YES it's true, hardened ArtResin can safely be used as a contact surface with food! This means that when used as directed, cured ArtResin will not leach any substances into food that comes into contact with it.
But don't just take our word for it…
ArtResin epoxy resin has been rigorously third-party tested for leaching and migration across worldwide standards and regulations and PASSES every test. In other words, ArtResin is completely 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 materials in contact with food to food. A migration test determines the extent of chemical transfer from a food contact material to food. Using food simulants to approximate actual food, the test measures a material's stability and inertia by identifying both the type of substance leaching and the amount.
Following methods outlined by regulatory bodies from the US, Canada, UK, Australia and the European Union, the lab tested ArtResin against 13 different migration and food safety tests.
All 13 tests used ArtResin as prepared according to label instructions—that is, pure ArtResin without dyes or additives, mixed in equal parts by volume, stirred for 3 minutes, fired to release bubbles, and allowed to cure for 72 hours.
As shown below, ArtResin passed each test and was determined to be completely inert when cured. In other words, no chemical substances will migrate to the food.
ArtResin has also passed nonylphenol migration testing by a third party laboratory.
These findings are important because they ensure that no chemical contamination will occur when food comes into contact with cured ArtResin, making it safe to use on dinnerware, plates, charcuterie boards, serving trays or anything else intended to be used for serving food.
⚠️ NOTE:
- ArtResin has been deemed safe for contact with food once cured, but keep food or drink well away from ArtResin in its pre-cured liquid form.
- ArtResin is NOT edible or drinkable in either liquid or hardened form.
- The maximum temperature that cured ArtResin can come into contact with is 50C. Exposing ArtResin to temperatures higher than this can cause irreparable damage to the resin surface. As hot food can exceed these temperatures, placing it on a resinous surface should be avoided.
If I add a dye to ArtResin, is it still food safe?
Addition of certain resin colorants may alter the non-toxicity and non-flammability of ArtResin and may compromise its food safety designation. For example, adding alcohol ink to resin creates beautiful, colorful effects, but since alcohol is toxic and flammable, ArtResin mixed with alcohol ink can no longer be classified as non-toxic.
The laboratory evaluated pure ArtResin (ie, without dyes or additives) to determine that it was food safe. It should be noted that food safe status may be compromised if extraneous products are added to the ArtResin mixture. If you are looking for a safe alternative, ArtResin ResinTint liquid dyes 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 are unsure if your dye may be safe, apply a coat of clear, non-tinted ArtResin as a final top coat to be sure.
Can I use ArtResin on coasters and heating plates?
ArtResin works great for coasters, but not so well for hotplates and here's why: the maximum temperature to which cured ArtResin can be exposed is 50C. Any temperature higher than 50C, for example from a dish straight from the oven, can lead to irreparable damage to your resin surface. The heat generated from the bottom of a hot mug, on the other hand, is nowhere near as hot so you can place it on a coaster without worry.
ArtResin coasters and hotplates
💡TIP:
You can make coasters from ArtResin and wood, tiles or glass mosaics, you can pour it into a silicone mold , you can even embed objects in it like stones, beer cans, seashells, etc. For more creative inspiration, check out our youtube channel
Can I use ArtResin on drinkware such as mugs, tumblers and glasses?
We recommend that you use ArtResin on the outside of drinkware and only on drinkware intended for use with cold drinks. We do not recommend using ArtResin to line the inside of drinkware. This is not a safety issue (ArtResin is inert when cured) but rather a temperature issue. The maximum temperature that ArtResin can be exposed to is 50C. A hot drink, such as a freshly brewed coffee or tea, is much hotter than 50C and the resin can be irreparably damaged if exposed to temperatures higher than this.
Best to be careful and use ArtResin on the outside of drinkware intended for cold drinks or on an insulated tumbler.