WEEK COMMENCING 22 JUNE 2025

Hi

On Thursday, (potentially last night as you read this, tonight as I write it), I assisted Nathanael with a remote demo on our products, beamed to Ryedale Turners direct from our studio in our warehouse.
My participation is meant to be limited to driving the camera and technology, something I’m still getting to grips with, so it should be a fun evening!

Any feedback is welcome, especially on how we can improve.

We’ve had a few questions come into us this week regarding toy-safe finishes. Bit like buses, I guess, they all come along at once!

The first question is something I always try to mention at my demos. Lots of our products are independently tested to, and conform to, part 3 of the EN-71 Regulations. This section is relevant to us as it deals with the chemical composition of toys, and their coatings, and limits the levels of certain potentially harmful substances that could migrate from the toy into a child’s body if ingested.

Details of which products, and the limits, can be found on the Toy Safe Finishes page on our website. And the question we were asked? It was whether we can supply a copy of the certificates for the products that have been tested, the answer to which is yes, of course, and we’re always happy to do so.

The second question concerned our Spirit Stains, and whether they were toy safe or not.

The answer is that we haven’t had them tested. Most stains, ours included, need something applied over the top of them to seal them in, and remove the slight risk that the colour could transfer when handled.

And, the regulations state that, as long as:

  • the stain is covered by a certified toy-safe coating
  • the coating covers the stained area completely
  • and the coating can’t be removed or broken away

then the surface will be deemed as safe for children.

So, whilst the stains haven’t been tested, if the conditions above are met, then they can be used on toys and nursery furniture.

The third question this week isn’t for the easily-offended. So, if that’s you, you might want to skip this part!

Nathanael saw a request on a forum for advice on toy-safe finishes. He mentioned it to me, and sent a reply, highlighting our range.

He got a response quite quickly, and looked a little surprised. I asked what was up, and he said I’d have to read the reply myself. He showed me the original question, which mentioned a ‘special commission’ that had been received.

I’ve been with Chestnut Products from the start, and as soon as I read the question, the penny dropped, and I knew what it was about.
‘This has come up many times before,’ I told him. ‘I assume we’re not talking about children’s toys here, are we?’ I said.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a similar query, but Nathanael was shocked to hear that we’ve had it many, many times before. Oo-er, missus!

And no, I’m not going to share our answer on this one!

I’ll be off on my own travels next week, visiting the folk at Derbyshire Dales Woodcraft Club. It’s been a few years since I’ve been there, so it’ll be good to see everyone again.

I’ve got one more demo in July, and then it’ll be the Weekender! We’re looking at a record attendance this year, but there’s still space to squeeze you in,, if you haven’t already booked to join us! And there’s still some rooms left at the hotel too! Grab your ticket via the website.

I’ll be back next week!

All the best

Terry