Is polyurethane food safe? Yes. Polyurethane finish is food safe when fully cured. Polyurethane varnish is resistant to mineral and vegetable oils plus aromatic hydrocarbons, hence a suitable option for food-grade applications.
The poly finish is non-toxic and non-marking. It meets FDA requirements and NSF regulations for food processing applications. Polyurethane can be toxic if it has not finished curing.
It can trigger asthma attacks and breathing issues. It may also irritate lungs and mucus membranes in people with breathing difficulties.
It’s highly recommended that pregnant women and children stay away from polyurethane fumes until the curing process is finished.
This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about food-safe polyurethane.
Is Polyurethane Food Safe?
Yes. Polyurethane is food safe because it is highly resistant to mineral oil, aromatic hydrocarbons, and vegetable oils. It contains no toxins, is non marking, and non allergenic. Polyurethane finish meets all FDA requirements and Nsf regulations. So, you can use it for food-grade applications without a care in the world.
What Is Polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a polymer made up of organic units connected by urethane links. It is also referred to as a synthetic resin and a liquid topcoat that dries into a plastic film.
It protects whatever surface it is applied to for years when it is fully dried. Polyurethane is excellent for sealing wood countertops, butcher blocks, and other wood surfaces.
It is also used in adhesives, refrigerators, freezers, automotive, furniture, cushion padding, and footwear. When polyurethane molecules react with oxygen, they form tight bonds. When fully dried, it creates a hard film surface considered food safe sealer for painted wood.
The shelf life of polyurethane can vary depending on the specific product and its formulation. Generally, unopened containers of polyurethane can have a shelf life of upto 3 years.
The Differences Between Food Safe and Food-Grade
The term “food-grade” refers to the material’s suitability for direct contact with foodstuff. Food safe means that the food grade and finished products are appropriate for their desired application and will not pose a food safety risk.
The major difference is between materials and the end products. Food grade refers to the substance or material and says it doesn’t contain harmful substances.
For anything to be considered food grade, the material should be easily cleaned without allowing foreign particles to seep into the food.
A food safe material should be smooth and free of wood flaws such as gaps or crevices that could harbor bacteria.
Types of Polyurethane
Polyurethane coatings are composed of polyurethane resins that have been dissolved and transported by a liquid solvent. This creates plastic in liquid form. There are two types of liquid-based polyurethane: (Also read: Water-based vs oil-based polyurethane.)
Water based polyurethane
A Water-based polyurethane finish uses water instead of solvents to transfer the polyurethane solids.
Like oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane forms a hard protective layer on wood surfaces, but you will need several applications as it dries quickly. It dries crystal clear.
It’s friendly to the environment and has excellent adhesion. It is also chemical resistant and emits low or no VOCs.
Oil-based polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane uses oil in place of solvents to carry polyurethane solids. Oil-based polyurethane coatings are extremely resistant to abrasion and scratching.
They are a superb choice for wood floors and other applications such as wood countertops, a dining room table, and railings because durability is essential. Oil-based polyurethane finishes are food safe and achieve a rich golden hue in a few coats.
Related read: Can I put water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane?
When is Polyurethane Food Safe?
Polyurethane is food safe when it is fully cured. Even if the polyurethane finish is dry to the touch, it is not yet food safe and is unfit for human consumption.
A “dry” polyurethane coat can be toxic until it has had sufficient time to cure. The drying time for water-based polyurethane is roughly eight hours to dry to the touch.
It takes about forty-eight hours for oil-based polyurethane to dry to the touch, depending on your product and weather conditions. To check whether the finish has cured completely, sniff it. It has cured if you can’t get even a faint smell.
You can speed up the curing process by adjusting the temperature or layer thickness. A temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, with no excessive humidity. Thinner layers dry quicker.
Is Polyurethane Safe for Cutting Boards?
Is polyurethane safe? Can you use it for cutting boards?
Well, polyurethane is a good choice for cutting boards as long as you will use it well. However, cutting directly using sharp knives will damage the polyurethane surface.
Mineral oil is a perfect finish for a wood surface used as a cutting board, but you should renew it regularly.
What Surface Can You Use Polyurethane On?
Polyurethane is the ideal finish for wood projects and food preparation surfaces. Below are surfaces you can use polyurethane to protect from harsh environmental factors.
Cutting Boards
When a polyurethane finish is exposed to activities compromising its hardened structure, it is no longer food safe.
Keep in mind that polyurethane hardens and protects the underlying wood surfaces. Polyurethane should never be used on surfaces that endure a lot of cutting with a sharp knife.
Polyurethane finishes are acceptable if your cutting boards are only used for decoration, such as a cheese or charcuterie board, because no massive cutting or scratching takes place.
Also Read: Is Wood Stain Appropriate for Vegetable Garden
Wood Countertops
Most folk’s dream kitchen includes gorgeous, durable wood countertops. The last thing anyone wants to consider is whether or not their new countertops will be hazardous if food is placed on them.
You can use polyurethane on wood countertops and enjoy the benefits of a protective finish that brings out the natural beauty of the wood. For more in-depth information, refer to our article on the best polyurethane for wood countertops.
According to the FDA requirements, a food-safe finish should be fully cured, which takes time, depending on the product used.
The curing process can take up to twenty days for a water-based polyurethane and thirty days for oil-based polyurethane to fully cure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Dining Room Tables
You can use polyurethane for dining tables and kitchen tops. These pieces beat heavy daily use and will benefit from sturdy food-safe finishes.
You’ll protect the finish from the heat coming from pots, plates, accidental scratches, and spills. If you need a quick DIY project, you can use wipe-on oil-based polyurethane for table tops and on dining tables.
It gives the surfaces the look of an oil-rub finish. It is easy to s easy to apply and provides excellent surface protection. If you do the constant cutting on your butcher block, avoid sealing it with polyurethane to prevent cross-contamination.
Here’s how to polish polyurethane table top to restore their shine and luster.
The Best Food-Safe Polyurethane
Below are some of the best food-safe polyurethanes you can use on food prep surfaces.
1. Best Food Safe Poly for Interior Use – Rust-Oleum 6041H Oil-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, Quart, Semi-Gloss Finish, 32 Fl Oz
- Protects interior wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, trim and doors
- Oil based formula provides maximum durability and allows for a more even finish
- Dries to the touch in 2 hours with coverage up to 150 sq. ft., recoat in 4 hours
If you need a food-safe wood finish suitable for interior wood, your search could end with this product. It is ideal for internal applications such as doors, furniture, trim, cabinets, etc.
The finish is durable and has superb coverage of one hundred and fifty square feet. It dries to the touch in hours, and you can do another coat after four hours, letting you finish your project in record time.
It gives the wooden surfaces a semi-gloss finish making them appear stylish and modern even if they have been around for decades.
Use it in a well-ventilated area as it produces a faint unpleasant odor, just like other oil-based finishes. Switch on your fan and open doors and windows to ensure enough air circulation. Avoid shaking this product to minimize bubbles.
A little goes a long way. Please don’t go over previous work until it’s completely dry. Otherwise, you will receive very visible marks.
What We Liked Most
- Superb coverage
- Ideal for multiple interior applications
- Quick drying time
What Could Be Improved
- A slight unpleasant odor
2. General Finishes High-Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin
- Do not apply clear topcoats over bright white paint, as yellowing may occur due to a reaction to the substrate. Light color paints may also experience yellowing due to topcoat application, but it will less noticeable.
- The hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today
- Dry Time Between Coats is only 1 to 2 Hours
You could be in luck with this product if you look for the toughest, most durable polyurethane for food preparation surfaces.
Even if your wood countertops or butcher blocks are made of softwoods such as pine, this product is almost indestructible once fully dried and cured.
This product is simple to apply and safe, so there is no need to worry about cross-contamination. It also spreads quickly and effortlessly with no vertical strokes left behind. It cleans easily with water and soap because it is water-based.
It has a hard film resistant to daily wear and tears and requires minimal maintenance. If you want to add more coats, you can do so within an hour because it dries quickly.
It also contains a UV stabilizer, preventing it from degrading in sunlight and preventing the underlying stains from fading away. Because of its genuine polyurethane durability, you can use it on floors.
What We Liked Most
- Leaves no streaks
- Cleans with soap and water
- Requires little maintenance
What Could Be Improved
- It may yellow your project if you fail to follow instructions.
3. Best Fastest Drying Food Safe Polyurethane – Varathane 262074 Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Matte
- Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more
- Water based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes with coverage up to 125 sq. ft., recoat after 2 hours
This polyurethane provides maximum coverage and protection for your wood surfaces. It’s uniquely designed to dry to the touch in just thirty minutes, making it the fastest drying polyurethane product ever.
Such drying speeds are crucial, particularly if you’re short on time and need to get on with other things. With this product, you can recoat as many times as needed and finish the project in a matter of hours.
One gallon is sufficient to cover up to 125 square feet. Due to its excellent coverage, you can complete a massive project with less product letting you save hundreds of dollars.
What We Liked Most
- It forms a long-lasting coat that protects wooden surfaces for ages.
- The product does not turn yellow in your project.
- It is simple to clean with dishwashing liquid or soap and water.
What Could Be Improved
- It’s runny, so you may need to apply multiple coats.
4. Best Food safe Satin – Minwax 356050000 One Coat Polyurethane, Quart, Satin
- DRIES IN TWO HOURS – Complete your wood projects 3x faster. Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Protective Finish is a crystal clear, protective top coat that dries in just two hours and cleans up easily with soap and water.
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – The advanced formulation in this clear top coat provides the same level of durability in one coat the is comparable to three coats of a conventional polyurethane. Use it to easily protect and add beauty to your wood projects.
- SATIN SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a soft, unique sheen for a modern, cozy and on-trend look.
If you need to Finish your polyurethane wood projects three times faster, this is the product to use. Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Protective Finish is a crystal clear protective top coat dries quickly and cleans up effortlessly with soapy water.
Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Protective Finish is a crystal clear protective top coat dries quickly and cleans up effortlessly with soapy water.
The innovative formulation in this clear top coat offers the same level of durability as three coats of traditional polyurethane in a single coat. You could use it to safeguard and beautify your wooden projects easily.
You could use this clear satin polyurethane to give your wood surfaces an elegant touch. It preserves your wood’s natural beauty and provides a soft, one-of-a-kind sheen for a sophisticated appearance.
What We Liked Most
- No cleanup. You toss the can in the trash can when you finish
- It’s a great product for the price
- One coat is all you need for professional results
What Could Be Improved
- The size is small, but it makes up for its price and effectiveness
Other Guaranteed Food Safe Wood Finish
Other products you can use on wooden bowls and food prep areas and ensure food safety include:
Beeswax
Honeybees produce beeswax. Imagining that they make the substance to build their nests is intriguing. Rub the Beeswax Wood Polish into your wooden Surface, following the direction of the grain with a lint-free cloth.
Allow three to four minutes before buffing with a clean cloth to replenish the luster. You may apply Additional coats for added protection or if the wood is bare.
Carnauba wax
Carnauba wax is derived from the fronds of the Brazilian carnauba tree. The leaves of these trees are dried and crushed to extract the wax, which is then refined for various applications.
Before applying carnauba wax, ensure your paintwork is properly prepared; as a result, it will only be as great as your preparation.
You can use the wax with an applicator, bare hands, or a microfiber cloth. Using carnauba wax is brilliant because it creates a glossy finish perfect for food-grade applications.
Carnauba wax is used in automotive waxes, shoe polishes, floor and furniture classes, dental floss, food products (such as candies), musical instrument, etc.
Raw linseed oil
Raw Linseed oil, also called flaxseed oil (in its organic form), is yellowish oil extracted from the flax plant’s dried, ripened seeds. The seeds are pressed to produce the oil.
Raw linseed oil takes longer to dry but once cured. It provides a gorgeous water-resistant finish. People have used it for ages to preserve and nourish wood without compromising food safety.
Tung oil
Tung oil is made from the pressed seeds of the tung tree’s nut. The tung tree, native to China, is named after its heart-shaped leaves because “tung” means “heart” in Chinese.
It is the preferred penetrating oil finish for food preparation surfaces because it improves the color of your wood, provides excellent protection, and is environmentally friendly.
Learn more here on stains. Is wood stain smell dangerous?
FAQs
Is water-based polyurethane food safe?
Yes, water-based polyurethane is food safe. The finish does not present any hazard. Also, FDA regulations consider polyurethane food safe if it dries to a hard film. You can use it on top of your counter surfaces. Please don’t use the Surface as a cutting board since it will be damaged.
Is polyurethane food safe when dry?
Yes, polyurethane is food safe when dry. The components that make polyurethane and are toxic become harmless once the finish is dried fully. The time taken for poly to dry and cure lasts about three weeks if you use water-based poly and four weeks for oil-based.
Is varnish food safe?
Yes. The varnish is food safe as long as it is dried and cured. If you plan o use varnish, let it cure for a minimum of 30 days under room temperature first. Like all other finishes that become food safe after curing, the varnish is not exceptional.
Is Minwax polyurethane food safe?
It depends. Minwax polyurethane is toxic during and soon after the application process. However, the poly becomes non-toxic soon after drying and curing well. Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam harmless to humans.
Is wipe-on poly food safe?
Yes, wipe on poly is food safe. This water-based cleaner you can use safely on plastic food packages. Plus, wipe-on poly is the only finish used in cleaning almost all surfaces. Ensure the finish is dry and cured first; otherwise, it may still contain toxic elements.
Recommended read: How to make wipe on water-based polyurethane at home.
Is spar urethane food safe?
Yes, spar urethane is food safe but only after curing. Although the finish releases high quantities of VOCs, just like polyurethane, the only time it can be considered food safe is once it’s dry. The drying period lasts a few weeks and is true for water- and oil-based versions.
Read also:
Can you polyurethane over conversion varnish?
Can you use poly over Danish oil?
Conclusion
Is polyurethane food safe? Yes. Polyurethane is food safe when it is dried and fully cured. Although it can take up to twenty-four hours to dry to the touch, it’ll take twenty to thirty days to cure fully, depending on humidity levels.
When it has dried and cured, it forms a hard film and produces no smell.