Building wooden train, how to treat?

Doooford

Hi all, I've been trying to search teh net for advice but realised that I need specialist advise.
I've designed a wooden train for my sons second birthday. It's big enough for 2 children to sit in. The body of the train is a steel barrel from a printing factory. The cab, base and seat are made from reclaimed floor boards. I'm trying to decide how best to treat them. I would like the wood to be waterproof and possibly glossy paint. It is loosely based on Ivor the Engine. What would your verdict be?
The wood is solid but maybe not classed as a hardwood, not sure what type of tree it's from.

Many thanks in advance

maninthestreet

Any external paint suitable for wood - the International range of paints (come in a red tin) are quite good.

Ebe_Scrooge

Doooford wrote: »

I'm trying to decide how best to treat them.

Take them out to the cinema, complete with a large bag of popcorn and lots of sweeties ?

Sorry, couldn't resist ...

Exterior grade paint, as per the previous poster. Or exterior grade varnish, if you want to be able to see the wood. Yacht varnish is good stuff, not cheap but it gives a nice colour and will last well.

Doooford

Thinking of using Fencelife from Ronseal for the majority of the wood. Then getting some international paint for the trim. Having a look in Focus tonight so we'll see...

Thanks for the tip!

ormus

typical floorboards will be pine, which is a softwood.
untreated SW will only last about a year in the open, so you will have to treat it (paint) every year or two.
ps,
make sure you treat the edges well. you dont want any insects making a home in there.

Doooford

maninthestreet wrote: »

Any external paint suitable for wood - the International range of paints (come in a red tin) are quite good.

Many thanks for the advice. Used International for the main body and decking wood sealant for the base (roughly cut pine floor boards). It looks a right treat and went down a storm!

International paint is amazingly vibrant and has a great glossy finish!