Is it possible to use base64_encode instead of mysql_real_escape_string?

I used base64_encodeto save the html from the form <textarea>and store the data in the database. When retrieving, it is base64_decodeused and the data is placed in a text field. Is it safe to do this without use mysql_real_escape_string()?

I use mysql_real_escape_stringwhen extracting a $_GETtemplate parameter id.

templates.php?id=4

However, using base64 to save html also saves any malicious sql code that can be added to the text box. So far I have not had any problems.

Is this bad practice to use base64 instead mysql_real_escape_string()?

"Wrong tool for work"?

Note. I use htmlspecialchars($text, ENT_QUOTES);for xss.