Wondering how you can refresh the wooden surfaces in the kitchen without much hassle and harm? Well, we always need to exercise the utmost caution in selecting the items that we utilize. If you want to keep your hardwood kitchen surfaces safe for everyone in the house and also get the best results, varnish or finish that is approved for use around food is much-needed. One example of this substance that works well is Polycrylic, but what makes it so effective?
We put together a short guide covering all there is to know about polycrylic, including how it may be used and whether or not it is safe.
What Exactly is Polycrylic?
Polycrylic is a protective coating that is based on water and preserves your wood while also giving it a surface that is somewhere between a satin and high gloss. Finishing your wood with polycrylic may give it either a gorgeous gloss or a shiny appearance, depending on the type of wood that you choose. But can it be used without risk?
What are the components that make up polycrylic?
Polycrylic is made up of methacrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid, and the simple esters of both of those acids. This composition is water-based. It’s also environmentally friendly!
When compared to other kinds of finishes, such as polyurethane, polycrylic is simpler to deal with since it is less poisonous and produces less of an offensive odor. This kind of finish works exceptionally well for a wide variety of furniture, such as cupboards, doors, cabinets, and other things made of wood that are found inside.
And here’s where Polycrylic truly shines!
Polycrylic is totally safe around food and kids! After the finish has had ample time to fully dried, it is no longer harmful in any way, both to food and to children. Just keep in mind that after you have applied the Polycrylic finish, you need to allow it to dry at room temperature for anywhere between 20 and 25 days.
Do you have any experience working with Polycrylic?
Types of Polycrylic: Pros and Cons
The following is a list of the two different kinds of polycrylic:
- Roll-on Polycrylic: because it dries so quickly, you will need to work rapidly with a brush in order to get the ideal appearance.
- Spray-on Polycrylic: although this application method dries very rapidly, the spraying process often leaves air pressure markings.
When in liquid form, Polycrylic can be hazardous to one’s health and cause irritation to the lungs if it is consumed. However, it emits a lower level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than polyurethane.