When looking for a sealer to finish ceramic or glass crockery and cookware or wooden cutting boards, there are many options to choose from. There are silicone and acrylic-based sealers and a wide range of natural and synthetic oils and waxes. Acrylic sealers are some of the most widely available and easiest to use.
Acrylic sealers are not food safe. The FDA has not approved acrylic sealers for use as coating on food storage or preparation surfaces. So, it is best not to use them on any surfaces that directly contact food. There are safer alternatives that might be more appropriate to use on kitchenware or other surfaces that may come into contact with food.
Table of Contents
Why Are Non-Toxic Acrylic Sealers Still Not Food Safe?
Acrylics are a plastic material known for strength, UV stability, and transparency. They are widely used as a replacement for glass, as a coating in the form of films and paints, and as sealants and adhesives
. Acrylics are even used to make containers for food storage.
Non-toxic acrylic sealers are not food safe as they have not been tested and found to be free of risks associated with food contamination and food-borne illnesses when used to finish crockery or cookware.
Today, some manufacturers advertise their acrylic sealers claiming that they are non-toxic and dishwasher safe. This merely means that such products are relatively safe to handle. Any fumes they give off, or trace residues from washing them together with other crockery or cookware, will not be harmful to your health.
You may use such non-toxic, dishwasher-safe acrylic sealers on surfaces that will not come into direct contact with food. Finishing the outside of a cup or the underside of a plate with a non-toxic, dishwasher-safe sealer will not pose any health dangers to you or your family.
However, just because acrylic sealers are non-toxic and dishwasher-safe, it does not mean that they are food safe.
Food safe products have been tested and found to pose no risk of food contamination or transmitting food-borne illnesses when used as intended. For an acrylic sealer to be food-safe, it must pose no health risk when used as a finish on crockery or cookware.
I recommend you do not use an acrylic sealer on any surfaces of your crockery or cookware that will come into direct contact with foods. This may pose a risk to your health.
Why You Will Still Need To Use a Sealer If You Plan to Paint With Acrylics
Deciding not to use an acrylic sealer will not solve your problem entirely, as you will still need to apply a finish layer to your mug, plate, or board.
Sealers serve the following essential purposes:
- They keep your art or decorative work looking vibrant over time.
- They work as a sealing barrier to make your surface waterproof.
- They protect the surface from deteriorating due to changes in temperature.
- They protect the surface from dust and dirt and make it easy to clean.
If you do not use a sealer, your mug or plate will deteriorate faster over time. Your artwork may get smudged or washed away with prolonged use. Your crockery or cookware may also pick up dirt and dust, making it unhygienic to use.
Alternatives to Acrylic Sealers
There are many alternatives to acrylic sealers. These include:
- Beeswax
- Carnauba wax
- Food grade mineral oils
- Walnut oil
- Linseed oil
- Shellac
- Food grade silicone-based sealers
In general, waxes and oils will work well for wooden surfaces. However, shellac or food-grade silicone-based sealers are better for ceramic, glass, or metal surfaces.
If you’re shopping for a reliable silicon-based sealer, I recommend the Silco RTV 4500 Silicone Sealant from Amazon.com. It is food contact safe up to 176.7°C (350°F), self-curing, and reliably bonds to most surfaces.
- Food Contact Safe 350F high temp
- Impervious to all weather conditions
- Bonds to most surfaces
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Correctly Apply Sealer to Kitchenware Painted With Acrylics
To properly seal your kitchenware once you have painted on it so that it is safe to eat from or cook in, you will need to follow the following steps:
- Dry your kitchenware.
- Bake your kitchenware.
- Seal your kitchenware.
- Cure your kitchenware.
Drying Your Kitchenware
Before you proceed with sealing your kitchenware, you will need to ensure that its paint has completely dried. If you do not wait for the paint to dry, it can get smudged and ruin your beautiful work.
Drying times depend on the paint used, so check the drying time for the specific type of paint you have used before proceeding. Always err on the side of caution and give your kitchenware a little extra time to dry.
Baking Your Kitchenware
Once the paint has dried on your kitchenware, you need to bake it for two to three minutes. Once done, let it cool to its original temperature and carefully check that the paint has correctly set. If it has not, you may bake the piece for another minute or two.
Sealing Your Kitchenware
When your kitchenware has cooled, and the paint has adequately set, give it a light polish with a soft cloth. Now, you can finally apply a layer of the sealant of your choice on top of it.
Remember to apply an even layer with no gaps or breaks. Do not apply too much sealant. Some manufacturers explicitly state not to use more than six millimeters (one-fourths of an inch) of sealant.
Curing Your Kitchenware
Once you have applied the sealant, you need to wait for it to cure. Many oil and wax-based sealants will dry in an hour, although it is still better to wait a day before using your kitchenware. Some silicone-based sealants take up to 14 days to cure at room temperature. So, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.
Final Words
Although acrylic sealers are not food-safe, there are several other sealers on the market that are food safe. Pick one based on the specific materials you are working with and follow the proper procedure for sealing kitchenware. This will ensure that your next craft project is beautiful and safe for your health.
Sources
- AskUSDA: What does food safety mean?
- A&C Plastics Inc.: FDA Approved Food Grade Plastic
- Sustain the Art: Is It Safe to Eat Acrylic Paint?
- Picky Pens: Is Acrylic Paint Food Safe?
