Polycrylic is a water-based protective coating. It gives an excellent glossy finish to the wood table or the container. Apart from that, polycrylic gives protective layers towards the wood surface.
On the other hand, polycrylic makes the surface durable. However, people look for a solution regarding food safety issues. When you use polycrylic on the food container or the dining table, you must know if the polycrylic is safe for the food or not.
We are going to talk about the safety issues of polycrylic based on the experts’ opinions and in-depth research. Therefore, you will get everything you need to know about the polycrylic and its safety issues as well. Let’s get started.
Is Polycrylic protective finish food safe?
Polycrylic protective finish is food safe. Being a water-based coating, Polycrylic is 100% food safe. But you have to dry the surface before using it. Also, it would be best if you cleaned the surface after the polycrylic gets dried. But you should avoid using it on the cutting chopper.
However, there are two types of Minwax polycrylic. You can use them both for different purposes. Especially as a water-based coating, it will give the surface a nice look.
It’s time to reveal these two Minwax polycrylic.
Minwax Water-based Polycrylic sealer:
As a coating and paint brand, Minwax has a good reputation in the painting industry. They produce quality and water-based polycrylic. However, this product will make your wood surface glossy and nice-looking.
On the other hand, Minwax Water-based Polycrylic is a food-safe coating. Just dry the surface and clean it before putting the food on it. It’s a highly recommended Polycrylic sealer.
Minwax Polycrylic spray:
If you want to paint your table or container quickly soon, Minwax Polycrylic Spray is for you. It makes the surface durable that lasts long. Also, the Minwax Polycrylic Spray is food safe.
Moreover, you can use this spray on pretty much any wood surface. Just avoid painting your cutting space or chopping boards. There is a chance to get some chemicals with the foods when you cut them on a polycrylic surface.
What is Polycrylic made of? Is it non-toxic?
Polycrylic is made of Polyurethane and Polyacrylates. But it also requires liquid. In this regard, the molecules are used to make the perfect liquid of the polycrylic. A combination of all these things completes the perfect polycrylic coating.
Therefore, when you use it on the wood surface, it makes it durable and gives it a glossy finish. Besides, the polycrylic is water-based. It would be best if you waited for hours to dry the surface.
After that, the table or the surface will be ready to use. But you should clean it properly so that there will be no more debris or extra chemicals. It will be safe then.
Polycrylic is non-toxic. It doesn’t make any strong odor. Also, it’s not like polyurethane. Therefore, it is food safe, and you don’t need to use any protective gear to make it user-safe. This is why polycrylic is non-toxic.
Some other water-based coatings are not polycrylic. If you use them and find them toxic, you must use protective gear to spray them. Also, it will need more time to dry. But the polycrylic won’t take too much time.
Furthermore, all the ingredients make the Polycrylic non-toxic. Manufacturers use the chemical up to the safe level. Therefore, it becomes food-safe within a while. But the rule of thumb insists you wait for 30 days after applying the Polycrylic.
After that time, the surface will be 100% safe and non-toxic. You can use it for everything. It will become safe, and there will be no more chemical effects on the surface.
How long after Polycrylic is food safe? How long does it take to cure?
Polycrylic is food safe, but you have to ensure that the countertops are entirely dried and fully cured. Usually, after 30 days, the Polycrylic is food safe. It may take a few days to fully dry and be ready to use.
On the other hand, it takes 30 days to cure fully. It would be best if you waited for the entire month. But this is the highest time FDA considered.
When you find that your countertops are thoroughly dried, and there is nothing left, you may clean it and start using the surface as well. It is food-safe as well. But to make it 100% sure, 30 days is a rule of thumb.
Is Polycrylic Food Safe for Babies?
Polycrylic is food safe for babies too. Users mailed to the Minwax and asked whether the Polycrylic was safe for the babies. Minwax replied in the affirmative. But they gave some instructions to follow some tips to make it safe for the babies.
In addition, the manufacturer advised them to wait for 30 days. The surface will be 100% safe for the babies too. There will be no chemical hygiene issues. Therefore, you can surely use it for babies too.
Can you use Polycrylic protective finish on wood plates, bowls, or cups?
You can use a polycrylic protective finish on wood plates, bowls, or cups. There will be no issues at all. However, you need to wait for 30 days to make them food safe.
Besides, if you have wood-made kitchen appliances that you use in your everyday life, avoid putting any extra coating. Though it is safe, the natural finish would go away. You will deal with the artificial finishing.
Polycrylic protective finish is an excellent coating for wood surfaces. It creates an extra layer on the surface that protects it from rusting and other damages. Therefore, you can use the Polycrylic protective finish on wood plates, bowls, or cups.
Can you use Polycrylic on tabletops or countertops?
You can use Polycrylic on tabletops or countertops only if made with wood. Polycrylic protective finish is for only wood surfaces. So, if you have tabletops and countertops that come with wood surfaces, you can go for Polycrylic.
On the other hand, if the tabletops and the countertops are made with steel or anything else, you should avoid using a Polycrylic protective finish. It will mess the surface indeed other than making it glossy and durable.
Apart from that, Polycrylic is not heat resistant. It cannot resist the high temperature or the oil. Both of them can ruin the Polycrylic protective finish within a moment. Always avoid putting something that comes with high heat or oil.
Being a water-based protective finish, Polycrylic is an excellent wood protector. But it would be best if you avoid high heat. It would be best to use oil-based polyurethane that can easily tolerate high heat and oil.
What are the best food-safe clear coat finishes for wood?
There are some of the best food-safe clear coat finishes for wood. Among the Minwax comes first. As we have introduced them before, they are both food-safe and safe for babies.
But some other brands come with excellent and clear coat finishes for wood. It’s time to get them. Let’s go.
Minwax Polycrylic Spray:
Minwax is one of the best Polycrylic food-safe clear coats. It makes the wood surface both durable and glossy. Also, it is non-toxic, though you need to wait for 30 days to make it safe for babies and food-safe.
Pure-Tung Oil:
As a clear-coat finish for wood, Pure-Tung Oil is an excellent product. It makes the wood surface durable and gives it a glossy finish. However, it is derived from the nut tree.
Shellac:
Shellac is an Indian Lag Bugs. It is a clear coat. Also, it is food-safe. You can apply it on any wood surface, and it turns out to be an excellent finish as well.
Moreover, Shellac can resist the water perfectly. You will not regret buying it and applying it on the countertops or the tabletops.
Food Grade Beeswax:
Beeswax is edible, and the Food-Grade Beeswax is a clear coat that you can apply on the wood surface. It makes an ideal surface and resists rust as well. Besides, it is entirely babies-safe.
Walnut-Oil:
Here comes another food-safe clear coat finish. Walnut oil can resist both alcohol and water simultaneously. Also, it makes the surface durable and glossy. However, various walnut oils are available on the market—research a bit. And buy the perfect one that meets your needs.
Watco Butcher Block Oil & Finish:
It is another excellent food-safe clear coat finish. It is safe indoor maintenance as well. Moreover, it makes the wood surface durable and gives it a natural look.
Final Thoughts
Polycrylic protective finish is always an excellent food-safe coating. You can surely apply the polycrylic to your wood surface. It turns the surface glossy and makes them durable too. However, it would be best if you waited for 30 days. It will be 100% safe for the foods and babies too.