DIY Network

I am making a toy box for an 18 month old. I am using pine and was going to paint cartoons on the box.
1. Is there a special type of child proof pain that I should use?
2. Do I need to prep the wood before I paint?
3. Do I need to put any type of sealant on the wood after painting?
Thanks
MFH

Just use latex paint, it would be best to prime the wood first then paint. There's really no need for a sealer.

More importantly you need to use the special hinges meant for toyboxs. When I made mine, I also put a fingers gap every where except the corners (both sides and the front) to help prevent lid hurting little fingers.

Prime the wood first for good paint coverage and adhesion. I like Zinsser 1 2 3, as a great waterbase primer.
You can find all different colors of little acrylic paint bottles at the craft store to paint your multicolor designs? It will often take a couple of coats, as the paints are inexpensive, but tend to not be one coat coverage over the primer.

Any furniture for kids, I would coat with two or three coats of a Polycrylic satin, clear coat. Basicly a clear plastic coat, when it dries and will help protect all your talented painting work from scuffs and scratches.

And do the hinges, as Fireball mentioned.