What Finishes are Food Safe?

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Can you cut on epoxy cutting boards? Is epoxy food safe? What finishes are food safe? Is any finish food safe? Are all finishes food safe? What's food safe even mean, can I eat it? In this video I give my best shot at answering this questions in this crazy confusing topic!
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
This video is NOT intended to make any conclusions, statements, or warranties about the suitability of any product for any purposes beyond what is stated by the manufacturer. Any statement made that is not a direct quote is purely my opinion and not intended to be relied on. This is a murky subject, do your own research and assess your own risk aversion.
Article: ycmt2.com/blog/foodsafefinishes
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MATERIALS USED:
Howards Butcher Block Conditioner: amzn.to/3hThtHz
Mahoney's Walnut Oil: amzn.to/3eozNpQ
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General Finishes Wood Bowl Finish: amzn.to/3etXZqZ
TotalBoat Halcyon: bit.ly/TBHalcyonAmber visit ycmt2.com/discounts for discount code
REFERENCES:
21 CFR 175: www.accessdata.fda.gov/script...
Bob Flexer (Flexner on Finishing) Article: www.woodcentral.com/articles/f...
Fine Wood Working Article on Food Safe Finishes: www.finewoodworking.com/2019/...
RELATED VIDEOS:
Epoxy Cutting Boards: • How to Make Epoxy Cutt...
Epoxy Charcuterie Boards: • Video
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#woodworking #cuttingboards #foodsafe

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/youcanmakethistoo Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video!

[@kaleblucas5942]

i know I'm kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

[@thecocodean]

Not a glamorous topic, but one I was happy to find answers about. Thank you for doing your research and for sharing it with us. I just started doing resin and wondered why everyone was making cheese boards instead of cutting boards, now I know why! I also have a better understanding on how to make safe cutting boards. Thank you for your in depth and dual sided remarks. Flashy camera tricks are great, but information is key. A great teacher 👍

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for the great feedback! It's a strange topic because it's simultaneously as clear as glass and mud. Glad I was able to provide some clarity and guidance for you

[@jamesjanisko4170]

Thank you! Thank you! And Thank You! Seen sooo many beautiful projects involving epoxy resin on surfaces that are prone to or designed to come in contact with food and my first thoughts are generally a) beautiful when made but how well does it hold up under regular heavy use and b) while it receives this regular heavy use, what is it leaving behind in the food. The biggest differentiation for me is serving vs cutting. I would serve on epoxy all day with relatively no issues. Cutting on an epoxy surface is, in my humble opinion, an absolute no. Not only would I be marring a surface that is designed to be flawlessly flat, I would be slowly removing that surface and eating it. Taking the time to suss out the details and presenting them in a digestible manner (you see what I did there) is a talent most don’t have. Again, thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Love the digestible pun! And thanks, I know this is pretty dense and boring stuff. But if you want answers, it's not entirely clear.. but it is understandable if you have a head for how regulations and industry works.

[@jc03571]

The video and sound quality of your channel is amazing. Truly striking. Happy Holidays 2021.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@YakuzaTenma]

Hey Thank you so much for this information. I been digging myself and was about to read through the food safe section and this covered everything. I have been doing mostly engraved in wood art and people have asked me to do cutting boards and coasters. I know with coasters using the epoxy doesnt matter cause it isnt directly with food. However this has helped me to know what kind of cutting boards people would want. And because of this would go more serving trays after seeing what you cutting on a full coated example. Though I have a few question after watching this; I see that you have made cutting boards with epoxy (it not the whole board) do you state to your customers that its safe to use like any other board? Do you think its best to use a poly based finish over the cutting boad that has the epoxy or other food safe finishes? And lastly would you recomend to cover the cutting board fully in epoxy with no extra finishes? I would love to hear what you have to say to help me with the dilema I currently have when it comes to cutting board making. Thank you again

[@Wafflefryz995]

Honestly excellent video, very straight to the point with tons of information. Props for your hard work man and even the products to represent what you're talking about. Awesome video.

[@MisterMuttenman]

This was exactly what I have been looking for trying to find out. Thank you so much. Let me make sure I got the summary correct. Poly and Epoxy (no pigments) are "ok" as a food additives (contact only) because all of the under lying ingredients are on an approved list. So epoxy/poly on a serving board would be "ok" since you shouldn't be cutting on it and it would otherwise ruin the finish. Thanks again.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Correct. I’d just want to clarify terminology that they’re *indirect food additives. And I can’t verify that all ingredients are on the safe list since I don’t have access to that.. but someone in the industry has said so. I will say I’ve spoken to my epoxy sponsor, TotalBoat, and they confirmed that their ingredients are on the good list so when cured they are food safe.

[@MisterMuttenman]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Thank you and love the clarification. Once a lawyer always a lawyer right?

[@derekdodson9982]

Thanks for doing the research and presenting it in a clear manner. Important stuff for those of us who are selling serving and cutting boards.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! I know it's kind of dull.. but it's important.

[@MartinAmada]

Thanks for the interesting video. I had a clay mortar made by a local potter, for use in making pounded papaya salad which I used to eat about three times a week when I lived in Thailand. The pot cracked a little inside at the bottom when it was fired at high temperature, and now I'm thinking of coating the inside with two part clear epoxy resin from The Home Depot here in Mexico. The package doesn't say whether it's food safe or not. The pestle is rounded and the pounding takes about 3 minutes. If there's a health risk in this, the alternative would be to chuck the clay and have a new one made from wood (like one I had in Thailand) or from ceramic. Any thoughts?

[@hidingfromu5293]

Lots of information and to the point. Clarifies the difference between variety or various products for finishing wood products that come in contact with food. Great assemblage.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you!

[@lorettaslockbower5482]

What a fantastic video. I'm starting out on an Otur Laser Printer and had all sorts of questions about food and wood. Thanks for walking us through, I have a better understanding and feel more confident now.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Great to hear!

[@jessicagreen7151]

I am a 100% newbie and I got roped into doing a resin pouring project, where I chose to make a cutting board. I did a test before I poured my board, and decided to cut into it after it had cured for a week, just to be sure it wouldn't scratch. And of course, it did. So are you saying there really is nothing you can do to make an epoxy cutting board scratch resistant? If not, then what is the sense of making an epoxy cutting board, if the first time your blade comes in contact with it, it scratches? I already have a lot of money tied up in this project, so if I can't make the epoxy portion of the cutting board scratch resistant, I might just abandon it altogether. I appreciate you making this video, I think it's taught me that I should never make or purchase an epoxy cutting board, if it's just going to get ruined!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

They’re for serving, charcuterie board is the more popular name now

[@appalachianmountaindesigns7713]

That has to be the best explanation on this subject that has been on my mind a lot, "my customer safety " due to lawsuits. Thank you for all the time and research you put in for this video. Until next time. *Chris*

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JkCanvas]

very informative and thank you for taking the time to explain this. Makes a lot more sense as to what to use on cutting boards and serving trays.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donaldjones2543]

Excellent video! Not boring to those who care about their product and customers. I have heard so many different things and no clarity. Thank you ever so much for giving me the confidence to move forward. One question though... Do you personally soak your cutting boards in mineral oil and finish with butcher block conditioner? Your fantastic video of the cutting boards ended with soaking in mineral oil, while here you said you prefer butcher blocks. Perhaps I missed something you said in one of the videos.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

SO.. I've since moved on from that. Mineral oil NEVER cures or dries and washes out quickly. It's totally safe and makes for satisfying videos, but it's a subpar finish. I use Odie's Oil, Mahoney's Walnut Oil, or Totalboat Wood Honey for any cutting/serving boards now.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

Great video Caleb :) Also, it's "et cetera". I personally use Walrus Oil for all cutting boards, and Rubio Monocoat for serving boards. Also, your focus is hunting a lot. You often go blurry. I would turn off the autofocus for each shot once u get it dialed in. Love your videos dude!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! You're the second person to make the "et cetera" comment and when I listen back.. that's what I hear, but maybe that's my Tennessee ears? What do you hear?

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo I hear you say 'ex cetera'.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

@@StevenDavisPhoto Ah, I kinda hear it now, a vestigial from my south mouth, haha.

[@J-D248]

Great video! I was just yesterday at a wood working store asking for a good replacement for Arm-r-seal since they were out. He asked me what I was using it for and I said a charcuterie board, he said I shouldn't be using that anyways. I said never mind I am making a box... LOL, he wasn't much help after that.

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

I love the video. When I first started making cutting boards I found the information to be cloudy at best. I like how you lined out the products, how the regulations work, and what really happens with the over fancy epoxy cutting boards(Spoiler alert if you have not watched the video: they are truly decorative. No surprise I know. LOL) Needless to say, thank you for putting this video out, great info on it, and even gave me a few ideas of other products to use that I had not considered. The Howards is good, but I still find the old fashion mineral dip first is a good way to get it started then finish with Howards. :)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. And that's a good idea about mineral oil dip followed by wax mix (Howards) that'll help seal the mineral oil into the wood and minimize that oily feeling just dipped boards have for a while. I've used the Mahoney's walnut oil/wax blend on a few boards recently and like it a lot better so far. The walnut oil is polymerized so it cures. After a few hours it keeps more luster than the Howards and isn't greasy feeling.

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Oh sweet! I like that idea! I have not tried the walnut oil on top of the dip. I will try that on my next set! Thank you! :)

[@KarlBunker]

Thanks for the best coverage I've ever seen of this complicated and contentious topic.

[@daveyaden3513]

Massively helpful and informative! Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rustybear59]

"Pineapples"" LOL!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I've waited so long for someone to comment on that 🤣 thank you!

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo LOL. That was my first thought was "pineapple"? He must not like pineapple. I think it is pretty good myself. Thanks for the video.

[@ManoharSrikanth]

Very good! Thanks for putting you law hat and talking from that perspective! I looking for this exactly as I was venturing into epoxy on a counter....

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@delapopo1]

i cant tell you how thankful i am that you made this video

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbiebeally58]

Great info. What are your thoughts on Tung Oil for epoxy and wood boards, like the ones you made?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

So pure tung oil is safe to call food safe as a natural product. Lots of tung oil has chemical driers added though... that’s where you get into my long explanation about safe when cured, testing requirements, and trade secrets..

[@bobbonham4823]

Thanks. Great information. I learned most of that along the way, but it was great to have it brought together. And the perspective from the law an added bonus. Thanks again.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Great to hear! Unfortunately it really just comes down to personal risk assessment.. but it doesn't seem near as dangerous as many make it out to be.

[@bobbonham4823]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Yep I agree.

[@rosefolks3149]

Thank you so much. I really appreciated all the fine print details explained

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Happy to help

[@Eric-bh6ie]

Thx for taking tge time with this subject

[@rebeccaevaandabby]

Loved the video. I’m making a cutting board with an image on the back side. Can you recommend a sealer that I can put over the photo to protect image if wet but that wouldn’t affect the other side of the actual cutting board so it can be a use able board? I hope this makes sense.

[@KaerkaPhillips]

Great video - thanks! I feel very vindicated that I decided to use the butcher block oil/wax (mineral oil and carnuba/bee’s wax) that you mentioned on a small island counter top. It took a while to really harden, but I’ve been pretty happy with it. Now I want to stain it (it’s pine), and re-do the wax on it. Probably won’t do it though - I’m not patient enough to wait for it to cure fully.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I don't blame you on the time thing.. not to mention now that it's been waxed it'll be crazy hard to get the stain penetrate evenly. You'd basically have to sand through everything the the wax has penetrated. That's one downside to ever using wax.. only real option is to just keep waxing.

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

as geeky as this was, it thought this was great. I used to use mineral oil for my boards with beeswax and recently switched to hemp oil and beeswax. i built a large fish cleaning board and the owner didn't want to maintain the board and wanted a poly coat on it. Thanks for digging into this!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Glad you thought it was great!

[@UkirBali]

He's also right that working with pure wax is messy. While melted, it makes a huge mess then dries, making clean up a nightmare.

[@rewindthatradio2513]

Great video! Info heavy and basically confirmed which finishing products I will be using on my boards. Thanks for the info! you have a new subscriber

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@matthewsecord7641]

Ha. I'm going to get boring now. I instantly want this guy over for dinner. Maybe on non food safe prep surfaces. That's an instant sub from me, bro.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

This is definitely an immediately love it or hate it kind of video 🤣🤣

[@BruceAUlrich]

Man, that's a deep dive into finishes if I've ever seen one. Good technical breakdown!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I like to go deep.

[@shopcatt643]

Another good video sir I appreciate the time in effort you put into them

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Much appreciated, Gavin!

[@TheMuzShop]

Loads of Great info Bro !!!! Thanks for sharing...👍👍👍

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Any time!

[@Ibieyond]

wow! I appreciate all the info. Thank you and best of luck to your channel

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you! You too!

[@jlansink1]

Great info!! Any thoughts on Rubio Monocoat or Odies for epoxy river serving boards? Odies markets big time to the food safe crowd...they love to mention how you don't even need gloves when applying!! THanks in advance!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If they're marketing to the food safe crowd then it's probably fine for food contact surfaces. As for the hard wax stuff like Rubio or Oslo.. I don't have any experience with them but I"m betting it's the same story. Once fully cured, shouldn't be any worries for typical use.

[@cliffordsmom2008]

Not boring at all!! Love this info. Thanks

[@dikelly8991]

Three years later, this content is still good information. Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Glad it lives on

[@ericmwenda6197]

Thanks for the Insight. I am an timber craft and epoxy resin crafts enthusiasts and this information has been very helpful to me.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Awesome, glad to hear it!

[@KimV806]

Thank you for this informative video! Everything seems to relate to wood cutting boards but what do you use to coat EPOXY cutting boards to keep them both food safe and to keep them from getting scratched like you demoed in your video?

[@sablecavazos8704]

I wanna know too lol

[@bethbradshaw875]

Thanks so much for this great information. You may have answered this before, so I'm sorry if I missed the answer. Watching you cut on the resin makes me wonder, is there something you do differently for the epoxy resin cutting boards you make? I sure wouldn't want to scratch a cutting board that pretty!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Nah, that's why I recommend them just for serving

[@tiffanymj1]

So very in depth.... thank you for all if the info

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonlanier_]

I don't know about the newer epoxy stuff. But I do know that all wood finishes in the United States are food safe once they become inert. I've got a pdf. somewhere about it 10 years ago (on some drive). They all are just not expedient to use. Walnut Oil and Mineral Oil just make it easy to touch up and use for wood products if food is going to be used. Thanks for your research... Newbies may not have all that info. First thing I do is take the wooden item and rub in Mineral Oil or Walnut Oil. After allowing that to soak in and dry, then I use this formula: 12 oz of Mineral Oil 2 oz of bee’s wax 1/2 oz of Carnuba wax I melt all of that over a medium heat in a metal bowl that is sitting on boiling/hot water. (double boiler?) I then poor that into a Wide mouth Mason Jar. Now, this is a mix that gives me a medium dense paste. Some may prefer softer and some may prefer a harder wax. All you need to do is to soften is to add more mineral Oil…. to harden… don’t use as much mineral oil. Re-coat about every 3 months or so.

[@thezarco]

Very helpful information. Thank you!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@WoozleEffect]

I spit out my coffee when you said "pineapples." lol

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

🤣🤣🤣

[@manufortiwoodworks8497]

Question about stains on cutting boards/charcuterie boards. I’ve never been on this side of woodworking, I’ve stuck to make decor and wall “art” and have just recently been wanting to get involved in kitchen items. I’m wanting to start making lazy Susan’s, charcuterie boards and cutting boards and I was wondering what I could do to make them look good? Is it safe to use a normal oil or water based wood stain on them? Do you do that with your projects? What finishes do you recommend to put over a wood stain?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It's best to follow with the same type of product and keep in the same brand if possible. If you use an oil stain, use an oil finish. Water stain, use a water finish (and just use water anyone, better for you, the environment, and easier clean up). kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZConaOQdtignq8

[@manufortiwoodworks8497]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Awesome! Thank you

[@xibux]

Great video, man! Thanks for sharing this knowledge

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@UkirBali]

Thank you for this. Really helpful for our drinking horns. We used Art Resin before, which claim to be safe once it's dry, not only when cured. But it's expensive to import here in Indonesia. We'll be coating our horns with the safest local resin option and letting letting them fully cure in 30 days or more.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it helped! Just be ware of heat. Most epoxies don’t do well with over about 120f.

[@newbiegamelover4767]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Glad I saw this one. One of my main concerns is whether or not I can make coffee mugs using resin. However, seeing your response to the first guy, and looking up how hot coffee is typically served (and taking into consideration its acidity), I can safely conclude that resin coffee mugs are probably *not* a good idea.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very good Informative Video Caleb thanks for all the information Brother @YouCanMakeThisToo

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@omarwalker6677]

This video was very informative. Thank you for providing it.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toddlawrie307]

How about unprocessed Tung Oil or the commercial Tung oils that are processed as far as finishes whether for cutting board or table top?

[@TotalBoat]

Super helpful video! Thanks!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

So glad!

[@716_sam1]

Super informative. Thank you.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@barebonesbijoux9057]

Do you buff/polish with the butcher block conditioner when using? And if so, do you do it by hand? I am having a hard time getting my resin to be clear all the way even after 1500 grit. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If you want to get epoxy by sanding you need to go up to about 12000 with micro mesh and then use a polishing compound. Otherwise.. clear coat it.

[@sandibroad4099]

Wow! That’s a lot of information! You did your homework. A+ 🙌Thank you🤩

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! I did my best

[@GoodViewWoodworks]

Thanks bro! Great info! I get this same question on my channel all the time!! I came to a very similar conclusion.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful! Feel free to link folks over if you want to :D

[@Rebecca-gv5gy]

Thanks for this video--its the exact information I was looking for

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it helped

[@jaywalker8361]

Caleb Harris is the GOAT. There isn’t a question I had about epoxy that he didn’t answer. Thanks a bunch man, I wish you all the success and genuine happiness

[@kotacastro]

Thank you. Great Information.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stanhutchins6592]

I just started wood turning coffee cups and bowls. Which food grade finish would be best for these items. Because of the continuous temperature being applied to the product?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I'm not aware of anything that safely holds up to heat for food contact. I think a few companies sell stainless steel sleeves for turned mugs.

[@MrRosiesman]

So the expoxy can be sealed just the same as the wood ?

[@catcraig33]

Hi - Can you use the general finishes Gel stain first then seal with salad bowl and still be food safe? I wanted to use these on a charcuterie board? If the Gel stain is not good what is an option as the natural pine color is boring ;)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yep, what counts most is the topcoat.

[@catcraig33]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Thank you so much for the reply :)

[@zack10101]

Any suggestions on getting rid of rustoleum clear matte overspray on the inside of my metal water bottle? Wanted to spray the outside but didn’t think to cover the inside. Any suggestions?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

A stiff brush? I'm not sure what solvent they use.

[@zack10101]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo appreciate it!!

[@chrisrodwell4701]

Hello I know this is quite to do with this video ( by the way is great and very informative) but when I'm sanding I finish on a 1500 grit wet sand on the epoxy boards im doing them when the water drys after wiping clean they keep clouding up whatever I seem to do it won't go clear any tips would be great ?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Sure thing. So I'm assuming that you're going through the grits properly and aren't leaving any lower grit scratches behind. The cloudiness just means you aren't going high enough. For a clear polish 1500 is about 70% of the work. From there you need to go through the micro mesh pads up to 12000 grit, or switch to a polishing compound and buff it. Alternatively, if you put a curing finish over the top, like clear halcyon or wood bowl finish.. it'll fill the tiny cracks left and give you a good shine.

[@chrisrodwell4701]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo @YouCanMakeThisToo thank you much appreciated on the advice I'm still rather new to this, i thought i had gone through grits properly msybe not haha ill get my self some higher grits and micro mess and start on it again. Ill also try some polishing compound on my other practice boards. Thank you again for the advice

[@TailEndCustoms]

Great info! Thanks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

You bet!

[@andrewwill9068]

Im looking to repair a glass pitcher. It got a stress crack in it and I was looking to repair it with an epoxy. Any recommendations on what to use? Doesn't have to be epoxy.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

That might work.. I don't know how well epoxy bonds to glass. But I do know that Loctite makes something called like "super glue glass" which is a CA glue formulated for glass, that might be your best bet.

[@alyssameadows2310]

Can I use the butchers block finish or shellac on an epoxy charcuterie board

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yep

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

So have a charcuterie board made of cedar. Should I just epoxy over the board or finish it with mineral oil / wax finish or teak oil it then epoxy over it?

[@zacharydriscoll6989]

So for an epoxy board, which of the finishes do you recommend? Like the board butter or wax that you referenced? Probably some that builds up a film on the surface, right?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Walnut oil is what I've been using

[@zacharydriscoll6989]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Sweet, thanks

[@MedicTwitch20]

Whats your opinion of walrus oil being used for cutting boards

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I haven’t used it but from the website it sounds pretty similars to Howard’s conditioner. It’s an oil wax blend.

[@neishat]

Very informative!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad you think so!

[@ceciliachan4361]

Very informative. Thank you

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BLOOMDAILY]

Always research before doing stuff so I am glad I been hunting because your video is the best I’ve seen! I am new to resin and wanted to do a cutting board but instantly thought about if it would be safe or not. Guess I gotta figure something else out

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yeah... not for cutting, but fine for charcuterie or serving!

[@GumriRN]

See? I didn’t find this info boring at all. And I’m not even making a cutting board, I’m trying to buy a safe one. Thanks 🙏

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leedobson30]

VERY helpful - thnx heaps.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it helped!

[@jrundell17]

Quick questions for you, if you were to finish a cutting board that had epoxy in it with the Butcher's block oil or conditioner, would that have any effect on leaving marks on the epoxy? Would using these products make the epoxy "food safe" Or should boards with epoxy just remain for serving?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

So top coating the epoxy won't protect it from knives at all. My take on it is most epoxies once fully cured are probably fine for food contact.. but if pigment has been added there's no telling if the pigment is safe. Can either topcoat with a flood coat of epoxy. Or if you've added some type of topcoat that will build a little (polymerized oil or wax, or blend) then you've added a barrier between food items and the pigment.

[@jrundell17]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo , thank you for your expertise on this matter. I've made a few boards and got inspired by your video when you did the green, blue, a purple epoxy with the wood. So I figured I'd try it and give it a go.

[@taylorsessions4143]

My biggest fear is making someone sick and getting sued.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Just use food grade finishes and you won't have to worry about it. Also, you'd have enough assets to be worth suing, and they'd have to satisfy "but for" causation which is a crazy high burden. That your item, and your item alone - with no other reasonable possibility, is the cause of the illness. My point isn't that you can get away with any finish. Be smart. It's just don't let that fear stop you - it's so unlikely it'd ever happen. Also, people are actually less litigious than they used to be. The idea that everyone is sue happy was actually part of a PR campaign that McDonalds paid for when they got in that legal battle with the lady they put in the hospital and then refused to pay for her treatment. The actual stats show suits have been going down.. but there's this fun psychological phenomenon in play too where folks love to find out and talk about the occassional frivolous suit because it makes them feel superior "I'd never sue over something so stupid, in fact - I'd never sue someone!" And then big corps get to rest cozy in the social pressure they created that most people have shamed themself out of the only remedy they have if they're done wrong. Sorry for the law school rant, just some info I found incredibly interesting while there.

[@taylorsessions4143]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo I love it, that does give me more confidence! It isn't easy living in a world of CYA 😂. My day job is as a realtor, and the saying goes "it's easy to become a real estate agent, it's even easier to get kicked out". There's an endless list of ways I could be breaking the law while seemingly just trying to be helpful. Then even if I don't get sued I'll likely be facing fines. Luckily wood working isn't that way! But I think listening to all these case studies of people getting sued has me in an analysis paralysis! Thanks for all the info and detailed response!

[@mlrable]

Is your ethics or your wallet you are concerned about

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Those aren’t mutually exclusive. Any good business owner is concerned about both. Just cause you’re doing the right thing doesn’t mean there aren’t people who won’t sue you anyway. And in the American system, even if you win you still almost always “lose” the cost of defending yourself. Just because you’ve rigorously ensured you can always get a 12b6 ruling in your favor, doesn’t mean you’re doing the right thing.

[@davidpham4589]

If I am trying to coat a coffee-stained bamboo lid, that will be occasionally exposed to hot drinks (tea, coffee), what would you recommend I coat it with? Seems that everything out there is not heat-resistant while also being food-safe unfortunately..

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Oof. Yeah, if you're trying to heat resistant and something labeled food safe, that's going to be tough. But if you're just talking typical coffee/tea mugs, that shouldn't be more heat than most finishes can handle. Or, use a coaster

[@Zsasz2]

great video, ty for the information

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@calleeharris4182]

Finally getting around to this one...while working and also doing masters class stuff...excellent content! Far more interesting than supply chain...

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Enjoy!

[@evangann6146]

If I use just shellac on a wood shot glass, would the alcohol put in it strip the shellac back out?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Oh yeah. Alcohol is the solvent for shellac, so it’ll eat it right up.

[@evangann6146]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo would putting poly over it do the trick?

[@steamtech]

What about Raw Linseed oil, is "Food Grade" too? Thanks.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Raw linseed oil is, not boiled.

[@garrettweeks8737]

What about different color tones of shellac? Does that fall into the pigment category?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Nah, it’s still all natural. That just has to do with sorting.

[@garrettweeks8737]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo thank you for the feedback!

[@underthetracks]

Great video, helped me a ton dude. Worth a subscribe. 🤜💥🤛

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wendylamb8645]

I have become very allergic to resin and I don’t want to stop my artwork. Can you suggest something I could seal my boards or stainless tumblers after I use acrylic paint on them. I’m still confused

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I'd try shellac. Haven't heard of any allergies to it and it's easier to get a hold of, affordable, and sticks to about anything.

[@coydog]

My question is beer mugs and wine goblets? Not cutting on these , but drinking out of. Would epoxy be useful after 30 day cure? I know this video came out 3 years ago, but curios to know

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Epoxy doesn’t typically react with alcohol, but I’d be hesitant since it is a solvent. For neutral PH and non-alcoholic beverages I doubt it’d be a problem. I’d try to stick to a food grade finish though

[@wakelywanderer12]

After initial sanding of my bowls I like using sanding sealer before the final grades. How does that affect the food safety question?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Sanding Sealer is normally just shellac. But ultimately it's only the top coat that's going to have food contact.. so my thinking is so long as it isn't radioactive.. the only thing that matters is if the topcoat is safe.

[@CD-hc5ds]

I would never use my knives on epoxy, glass or stone, thats a sure way to dull or even chip them

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

That's a good policy. I don't make a habit of it, but I'm pretty proficient at sharpening and sharpen and hone my knives regularly 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@vietnamvet6474]

If it's just a tabletop [Farm Table ] and not a cutting board is polyurethane safe?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

For sure

[@diggeronenineone7254]

My mother used the same old wooden chopping board to cut raw meat, cooked meat, vegetables, fruit, and bread on. I now use the same one to do the same things, how the hell am I still alive.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I do the same thing. Lots of studies have shown that wood bacteria dies quicker in wood than on plastic. My take has been so long as I rinse after having raw meat on the board.. doesn't matter what goes on after.

[@ImHandlingIt]

4:44 😂

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

🤣🤣

[@davidkeetz]

lol lol lol lol - So I'm so glad he made this video because I've been watching all of the others where he doesn't put any kind of finish on the boards at all and thinking to myself "how in the #**#% is that an actually useful 'cutting board'l at all?? or is it just art? Nobody I know wants to buy a cutting board they can't actually use"....please tell me what finish we can use for a wood/epoxy cutting board. I see the list of 'safe' items at the end but take shellac - okay - it's a nice finish and it's safe but you can't get shellac wet for any substantial amount of time and if I make a cutting board and coat it in shellac, whoever gets it will lose the finish after the first five hand washes.....and okay - we've got the mineral oil based stuff that I've seen you bathe the cutting boards in but that obviously doesn't protect the epoxy resin and we saw at the beginning of the video what happens when you start making cuts on the epoxy......so is it even possible to make a useable epoxy/wood cutting board like the cool ones we've seen in earlier videos? This is exactly the issue that's been on my mind that keeps me from doing any of the cutting board projects. Yah it looks super cool but if it's not useful what's the point?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Epoxy boards are serving/charcuterie boards, there’s no finish that’s going to be stronger than a knife and stop from scratching the epoxy. Doesn’t mean they’re not useful, just not cutting. I titled it cutting boards because everyone searches for “epoxy cutting boards”

[@dgoddard]

Uranium isn't food safe? Well, there goes a whole batch of cutting boards.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Sorry dude.. just coat it in lead, that'll contain the radiation. :D

[@dgoddard]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo, LMAO! Off to buy some lead, I guess.

[@terricool2032]

I would like to know of a product to use on wooden bowls that is food safe, water proof , and long lasting

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Pretty much everything is food safe once it’s fully cured. No finish is totally water proof. Nor is any gonna hold up to heat.

[@terricool2032]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Can you recommend something water resistant then?

[@shawnjohnson7696]

Good information.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊Thanks for sharing 😊

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheGrantAlexander]

A lawyer who is risk adverse? No way! Thanks for all the information. I will continue to use mineral oil and bees wax on my cutting boards, just makes me feel more safe :)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Whatever works best for you man, all about being comfortable 😊

[@TheGrantAlexander]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo agreed!

[@GregandMuriel]

What about Tung Oil?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Pure I'd trust, but it takes forever to cure. Most Tung Oil is modified with chemical driers and those I don't know about.. probably fine once completely cured with the typical precautions of nothing hot or super acidic.

[@budimarto4973]

I just made shillac with foodgrade grain alcohol called everclear and had only amber shillac. I hope it is still foodgrade😁 or my wife is gonna smack me.. I noticed the pineapple too, just thought i missheard you lol. Awesome analysis, better than any i have seen.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. I’m sure it’s still safe. Technically it’s more likely to be safe than the canned stuff using denatured alcohol