Is Polycrylic Food Safe? [Expert’s Advice]

Polycrylic is a liquid coating that protects against UV radiation. As a consequence, the wood table or containers shine vibrantly. That’s not all, polyacrylic also protects the wood finish. It is a durable coating, after all.

Despite this, many people are looking for a solution to food safety issues from their concern perspective. Obviously, you don’t wanna consume anything toxic at the expense of your furniture being shiny, right?

So, we get that you’re asking yourself- is polycrylic food safe or not?

Well, it’s safe to use Polycrylic. But, you must follow the directions or be aware when dealing with babies. As it is a water-based protective coating, it can not harm any humans or animals. However, you must follow drying & cleaning the surface while using polycrylic.

Read on to learn about polycrylic safety risks according to professionals and research findings. Firstly, let’s learn about polycrylic and how it is related to food safety issues-

What is Polycrylic?

Polycrylic is a combination of polyurethane and polyacrylates. It is water-based. Here, it is necessary to use polycrylic molecules in order to make the optimum liquid. 

Is Polycrylic Toxic?

Using Polycrylic does not pose a risk to health. In terms of odor, there isn’t much of one. 

Consequently, you don’t need any protection to use things consisting of polycrylic coating. 

Also, polycrylic is non-toxic since it does not include any hazardous chemicals. So, it’s not toxic and safe for your health.

Are Polycrylic Made Wooden-Based Food Accessories Good for Health?

Polycrylic works as a protective layer for woods. It is non-flammable and provides a shine. As a result, there is no tension to think about its hazardous side.

However, it takes 30 days for the substance to be fully safe for babies and food. Till then, we’d suggest you keep an eye on your babies.

But it is not recommended for outdoor usage or on surfaces that are prone to heavy use and water exposure, such as flooring.

Polycrylic on Dining or Kitchen Table: Is Polycrylic Non-Toxic?

It is safe but you need to follow some instructions. For example, after 30 days, it will be fully food safe. You need to keep in mind that you can use clothes or glasses to avoid direct contact with the polycrylic layer.

Is Polycrylic Safe for Babies?

It is not harmful to babies. But children may eat polyacrylic, so we must ensure it is safe for children.

Inquiries about the safety of Polycrylic were sent to Minwax. The company responded positively. However, they did provide some guidelines for parents to follow to ensure their children’s safety.

They also received a recommendation from the manufacturer to wait a full 30 days. After that, the surface will be completely safe for children.

As a result, there won’t be any chemical safety complications. Because of this, you may use it with children of all ages, even newborns.

Time to use	After 30 days
To-Do	Wait full 30 days to be on the safe side for babies
Not to do	Do not use until its fully dried out

Tips to Avoid Direct Touch of Polycrylic for Food Safety Purpose

These tips would help you to take steps about it and will guide you to the further workings.

Step 1: Use Table Cloths

As polycrylic is not heat resistant. Correspondingly, using tablecloths can work as a wood protector.

This way, the clothes will be protected from direct sunlight and heat. Also, it will extend the substance’s life and prevent damage, at the same time.

Step 2: Use Glass on Dining Table

Using glass on the dining table prevents water, heat, and oil damage.

Is Polycrylic Safe for Cups?

Are you worried about if polycrylic is a food-safe clear coat for cups or wood plates and bowels?

Well, you can cover wood plates, bowls, and cups with a polycrylic finish. Everything will be fine. Food-safety testing takes about 30 days.

Also, avoid placing the additional coating on wood-made kitchen items. The original finish may fade away, however, there is no safety issue for that.

Is polycrylic waterproof?- you may ask this yourself. A polycrylic is waterproof and the finish is a great wood covering. It protects the surface from cracking and other problems by adding a coating on top. To preserve wood plates, bowls, and cups, use polycrylic.

Some Alternatives That Are Safer

These alternatives can guide you to use safer options instead of polycrylic. Let’s take a look at them-

Walnut oil dries to a smooth surface and is ideal for protecting wood from liquids. People who are allergic to nuts may want to avoid this choice. Apart from that, you can use this. 

Food-grade varnishes and coatings may be made using this since it originates from seeds. Tung oils work for waterproofing wooden materials as well.

While tung oil food-safe sealer may take a little longer to cure, it penetrates into the wood more quickly. And, it even provides protection against oil and alcoholic damage.

This oil is derived from flax seeds, is completely natural. To begin with, linseed oil work wonders when it comes to paintings. This substance may also be used for food-safe varnish. 

If you’re looking for a varnish or protection for your wood outside, this is a great option. The only drawback is that it requires time to dry compared to other substances.

FAQs

Final Words

To sum up, I hope you have got all the answers you needed to decide where we left our question about Is polycrylic food safe? However, it is a safer option compared to others. 

It works great on the surface area for proper coating. The only downside is that you have to wait 30 days to get full free food safe and baby safe coating.

Until next time, take care of your protective layer on the dining table.