When the topic at hand is epoxy countertops or counters, the best approach is to start with a brief introduction. If you are reading this article, you may be considering installing epoxy counters and learning more about what they can do for your home. You’re probably wondering: can I cut food on epoxy countertops?
So what is an epoxy countertop? Epoxy resin refers to two distinct chemical compounds that are made of multiple materials. The word “epoxy” does not refer to a specific compound but rather describes a material whose molecules contain more than one type of epoxide group. Epoxies harden when cured and often form tough, durable materials that are resistant to weather and chemicals.
Epoxy countertops have several applications in industry as well as around the home, including coating floors in high-traffic areas such as schools or restaurants. They also happen to make great kitchen surfaces that repel spills and stains from wine, oil, coffee, tomato sauce, and other foods you prepare regularly—without cutting corners on style! (Don’t worry: they’re also non-toxic!)
Can you cut food on epoxy?
In a friendly tone: Made from thermosetting plastic, epoxy countertops are formed once the components are combined and cured. Because epoxy is a thermosetting plastic, meaning it can be cured and hardened into the final product, it is important to note that it does not melt or soften when exposed to heat. This means you can set your hot pots and pans on an epoxy countertop without worrying about ruining its surface.
Not only can you place hot items on your epoxy countertop without damaging it, but you also don’t have to worry about scratches or cuts while preparing food. Since cutting on epoxy will not hurt the surface of your table, you won’t need to buy a separate cutting board for the project; removing one more item from your list of things needed for the project saves both time and money.
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Can you cut on an epoxy countertop?
Yes, it is possible to cut food on an epoxy countertop. However, using a cutting board is recommended. Cutting boards help keep your knives sharp by protecting them from nicks and dulling, and they also protect your epoxy surface from scratches and dents.
To get the most out of your cutting board—and your epoxy countertop—be sure to use a cutting board that’s the same size as the surface you’re cutting on, so that food doesn’t fall into the gap between them.
Also, be sure to use a cutting board made with a material that’s more durable than your epoxy; for example, if you have an epoxy countertop with an aluminum finish, don’t use a thin plastic cutting board or it will melt!
Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?
No, but they resist scratches well. Epoxy is a very durable material and will actually resist scratches better than any other countertop material. It still scratches, just less easily than stone, wood, or metal.
Epoxy is harder than wood and softer than metal, so it won’t scratch as easily as a wooden countertop or anything made out of metal but can still be scratched by sharp blades.
Epoxy is more scratch-resistant than quartz, granite, or marble because epoxy is a solid surface with no little nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in (unlike natural stone) or for the dirt and food particles that cause scratching to build up in (unlike wood).
Can epoxy be used on food surfaces?
As you may know, epoxy is not meant to be used on food surfaces and can be toxic if not completely cured. Epoxy is also a very poor surface for use with cutting knives as it will dull your knife extremely fast!
If you’re looking for an easy DIY way to get that custom kitchen you’ve always wanted and are able to spare the time and funds, I would recommend going with granite or some other non-toxic material.
How do you make epoxy resin food safe?
There are a few ways to make epoxy resin food safe. Here’s how:
- By adding a pigment dye (i.e., color) to the epoxy resin and allowing it to cure, you can use it as a safe surface to cut food without direct contact with the resin. While the curing process is not 100% complete until 21 days, most epoxies are dry enough by 48 hours that they will not stick to your knife when cutting directly on them at this point.
- Adding an ultra-violet inhibitor (UVI) epoxy additive or coating protects the cured surface from yellowing in sunlight, which helps maintain its good looks, although it doesn’t necessarily make it non-stick or non-toxic.
- Polyurethane coating further protects your countertop from scratches and makes it easier to clean. Additionally, this clear coat allows you to wash off any accidental spills quickly and thoroughly before they stain your countertop. Non-toxic polyurethane is considered food safe once fully dried or cured (usually 24 hours).
- Polyester resin is equivalent in toxicity levels and safety concerns as part of an epoxy formulation; however, it can be used as part of a clear coat over an epoxy countertop with no current issues reported other than being slightly more expensive than some other alternatives mentioned above.
What happens when you put food in epoxy?
It’s best to avoid cutting directly on the epoxy surface. Instead, use a cutting board or trivet to protect your countertops. Cutting directly on epoxy can dull the finish and affect the luster over time.
Luckily, it is unlikely that you will do any damage if you cut something by accident. However, we still recommend being mindful as a general rule of thumb.
What happens when you cut epoxy?
There are few things you can be sure of in life, but here’s one: If you cut your food on an epoxy countertop, it is safe to eat. Epoxy is made with a combination of resins and hardeners.
It is non-toxic, so it won’t become contaminated by your food. The epoxy won’t react with the food or the knife in any way that would contaminate or poison the food. There’s no way the epoxy will become toxic to eat.
How do you cut cured epoxy resin?
The best way to cut cured epoxy is with a carbide-tipped blade, preferably using one of the following tools: circular saw, table saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, band saw or hack saw. If the resin is a little less than fully cured (stringy), a hand saw will work as well.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question: “Can you cut food on epoxy countertops?” The answer is yes! But only if you have made it food safe before. Otherwise, it will ruin your countertops and you will have to sand them down and re-do the process again. That’s time-consuming, not to mention expensive.
If you haven’t applied a top coat of resin yet, I recommend looking for a food-grade finish for a perfect finish that won’t harm your health or damage your countertop.
If cutting on an epoxy surface is something you are interested in doing then I would highly recommend finding a product that is nontoxic so that your family can enjoy this material without worrying about their health and safety when cutting up some lettuce or slicing some cheese.
