How can I make a epoxy bowl food safe?

Warning ⛔ This is just my research you should do your own research and confirm this is a legit way to make epoxy food safe!

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Epoxy itself isn’t automatically food safe. It depends on the formulation, curing process, and whether you add a protective topcoat. Here’s a structured guide you can use:

✅ Steps to Make an Epoxy Bowl Food-Safe

1. Choose the Right Epoxy

Look for FDA-compliant, food-safe epoxies (often labeled food grade or meets FDA 21 CFR 175.300).
Avoid resins with BPA, epichlorohydrin, or other toxic additives.
Examples often recommended: ArtResin, Stone Coat Art Coat, MAX CLR, or other brands that explicitly state food safety once cured.

2. Mix and Cure Properly

Accurate ratio: Measure resin and hardener precisely (usually 1:1 or 2:1 depending on the brand).
Thorough mixing: Scrape sides and bottom of your mixing cup to avoid soft spots.
Full cure time: Let it cure completely (often 5–7 days). Partially cured epoxy can leach chemicals into food.

3. Surface Prep

Sand smooth through grits (up to 400–600) to remove any tacky or uneven spots.
Wash with mild soap and water after sanding to remove dust.

4. Optional Protective Topcoat

Even with food-safe epoxy, many turners add a food-safe finish on top for extra assurance:

Mineral oil + beeswax blend (easy to refresh, but not waterproof).
Walnut oil or tung oil (polymerizing oils that harden over time).
Shellac (naturally food-safe, but less durable with liquids).
Salad Bowl Finish (FDA-compliant varnish) for a harder, sealed surface.

5. Usage Guidelines

Best for dry foods (nuts, fruit, bread).
Avoid prolonged contact with hot or acidic foods (coffee, wine, tomato sauce) — they can degrade epoxy over time.
Hand wash only; never dishwasher.

⚠️ Safety Notes

If the bowl is entirely epoxy, it’s safest as a decorative or dry snack bowl.
If it’s wood with epoxy accents/inlays, sealing with a proven food-safe finish is usually enough.
Always check the manufacturer’s datasheet for your resin — not all “craft epoxies” are safe for food contact.

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