painting spoons

by Kathleen
(Boston, MA)

Hi, I was wanting to paint on wooden cooking spoons at the art center I work at. I wanted the artists to be able to paint with acrylic paints (the only paints we have available) and then I wanted to know what type of varnish I could put on top so that we can set them but at the same time make them still safe to eat with. Any suggestions are really appreciated.

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Ron here...

Go to a good hardware store and ask for the toughest high tech varathane. That should protect it enough but only for hand washing as high heat would possibly weaken the finish.