YES it's true, cured ArtResin can be safely used as a food contact surface! This means that when used as directed, cured ArtResin will not leach any substances into food that comes into contact with it.
Don't just take our word for it, however ...
ArtResin epoxy resin has been rigorously tested by a third party for leaching and migration across worldwide standards and regulations and PASSED every test. In other words, ArtResin is fully inert when cured.
Read on to learn more...
What Is A Migration Test?
Migration is the term used to describe the transfer of chemical substances from food contact materials into food. A migration test determines the extent of chemical transfer from a food contact material into food. Using food simulants to approximate actual food, the test measures a material's stability and inertness by identifying both the type of substance leached and the amount.
Following methods outlined by governing bodies from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and the European Union, the lab tested ArtResin against 13 different migration and food safety tests.
All 13 tests used ArtResin that was prepared according to label instructions - that is, pure ArtResin without colorants or additives, mixed in equal parts by volume, stirred for 3 minutes, torched to release bubbles and allowed to cure for 72 hrs.
As evidenced below, ArtResin passed each and every test, determining that it is fully inert when cured. In other words, no chemical substances will migrate into food.
Further, ArtResin has PASSED nonyl phenol migration testing by a third party laboratory.
These findings are important because they assure that no chemical contamination will occur when food comes into contact with cured ArtResin, making it safe to use on tableware, plates, charcuterie boards, serving trays, or anything else intended to be used for serving food.
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE:
- ArtResin has been deemed safe for food contact once it has cured, but please keep food or beverages well away from ArtResin in its pre-cured liquid form.
- ArtResin is NOT edible or potable in either liquid or cured form.
- The maximum temperature cured ArtResin can come in contact with is 120°F or 50°C. Exposing ArtResin to temperatures higher than this may cause irreparable damage to the resined surface. Since hot food may exceed these temperatures, placing it on a resined surface should be avoided.
If I Add Colorant To ArtResin, Is It Still Food Safe?
Adding certain resin colorants may alter ArtResin's non-toxicity and non-flammability and can compromise its food safety designation. For example, adding resin alcohol ink to resin creates beautiful, colourful effects but since alcohol is toxic and flammable, ArtResin mixed with alcohol ink can no longer be classified as non-toxic.
The lab evaluated pure ArtResin (i.e. without colorants or additives) in determining it to be food safe. It should be noted that the food safe status may become compromised with the addition of foreign products into the ArtResin mixture. If you're looking for a safe option, our ResinTint liquid colorants are mineral oil based and contain no solvents.
We are currently awaiting further test results to certify that ArtResin tinted with ResinTint is also food safe!
💡TIP: If you're in any doubt as to whether your colorant may be safe, apply a layer of clear, non-tinted ArtResin as a final top coat to be sure.
Can I Use ArtResin On Coasters and Hot Plates?
ArtResin works great for coasters, but not so great for hot plates and here’s why:
the maximum temperature that cured ArtResin can be exposed to is 120°F/50°C. Any temperature higher than 120°F/50°C, such as those from a dish straight out of the oven, may lead to some irreparable damage on your resined surface.
The heat generated from the bottom of a hot mug, on the other hand, is nowhere near that hot so you can put it on a coaster without worry.
💡TIP: You can make coasters out of ArtResin and wood, tile, or glass mosaic, you can pour it in a silicone mold, you can even embed objects in it such as rocks, beer caps, shells etc. For more creative inspiration, check out our blog How To Make A Resin Coaster.
Can I Use ArtResin On Drinkware Like Mugs, Tumblers And Glasses?
We recommend using ArtResin on the exterior of drinkware and only on drink ware intended for use with cold beverages. We don't recommend using ArtResin to line the interior of drinkware. This is not a safety issue ( ArtResin is inert once cured ) but rather a temperature issue. The maximum temperature ArtResin can be exposed to is 120°F / 50°C. A hot beverage, like a freshly brewed coffee or tea, is far hotter than 120°F / 50°C and the resin can become irreparably damaged if exposed to temperatures higher than this.
Best to err on the side of caution and use ArtResin on the exterior of drinkware intended for cold beverages or on an insulated tumbler.
💡TIP: For more information on how to apply ArtResin to a tumbler, see our blog How To Make A Resin Tumbler.
ArtResin Is Non-Toxic When Used As Directed And Is Safe For Food Contact Once Cured!
Go ahead and resin your charcuterie board, serving tray, candy dish, or cheese board with complete confidence ...
Not only is ArtResin:
- BPA Free
- non-toxic when used as directed
- safe for home use when used in a well ventilated area
.. but now ArtResin has been deemed safe to use as a food-contact surface.
Read our food safe epoxy guide to learn more.
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
