Epoxy resins offer several advantages, making them suitable for many applications. Unfortunately, despite their versatility, most epoxies pose a health risk that may prove fatal when consumed in food.
Yet, while many epoxy resin brands claim to be food safe, only a few are FDA-approved. Lucky for you, we share some of the best FDA approved epoxy for tumblers in this post. Read on to learn more.
Our Top Picks
What is Food Safe Epoxy?
Are epoxy resins food safe? Food-safe epoxy resins are inert and don’t leach any chemicals when they come in direct contact with food— a typical epoxy resin results from a chemical reaction between an epoxy and a hardener.
Even the best epoxy resin contains a high concentration of non-reactive fillers such as diluents and solvents, which may leach into food. These fillers pose a serious health risk when ingested.
Besides checking the manufacturer’s safety certifications, confirm if your epoxy meets FDA regulations.
Moreover, follow the recommended mixing and curing instructions when using a food-grade epoxy. Doing so avoids exposing yourself to health hazards.
FDA Approved Epoxy For Tumblers
- MAX CLR Epoxy Resin System – Best-Rated Epoxy Resin For Tumblers
- Envirotex Lite Resin – Best Eco-Friendly Epoxy For Tumblers
- KS RESIN Tumbler Coating Epoxy – Best UV Resistant Epoxy for Tumblers
- Faux Rizzle Art Resin UV+ – Best non-toxic Epoxy for Tumblers
- Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin – Fast-Curing Epoxy for Tumbler
The Best FDA Approved Epoxy For Tumblers
1. Best-Rated Epoxy Resin For Tumblers – MAX CLR Epoxy Resin System
- FDA Compliant Coating For Brief-Use Direct Food Contact
- Crystal Clear Coating For Wood And Other Porous Substrates
- Chemical Resistant- Inert Surface
Max CLR epoxy is an FDA-compliant epoxy coating that suits brief food and beverage contact. It also delivers an ultra-clear coating on porous substrates such as wood.
With this epoxy resin, you needn’t worry about your health when enjoying popcorn or a drink in an epoxy tumbler. Following the product’s application and curing instructions gives you a chemical-resistant, inert surface on your tumbler.
Moreover, this easy-to-use epoxy is a suitable option for beginners and DIYers. When mixing, you require a 2:1 ratio of the epoxy and the hardener.
Also, it comes with 2 measuring cups and stirrers that allow you to get your ratios down pat. The product also delivers a high gloss sealant on various tumbler materials. This includes wood, plastic, and ceramic.
With this epoxy, you can pour acidic, alcoholic, alkaline, or hot drinks into the epoxy tumbler without them wearing out. Besides tumblers, this two-part epoxy is ideal for tabletops, cutting boards, and countertops.
With this resin, you have a 70-minutes working period and at least 24 hours before it cures completely. Besides its easy application process, this product features a viscosity of 860 cPs.
This low viscosity enables it to fill up gaps that may be present on the surface. Moreover, the low viscosity minimizes the formation of air bubbles.
Bubbling tends to affect the effectiveness of epoxy on tumblers. However, there is also a catch since you can only work with level or flat surfaces.
Lastly, it offers a durable, impact-resistant coating that will protect your epoxy tumbler from damage and scratches. But, it’s more expensive compared to other epoxy resins on the market.
What We Liked Most
- FDA approved
- Easy to use
- Anti-bubbling
- Highly durable
What Could Be Improved
- It is expensive
- It is suitable for flat surfaces only
2. Best Eco-Friendly Epoxy For Tumblers – Envirotex Lite Resin
- Preserves and beautifies
- Solvent free formula
- Waterproof
Envirotex Lite resin boasts a high-gloss, pour-on resin that cures to a thick coating of about 32 square ft at 1/16 inch. However, while it cures in about 8 hours at 70 degrees F, you’ll have to wait 48 hours until it attains full cure.
Most tumbler art enthusiasts and artists claim that they started off using this product due to its ease of use and beginner-friendliness.
According to the USA safety data sheet, this eco-friendly epoxy emits minimal odor and incorporates a solvent-free formula.
This FDA-compliant coating is suitable for indirect as well as direct repeated food contact use. However, ensure that you measure and mix the components accurately and allow enough curing time.
You can trust this brand since you can seamlessly access their SDS (Safety Data Sheet) on the company’s website. It is also waterproof, and you can use it to preserve and beautify the integrity of your epoxy tumblers.
Moreover, this 128-ounce kit offers resistance to heat and alcohol, among other solvents. Yet, beyond all the benefits it offers, some users complained that the Environmental Technology epoxy resin tends to yellow when exposed to UV rays.
The yellowing could also occur over time, even in the absence of UV. Since the degree of yellowing or how soon it yellows varies with the tumbler material, resin artists still prefer working with this epoxy and even recommend it.
After all, most resins tend to yellow, given the right time and conditions. Also, while the product claims to be heat-resistant, it doesn’t specify the maximum temperature it can withstand.
What We Liked Most
- FDA compliant
- Emits low odor
- Great for beginners who are learning to make epoxy tumblers
- Heat resistant
- Easy to use
What Could Be Improved
- Can yellow over time
3. Best UV Resistant Epoxy for Tumblers – KS RESIN Tumbler Coating Epoxy
Manufacturers of this product had the artist’s needs in mind when creating this Epoxy resin. Most tumbler enthusiasts agree that it dries to a clear coating and offers excellent resistance to UV rays.
This means that, unlike other products, this epoxy prevents your tumblers from yellowing when you leave them out in the sun.
Besides offering the best UV resistance the industry can offer, KSResin has a long working time, making it suitable for first-timers and seasoned epoxy tumbler makers. Moreover, it is easy to use and works best at a temperature range of 75F- 80 F.
The resin features a thicker formula than other epoxies on the market, which delivers a hard, glass-like coating on the epoxy tumblers. Moreover, it mixes well with many color pigments and enhances color stability.
Also, with its “flow control”- a trademarked additive that reduces surface tension- KSResin promises to deliver a durable and ultra-clear finish on your tumbler regardless of the material.
The product also includes self-leveling properties that ensure your tumbler surfaces are entirely level once it cures. This ensures that you achieve your expected results when using this epoxy.
While it emits a minimal odor, this resin is free of Volatile Organic Compounds, which makes it safe for our planet. Although it claims to be scratch-resistant, I didn’t find the product as scratchproof.
As a result, I don’t find it suitable to use this resin for counters and tabletops. Once it cures completely, KSResin can resist heat temperatures up to 475F.
However, wait at least 7 days before exposing your projects to such temperature levels. According to the brand’s website, the epoxy is food-grade and food safe paint for incidental contact once it cures.
What We Liked Most
- FDA compliant
- UV resistant
- It offers a long working time
- Easy to use
- It is Food-safe upon curing fully
- VOC-free
- Self-leveling
What Could Be Improved
- It isn’t scratchproof
4. Best non-toxic Epoxy for Tumblers – Faux Rizzle Art Resin UV+
- EASY TO USE - Our step by step instructions are detailed for beginners as well as experience and ready to use your surface in just 36 hours
- QUALITY PRODUCTS - Durable and long lasting. Scratch resistant and heat resistant up to 500 degrees.
- FOOD SAFE & NON-TOXIC - Zero VOC - which means no solvents or harmful odors. Food safe, non-toxic application.
If you’ve stayed in the tumbler industry long enough, you must have heard of the Faux Rizzle epoxy. This is a VOC- free epoxy resin that is easy to apply and delivers an ultra-clear finish on tumblers.
While it can resist temperatures up to 500F, ensure an ambient temperature range of 70-75F when mixing the components. Also, when using this particular resin, I noticed that it doesn’t work well in humid climates.
As a result, this product may prove hard to work with if you are living in areas that experience periodic or elevated humidity levels.
While sufficient evidence supports their low-odor claim, this brand has stated that you don’t need a respirator when working with their resin.
As much as this is factual, I still recommend wearing the appropriate gear and protective equipment, even when working with the best epoxy resin.
This is because even odor-free or low-VOC resins produce fumes if you don’t allow them to cure fully. Taking the necessary precautions is the first step to guaranteeing your health.
Also, although it meets the FDA standards for food-safe epoxies, I advise against covering your tumbler fully to the rim when applying the resin. Like all epoxy resins, your lips shouldn’t come in contact lest you ingest it.
What We Liked Most
- FDA approved
- Finishes crystal clear
- States that you don’t need a respirator
- Odor-free
- UV-resistant
- Heat resistant
- VOC-free
What Could Be Improved
- Harder to work with in high humidity
- Mix only in a temperature range of 70-75F
5. Fast-Curing Epoxy for Tumbler – Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin
- INCLUDES: Counter Culture DIY 1 Gallon Kit Clear Artist Resin. The kit includes 2 Half Gallon Containers (Part A and Part B) to mix and create 1 Gallon of Artist Resin. This epoxy resin will produce a crystal-clear, glass-like finish.
- ARTIST RESIN: Along with being a topcoat, use our resin for Resin Art. We have specifically developed a suspension resin, this means metallic, stains, acrylic paint, and mixed media will stay suspended rather than falling to the bottom of your work.
- EASY TO USE: A simple 1:1 Mix. As this thick resin cures you art will hold its style and shape while curing to a rock hard finish leaving you with more effect and depth. This resin is perfect for other projects like a epoxy countertop and bar tops.
Here is yet another popular resin choice for tumbler artists. Counter Culture DIY epoxy resin promises to deliver a hard, beautiful, crystal-clear finish.
In addition, the brand’s website claims that the product is VOC-free and offers commendable resistance against UV rays. Moreover, this epoxy resin for tumblers features a short cure time of 24 hours.
After it’s fully cured, it can resist heat temperatures up to 500F, something we love! Besides its glass-like finish, something else to note is the coating’s hardness and durability.
Using this product protects your projects from scratches and damage. Also, most tumbler enthusiasts agree that the product produces little to no odor, making it suitable for indoor use.
After mixing the Counter Culture resin for your tumblers offers a 25-40 minutes short working time. Thus, ensure you prepare everything you need to use before the resin starts curing or changes its consistency.
Also, when mixing the components, use more than 2 oz. of the epoxy to avoid a soft, sticky, or uncured finish. Also, according to the brand, the product is FDA compliant and meets the FDA 21 CFR 175.300 requirements.
Many tumbler artists are switching from their current epoxy brand to Counter Culture with great satisfaction due to its popularity.
What We Liked Most
- FDA compliant
- Heat resistant
- Little to no odor
- VOC-free
- Delivers a clear, glass-like finish
- It offers reliable UV resistance
What Could Be Improved
- Short working time
Best FDA Approved Epoxy For Tumblers Comparison Table
Education: Finding The Best Epoxy Resins for Tumblers
Here are some of the key features to consider when selecting the best FDA-approved epoxy for tumblers in the industry;
FDA Compliance
Before purchasing your epoxy resin solution, review the manufacturer’s manual. Also, check whether they follow all the FDA requirements for food-safe epoxies. Some keywords to look for include
- Compliance with CFR Title 21, part 175.105, and 175.300
- Food and beverage safe epoxy
- Food safe epoxy
Some of the primary requirements for a food-safe epoxy resin by the FDA include:
- The epoxy should be odorless without emitting any taste or smell to the food in the tumbler.
- Emission of zero or negligible element traces that aren’t crosslinked to the epoxy or food
- The food or beverage composition should remain the same even after contacting the tumbler’s epoxy surface.
- The epoxy shouldn’t pose any health risk upon consumption or contact with the tumbler’s contents.
Eco-friendly epoxy
While an FDA-approved epoxy resin guarantees environmental friendliness, you should check further for details such as;
- VOC-free
- Zero Red List elements
- Odorless
- Bio-content ingredients
- Zero toxic elements
Self-leveling property
While the epoxy resin doesn’t need self-leveling abilities, this property comes in handy, especially when dealing with cylindrical surfaces. This way, you won’t need a spatula or additional solvents to achieve consistent thickness.
Also, the self-leveling ability allows you to mask the waveforms and brush marks that form when applying the epoxy resin using a spatula or brush. This way, you can easily achieve a shiny coating.
Durability
Your food-safe epoxy should resist water and other common solvents for the tumblers to remain durable for long. Additionally, shock and impact-resistant FDA-compliant epoxies provide a durable coating for tumblers to sustain dropping.
Moreover, settle for an abrasion-proof and scratch-resistant epoxy. This will allow you to clean the tumbler without leaving marks on the surface.
Similarly, a UV-resistant epoxy allows you to use your tumbler outdoors without the risk of rapid fading and yellowing. This maintains the aesthetics of your epoxy tumbler.
Clarity of instructions
Besides the clear and easy-to-follow instructions, you should have access to the information on mixing, curing, and using your epoxy.
Some FDA-approved epoxy come with a detailed manual, while others have the instructions on their websites. Some even have video tutorials on using epoxy and casting resin to achieve the best results.
Since you are dealing with a product whose misuse could impact human health, go through and follow the instructions to the latter.
How To Cure Epoxies To Make Them Food Safe?
Even the best FDA-approved food-grade epoxies aren’t food safe if you don’t cure them properly. A typical epoxy typically includes a single bottle of resin and another bottle of hardener.
When mixing the two components, ensure you are at room temperature. Any temperature below 70 degrees F, and you’ll find it difficult to mix the epoxy resin.
Also, use two coats when applying epoxy on tumbler surfaces. The first, a thin seal coat, helps to prevent bubbling. Next, apply the thicker second coat once the seal coat dries fully.
You’ll also need a clean mixing container and accurate measuring tools. Some epoxy requires a 1:1 mixing ratio, while others accept a 2:1 ratio of epoxy to hardener.
Adhere to your product’s instructions to ensure that your fully cured resin remains food safe. Mix slowly since the resin and hardener takes about 5-7 minutes to react fully.
Do it thoroughly to avoid forming uncured wet spots. The wet pots form when unmixed resin or hardener remains on the tumbler. When mixing, take caution not to introduce air bubbles.
Once complete, the mixture will turn from a cloudy or opaque appearance to clear. Ensure that your tumbler surface is clean before applying the epoxy resin. Wear the appropriate protective gear for every resin art.
Safety Precautions When Working with Epoxy Resins
Here are some of the safety precautions to watch out for when working with a food safe resin;
Always Wear A Respirator
When mixing resin, it tends to off-gas until it cures. This might take up to 72 hours, depending on the product brand.
Even a non-toxic food safe resin emits fumes during the chemical reaction with the hardener. Thus, wearing a respirator protects your lungs from fumes.
Wear Nitrile Gloves
Ensure that you wear vinyl or nitrile gloves when working with epoxy resin. Besides the chemical reaction, resin might stick to your hand, making it hard to remove.
I don’t recommend latex gloves since they can’t protect you from chemical reactions.
Work In A Well-Ventilated Space
I recommend working outdoors when dealing with epoxy resin. If you must use epoxy resin indoors, ensure there is adequate airflow. Continue ventilating the area even when the resin cures since each brand has different off-gassing times.
Adhere To The Mixing Instructions
Ensure that you use the correct ratio of epoxy resin and hardener to allow the mixture to cure properly. Also, if you need to mix a large amount of resin, do it in batches. Doing so prevents generating too much heat from the chemical reaction.
See also: Is oil-based polyurethane food safe?
FAQs
What Is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of hard plastics. It’s also in the lining of metal food cans and can leach into food. BPA is a hormone disruptor that can interfere with the normal function of endocrine system. In fact, frequent exposure to BPA may increase the risk of cancer.
What epoxy to use on tumblers?
You can use the Amazing Clear Cast epoxy. This epoxy is extremely durable and provides a high-quality finish that will resist scratching and chipping. Plus, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require special equipment or techniques. Amazing Clear Cast is one of the best brands if you’re looking for a top-quality epoxy for tumblers.
How Do I Know If My Epoxy Resin Is Food Safe?
To tell if epoxy resin is food safe, it must cure fully. That means the surface should be hard and shiny, no longer smells chemicals, and is non-sticky to touch. If it hasn’t cured, it may still release harmful chemicals into food. You could also ask the manufacturer if the epoxy is food safe.
Is Epoxy Resin Food Safe?
No, Epoxy resin is not safe for use with food. There are some resins that are food grade, but these are not commonly used in home situations. When preparing raw food, it is advisable to use a cutting board or other surfaces that are not coated with epoxy.
Is Envirotech lite FDA compliant
Envirotech lite FDA is compliant and approved for specific surfaces for food contact. It’s an EPA-registered disinfectant that controls bacteria, mold, and mildew on contact. You can use it on surfaces such as serving trays, counters, tables, and bar tops, sparing the inside parts of dishes and mugs where food is stored or heated.
Can you use UV resin on tumblers?
You can use UV resins on tumblers to get quick results and maintain quality. UV resin coatings can be applied quickly and without any mess, making them a great option for anyone who wants the best results in a short time.
What kind of tumblers can you epoxy?
The kind of tumblers you can epoxy are stainless-steel tumblers. Stainless steel is non-toxic and non-reactive, so it’s the perfect material for epoxy coatings. Epoxy will form a durable, long-lasting bond with stainless steel that will keep your drinkware looking great for years to come.
Read also: Can polycrylic be used safely with food?
Conclusion
Epoxy resins can add a touch of beauty to your tumblers and make them more durable. However, a food safe resin for tumblers must meet strict FDA requirements.
This will ensure that they don’t pose a health hazard to humans. After years of experience as a tumbler artist, I’ve settled for the MAX CLR Epoxy Resin System for all my artworks.
Besides being an FDA-approved epoxy for tumblers, this eco-friendly resin suits most projects. This includes wooden furniture, plastic, and melamine art projects.