Do you have kitchenware with acrylic painting and want to know if acrylic paint is food-safe before using your kitchenware? The short answer is, No, acrylic paint is not food safe. You feel disappointed right?
Since most acrylic paints are non-toxic, it’s normal to feel that they should be food safe. But that’s not the case. Being made of non-toxic pigments doesn’t make acrylic paints food safe. While non-toxic acrylic paint may be technically safe, it’s not labeled as a “food-safe paint.”
Besides, being “non-toxic” is not the same as being food safe. When you use kitchenware with acrylic painting, there’s a risk of acrylic paint wearing off and getting into your food.
These “non-toxic” pigments may eventually become toxic to internal organs, especially to young children. Therefore, I’ll recommend that you avoid ingesting acrylic paint in any way. Ingesting may lead to health complications, though this depends on the amount ingested.
Based on my understanding, here are some of the reasons why acrylic paint is not food safe and why I don’t recommend using it on your kitchenware.
Acrylic Paints Can be Toxic
The truth is that acrylic paints can be toxic. Most acrylic paints contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and cobalt.
These ingredients are clearly indicated on the label. Some acrylic paints contain organic chemicals, such as methyl ethyl ketone, which shouldn’t be ingested.
Even acrylic paints that are labeled non-toxic usually bear a warning label requesting you not to ingest or apply them on areas in direct contact with foods and drinks.
This means that whether acrylic paints are labeled non-toxic or toxic, they are not perfectly food safe.
It Can Alter the Taste of Your Food
Another major concern with acrylic painting is taste alteration. Acrylic paint may alter the taste of your food if it gets into them.
All acrylic paints have a bitter taste. If acrylic paint gets into your food, it will alter the taste of your food. Also, if acrylic paint gets on your tongue, it’ll make your tongue feel heavy and the bitter taste can prevent you from tasting food properly.
Acrylic Paints Are Not Digestible
The last reason why I won’t advise you to use acrylic paint on your kitchenware is that acrylic paints are not digestible.
If they get into your stomach, they will not only cause stomach aches but remain in your digestive system for a long time, until you possibly excrete them.
If acrylic paint remains in your system, it may lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, or some unpleasant allergies.
These are the reasons why I don’t consider acrylic paints food safe.
How to Use Acrylic Paint on Kitchenware Safely?
Have you got beautiful acrylic paintings on your kitchenware that you would like to retain? Though acrylic paints are not food safe, there’s a way you can use acrylic paint on kitchenware safely. Follow the methods below to use acrylic paint on your kitchenware safely.
I assume that you’ve already painted your favorite design on your kitchenware using non-toxic acrylic paint. So, it’s needless to talk about the painting process.
Bake Your Painted Kitchenware
Baking does more than make the acrylic-painted kitchenware food safe, it also prevents the acrylic paint from fading due to constant washing. Follow these multiple steps carefully to bake your painted kitchenware:
1. Allow the Acrylic Painting to Dry Completely:
Make sure that the acrylic painting on the kitchenware is completely dry before baking it. Otherwise, you’ll end up damaging the design.
2. Place the Kitchenware in the Oven:
Irrespective of what your kitchenware is made of, you shouldn’t expose it to sudden heat, or else it will crack or break. To avoid cracking your kitchenware, place your kitchenware in a cool oven.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Once you’ve set the kitchenware in the cool oven, preheat the oven to about 350°F.
4. Bake the Kitchenware:
Once you’ve preheated the oven, start baking the kitchenware for about 15 to 30 minutes. Bigger kitchenware should take 30 minutes while smaller kitchenware should take 15 minutes.
5. Allow the Kitchenware to Cool:
After baking, turn off the oven, take out the kitchenware, and place it gently in a safe place. Leave the kitchenware to cool for about two hours or more before touching it.
5. Check If It’s Properly Baked:
If after touching the paint, you realize that it’s not dried, you will have to bake the kitchenware again for some minutes more.
Baking makes the acrylic paint stick better to the kitchenware. But it doesn’t make the acrylic painting completely food-safe yet. Hence, the need for the next method.
Seal Your Painted Kitchenware
Another way to use acrylic paint on your kitchenware safely is by sealing the acrylic paint on the kitchenware. Although this method is better than just baking the kitchenware, the best practice is to apply both methods.
Sealing doesn’t only make the kitchenware food-safe only, it also makes the painting water-resistant and keeps the painting vibrant over time. Follow these simple steps to seal your painted kitchenware:
1. Choose the Best Sealant:
There are lots of sealants on the market that you can use to seal acrylic paints. But we are concerned about food safety, so you have to be careful about your choice of sealant.
Though acrylic sealers are common and easiest to use, I’ll advise that you stay away from them.
The simple reason is that acrylic sealers are not food safe.
You can use them on canvas but don’t use acrylic sealers on surfaces that have direct contact with food. I recommend food-grade sealants, such as food-grade silicone-based sealers and food-grade mineral oils.
2. Apply the Sealant:
Apply the sealant all over the entire surface of the kitchenware in one coat. This should be enough to seal the acrylic paint completely.
3. Allow the Sealant to Dry:
Once you’ve applied the sealant, allow the sealant to dry for about two hours or more. I recommend that you allow the kitchenware to stay for a day before using it for food.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint is safe for use on kitchenware as long as you follow the proper methods. Make sure to bake and/or seal your painted kitchenware before using it for food.
Do you have any tips on how to make acrylic paint safe for use on kitchenware? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!