Are there FDA Approved Food Safe Epoxy for Wood & Cutting Boards?
Are there food safe epoxy for wood? Thanks to the science of chemistry, now we can worry about the effects of chemical compounds on our health. Some of the products from these compounds are considered food safe while others are not. The usage of epoxy resins in our daily kitchen activities cannot be overemphasized. Epoxies are used for cabinet finishing, repair adhesives for kitchen tumblers, bowls, cutting boards, fruit trays, and so on.
Epoxy resin contains either Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol F (BPF), which can pose a danger to human health at high levels. This article will know if there is a food safe epoxy for wood and precautionary methods when dealing with food safe epoxy for cutting boards and other wooden materials in the kitchen.
All at a Glance
What is an Epoxy?
From the word, “epoxides” epoxy got its name. Epoxides are repeating molecules of oligomers that are highly reactive to other chemicals. So in layman’s terms, epoxy is a chemical compound consisting of repeating oligomers consisting of carbon bonded to other elements like hydrogen and oxygen through a strong covalent bond.
Since epoxies react highly with other stuff, skin contact with epoxies in liquid form can pose serious damage to the skin like skin burns and dermatitis. Inhaling the fumes can cause nose, throat, and lung irritation. Manufacturers don’t produce only epoxies for use. They also supply hardeners that make the epoxy process faster, thereby reducing the risk level to the barest minimum.
Hardeners can also be referred to as the curing agent. So epoxy + curing agent determines how fast the epoxy will cure and what level of harm it will pose to the health.
What is Epoxy used for?
Epoxies are widely used for several things and projects in our daily lifestyles. Usage ranges from repair to molding.
- Insulation: Epoxies are used as insulators in circuit boards, diodes, transistors, and other electrically built equipment.
- Sealing: they are also used in sealing cutting boards, concrete, wood, river tables, pipes to ensure they are waterproof.
- Decoration: Epoxies create a beautiful feel for your DIY project decorations such as wood carves, jewelry, interior decor, etc.
- Molding: Epoxies can be used to mold skateboards, aircraft parts, and many more artistic designs.
- Glue: There is a wide usage of epoxy for gluing metals, wood, and stone.
Is there Food Safe Epoxy for Wood & Cutting Boards?
All epoxies cannot be considered food safe because the major constituent of epoxy is Bisphenol A or Bisphenol F. Bisphenol A is considered food safe at a very minimal level, but the latter is not safe. The first thing is that you want to go for an epoxy made of Bisphenol-A. Although the US Food and Drugs Administration approved some epoxy as food-grade, only a few manufacturers could get their product certified because of the stress and money involved. But generally, any epoxy made from Bisphenol A can be considered food safe if properly cured.
However, the EU has its own seal of approval for food safe epoxy. These epoxies are manufactured, bearing in mind that it will be widely used in the kitchen; therefore, minimal Bisphenol A is used in the process. Above all, every commercially available is considered food safe in short contact cases, do not use epoxy coated materials for storage.
Only a few Epoxy Resins are Approved by the FDA
When the European Union started the test seal approval method to declare epoxies in the market food-safe, only a few manufacturers could get their products sealed because it involves a great deal of effort and fortune. Thereby resulting in having only a few epoxy products with the seal on the market today.
Although there are many products cleared by the FDA, the MAX CLR Epoxy and Art Resin are the best. They are known to contain very minimal Bisphenol A and are consistent in giving your project a shining beautiful finish. They come in varying sizes and takes less than 24 hours to cure fully.
Choose from our Top 3 FDA Approved Food Safe Epoxy for Wood
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 5 Food Safe Epoxy for Wood
1. MAX CLR Epoxy Resin System
MAX CLR Epoxy Resin System is one of the best food-safe epoxies for wood; this product matches this list, and why we consider it to be one of the best Food safe epoxy for wood is its system suitable for direct food contact.
This product is compatible with wood, ceramic, plastic and fabric. This 5-pound MAX CLR Epoxy Resin system has a high chemical resistant durable for coating and casting.
It is an FDA compliant coating system suitable for direct food contact. The MAX CLR Epoxy has a working time of 30 to 45 minutes, but the full cure time is 6 hours at 75F.
- Coating For Direct And Indirect Food Contact. Low Extractables
- Crystal Clear High Adhesion Impact Resistant
- Chemical Resistant Coating For Beer Wine Acidic/Basic Alcoholic Hot Beverages
- Impact Resistance And Surface Durability
- Tumbler Coating, Wood Turned Coating
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- This product is safe for direct food contact.
- This product has high chemical resistance and high impact durability.
- A fully cured coated wood can withstand potent sanitizing agents, alcohol and acid compound exposure.
Cons
- Against other epoxies, the MAX CLR Epoxy system is quite expensive.
2. ProMarine Supplies Art Resin
This is the best Epoxy for wood when it comes to professional art as this Pro Marine Supplies Art resin is definitely a must for artists, craftsmen and individual who do love to “Do It Yourself”, this art resin epoxy clear is ideal resin for paintings, pictures, woodwork, jewelry and much more.
This 8.75 pounds product has a food safe formula that makes it safe to be used around food items like trays and glassware. This product is non toxic and does not bring out dangerous fumes. It is easy to use and has a multipurpose usage.
- Formerly Pro Marine: Two renowned epoxy brands, ProMarine Supplies and Incredible Solutions, have united to form Promise Epoxy, the ultimate powerhouse in the art and home decor industries.
- User-Friendly: Whether you're a professional artist or a DIY enthusiast, the Promise Epoxy Art Resin offers top-tier protection and gloss for your creations.
- Safe: Crafted with high-quality, non-toxic ingredients, this art resin epoxy clear is 100% safe for indoor and outdoor use, ensuring no harmful fumes, reactions, or chemicals.
- Brilliant Shine: Experience an intense, lasting gloss with the self-leveling formula of this art resin kit, backed by UV resistance that stands the test of time.
- Easy Application: Perfect for both beginners and pros, this resin kit boasts a user-friendly 1:1 ratio and smooth texture. The kit includes 1 gallon resin and 1 gallon hardener to cover your needs.
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It is food safe and can be used for food items
- It is easy to use.
- Its multipurpose characteristics allow it to be used for various items.
- It gives your artwork a gorgeous and shiny look.
Cons
- As perfect as this product proves to be, the product is expensive as not all artist can afford.
3. Stone Coat Countertops Craft Coat
This craft coat is the best epoxy that you can find anywhere in terms of safety, this product has zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound); this VOC’s are organic chemical that is used in home product but in its high usage affect the lungs and respiratory system and this product is not present in stone coat countertops craft coat.
The product has a safety tag that makes it usable on food items such as trays, table e.t.c without endangering the human body. It is economical and can be best used for crafts product.
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Pros
- It is cheap and pocket friendly
- Its zero level of VOC gives it safety characteristics that makes it to be the best
- It is an epoxy resin system that poses no danger to food items.
- The product has a drying time of 5 to 7 hours.
Cons
- The cons are based on individual usage ability but in records to previous users reviews, no cons can be attached to this product when it comes to epoxy for wood.
4. MAX GPE -General Purpose Grade Epoxy Resin
This resin product is considered one of the best resin systems because of its ability to protect the surface it is applied on. This product embodies within itself ability to be used on wood, plastic and metals materials.
The full packaging of this product comes with; 1 Gallon Part A Resin, 0.5 Gallon Part B Curing Agent, 1 pair of latex gloves, 2(4oz) measuring cups, 1 mixing cup, 2 Yorker dispensing caps and 2 wood stirrers. This general purpose epoxy resin system can dry to touch in 6 hours @ 25oc while the full cure time is 48 hours @ 25oc.
- Great for RV Repairs And Boat Deck Repair & Restoration
- Bonds to Wood, Plastic, Metals, Fiberglass Panels, Azdel, Filon, ABS, PVC, Aluminum, Steel
- EPS & Polystyrene Foam Safe
- Waterproof Upon Cure, Harden Soggy Floors, Stabilize Wood Rot
- Creates A Strong Bond Upon Cure
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- This product in consideration to all the components embodied in the purchase makes it to be one of the cheapest epoxy.
- It provides waterproofing coating for wood
- This product helps in stabilizing damaged or rotting wood.
Cons
- Most home or wood equipment has VOC which makes it dangerous for inhaling when you expose yourself to high breath intake of the air.
5. Clear Epoxy Resin Starter Kit
This clear cast epoxy is also one of the best for wood and when it comes to having the characteristics to keep your food safe, this product is one of the best because it complies with FDA directives for coating intended for indirect and direct repeated food contact.
This packaged items comes with;
- 8oz Amazing Clear Cast (4oz Part A and 4oz Part B)
- Pixiss 30 Colors Resin Tinting Mica Powders (Assorted Colors)
- 10X 3ml pipettes
- 10X 1oz disposable plastic cups
- 20X 6-inch Pixiss wood mixing sticks
- 1X Needle nose tweezers
- 10X finger cots
- 15×11″ silicone mat
- 2X 1oz small silicone pouring cups
- 3X pairs of large gloves
- ARTISAN APPROVED QUALITY - Unlock your artistic potential with Craft Resin. Premium clear epoxy resin and hardener allows you to create beautiful pieces with a glass-like finish and no yellowing over time. Popular for DIY art, tabletop coating, mold casting, canvas, coasters and jewelry making.
- BUBBLE-FREE, NO YELLOWING - Are you tired of dealing with the frustration of bubbles and uneven finishes in your resin projects? Our advanced formula is an innovation on the epoxy resin market. Release air bubbles automatically when the resin is warm, recommended depth 1/4 inch.
- CERTIFIED, FOOD SAFE - Craft Resin epoxy made with a minimal odor, non-toxic, free of VOCs & solvent materials - food grade epoxy resin perfectly formulated for home and professional use. Harmless to you and the environment, when used as directed.
- FAST CURING, HEAT RESISTANT - It takes only 24 hours for our crystal epoxy resin to cure. After this time it becomes rock hard, scratch resistant, advanced additive resistant to heat up to 203℉ (95℃). You’re going to have a crystal clear, glassy smooth finish which will last for years.
- EASY TO USE, 1:1 RATIO - Our two part epoxy resin kit is simple to use, even for beginners. Kits include resin (17OZ), hardener (17OZ), reusable mixing stick, gloves, manual. Upgrade your resin game and elevate your art to the next level with Craft Resin supplies.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- This item with its entire component comes with a pocket friendly price.
- With all of the components, this item becomes easy to use and understand.
- Apart from serving as protective for the wood, this product also gives the wood perfect design
- Food is safe when it comes in direct and indirect contact with this product because the product fully complies with the FDA directive.
Cons
- Based on the chemicals present in this product, one has to be careful because it exposes the skin and eye to irritation and other dangers that are attached to absorption.
What is Food Grade Epoxy
What defines a food-grade epoxy is technically if the epoxy doesn’t pose any health risk after coming in contact with food. However, it must meet some standard requirements by the FDA and EU to be considered food safe. These requirements include:
- The material does not release any taste or smell into the food.
- The material did not pose any health risk to human health after taking the food in contact with the epoxy.
- The material releases few or no chemical components into the food. The food composition must not change or be affected after coming in contact with the epoxy
However, it is important to check with your manufacturer to ensure the product is a food-grade epoxy and strictly follow the mixing rule given for the product to avoid any unforeseen circumstance.
Is Food safe Epoxy still beautiful?
This is a question we get a lot here at thewoodweb.com because as much as people worry about their health, they also worry about their kitchen tools being finished beautifully. A product being a food-grade epoxy doesn’t in any way reduce its shining and glossy ability. Therefore, an FDA approved food safe epoxy for wood is as beautiful as other counterparts.
Constituents in Epoxy to Watch out For
Bisphenol A (BPA): This is one of the most important ingredients in epoxies. BPA is also used in many plastics productions. The FDA has said Bisphenol A doesn’t pose any risk to human health at certain minimal exposure levels. BPA is often used in epoxies because of its curing properties. Although many manufacturers have products that are declared BPA-free because BPA is a leading cause of water pollution, many of the plastic contents thrown into water streams contain BPA.
Carbolic Acid: Carbolic acid is also called Phenol. It is a very toxic compound made from tar and found in some plants. So watch for epoxy products that contain considerable minimal carbolic acid. Carbolic acid is also used in making medicines, nylons, and plastics. Swallowing or skin contact with Carbolic acid will cause skin burns and Oesopharyngeal irritation.
Epichlorohydrin: This is an epoxide, organochlorine compound that is colorless with a garlic-like odor. Long-term exposure to it can cause cancer, nephritis of the kidney, eczema, respiratory tract problems, and more. However, short-term exposure of skin or food to epichlorohydrin is considered safe.
Are there food safe epoxy for woods?
The answer is Yes. The FDA cleared some epoxy products as food safe and perfect to be used on kitchen utensils.
Why are only few epoxy resin approved by FDA?
Approval is very expensive and stressful, therefore most manufacturers don’t get their products approved before they unleash it for the general purchase and use.
Conclusion – Food Safe Epoxy For Wood
There’s no how we won’t want to finish our kitchen wood cabinets and cutting boards with epoxy. It is expedient we find an FDA approved food safe epoxy for wood. However, a food safe epoxy for wood is advised for finishing any furniture or wooden utensil to be used in the kitchen. We hope you are able to make a right choice of epoxy for your kitchen needs.
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