]

Randy. I really like your quote. Is it an original? May I use it on a plaque? Thank you!