Is Polycrylic food safe? That’s a very good question. The lengthy and technical explanation is that Polycrylic isn’t toxic to ingest, but that doesn’t mean it won’t harm your health. I’ll break down the ingredients further in order to show you why is Polycrylic safe for eating and what the dangers are, and after reading this article, you’ll know everything about Polycrylic food safety.
What Is Polycrylic?
The question of what Polycrylic is can easily be answered by looking at its full name: a water-based polyurethane. Polyurethane, in general, is a protective finish that is used to cover a surface. When applied, it forms a hard film over the wood or other material and protects it from moisture, stains, dirt, and damage. It also has some flexibility so that it can move right along with the wood as it expands and contracts. These qualities make it useful for everything from flooring to furniture to musical instruments!
What Is Polycrylic Made Of? Is It Non-Toxic?
Polycrylic by Minwax was developed to be a safe and non-toxic alternative to polyurethane. It’s an acrylic coating that can be used on interior projects such as cabinets, furniture, trim and molding, doors, and floors. In order to be considered non-toxic by the EPA, a product can’t contain any of the 65 chemicals on the list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
Polycrylic is non-toxic, so it is more environmentally friendly than oil-based sealants. It has a low odor, so it is safe to use indoors without the risk of inhaling harmful fumes. It can also be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
How Should I Apply It?
Applying Polycrylic is similar to applying paint in some ways: You want to work in small areas at a time and apply enough material so that it levels out when dry. However, Polycrylic has several characteristics that make it very different from paint:
1. It dries much faster than paint; in some cases, you might only have minutes before it starts drying in the brush.
2. It remains sticky even after it dries; this prevents dust from sticking to the surface while it cures (dries completely) over several days.
3. It can raise the grain of the wood slightly; this happens as the finish fills in the pores of the wood.
4. It takes longer to cure than paint; Polycrylic can be touchable in an hour or two but can take up to a week or more to cure (reach full hardness).
5. Polycrylic has a much higher viscosity than paint, which means that it is much thicker and doesn’t run as far when you brush it onto the surface (it also requires a larger brush). If you are planning to spray Polycrylic, consider spraying very light coats instead of one heavy coat.
Polycrylic – Safe for Food Use?
The answer is: yes! Here’s a little more about this important topic.
1. It Won’t Cause Any Harm
Polycrylic is a water-based product that often gets compared to oil-based polyurethane. It’s designed to be a protective finish that can withstand various conditions and maintain its clarity over time. So, if you’re worried about the safety of using Polycrylic on your dining room table, you can rest assured that it won’t cause any harm. Products like this are great for protecting surfaces from wear and tear while giving them a glossy look.
2. It’s Non-Flammable
Polycrylic is a popular choice for wooden furniture because it won’t yellow over time as other finishes might. It’s also non-flammable, so you don’t have to worry about any fire hazards when applying it yourself. Just remember that it doesn’t protect against UV light damage like some other finishes do, so if you’re going to be using your piece outdoors, make sure to use an appropriate sealant instead!
Is Polycrylic Food Safe for Baby Bottles and Food Containers?
Yes, it is. Polycrylic is a water-based acrylic sealer that is safe to use on baby bottles and food containers.
It Is Safe For Use On Children’S Toys And Baby Bottles.
It is not only completely safe for food use but can also be used on baby items like toys and cribs. Polycrylic is recommended by several manufacturers of wooden baby items such as cribs and toys. Since it contains no harmful chemicals, it is safe for use indoors and on children’s toys. Polycrylic is a water-based product that is often used as a less toxic alternative to polyurethane. It is an acrylic resin that is colorless, odorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic after drying.
It Keeps Food Containers Free From Harmful Microorganisms.
Because Polycrylic dries to form a hard plastic film that resists moisture, it also keeps food fresh by preventing mold growth and bacterial contamination. For this reason, many people choose to use Polycrylic applications on food containers to keep their contents free from harmful microorganisms that could cause illness or death.
What Are The Best Food-Safe Clear Coat Finishes For Wood?
If you’re looking to sell your wood with a food-safe finish, there are many options available to you.
1. Minwax Polycrylic Spray
Minwax Polycrylic Spray is the way easy to apply and dries quickly. It leaves a nice, even coating that’s safe to come into contact with food and other items.
2. Pure-Tung Oil
It is another good option that is also food-safe. It’s made from the oil of the Tung tree nut, which has been used to finish wood for centuries. This oil is non-toxic and dries hard and clear without any yellowing or cloudiness for a gorgeous finish
3. Shellac
Shellac is the most traditional finishing agent. It’s made from the secretions of the lac bug and has been used in everything from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals—so it’s definitely food safe!
4. Food Grade Beeswax
It is a natural product secreted by honeybees to build their hives. It is collected by beekeepers, purified, and sold in various forms including blocks of wax and liquid wax mixtures called “paste wax”.
5. Walnut-Oil
It’s a great choice because it’s made from pressed walnuts and it’s 100% natural. It’s not as easy to apply as a lacquer, but it will seal your wood and prevent it from absorbing liquids.
6. Watco Butcher Block Oil And Finish
They are both excellent choices for finishing your butcher block and other cutting boards. They’re easy to apply, they dry quickly and they don’t impart any flavor on your food after they’ve cured (which can take up to 2 weeks).
FAQs
1. Is Polycrylic Water- Or Oil-Based?
Polycrylic is a water-based product that cleans up with soap and water. Unlike an oil-based polyurethane, it won’t yellow as it ages.
2. Can You Use Polycrylic Protective Finish On Wood Plates, Bowls, Or Cups?
While Polycrylic is a great option for maintaining the beauty of your kitchen cabinets or furniture, it’s not recommended for use on food surfaces. If you’re looking for a way to protect your wooden kitchenware, consider our line of Food-Safe Finishes.
3. How Long After Polycrylic Is Food Safe?
It depends. Even if you’re using Polycrylic over chalk paint or milk paint, which are also water-based products, you’re going to want to let it dry for at least 48 hours before exposing it to water or moisture. (This rule applies to any paint job.)
4. How Long Does It Take To Cure?
Polycrylic will dry to the touch in about half an hour, but you should give it a solid two hours before applying a second coat. For best results, let it dry overnight before putting the item back into use.
5. Can You Use Polycrylic On Tabletops Or Countertops?
Yes. Polycrylic can be used as a protective finish on hardwood floors, but not on surfaces that are going to come into contact with food. It is not recommended for use on surfaces that will be in constant contact with water, such as kitchen counters and bathroom vanities.
6. Does Polycrylic Change The Color Of The Wood At All?
No, it doesn’t darken or yellow the wood in any way. The color of your finished piece will be exactly what you intended when you stained it.
In Summary
In general, Polycrylic is safe for use in your food, but it should not be used as an ingredient in the food. The chemicals in Polycrylic are not volatile, so they do not become airborne. Polycrylic can be used on all food except fish and meat products which are subject to bacterial spoilage.