Food Safe Finishes for Tabletops: Ensuring Safety and Beauty

Whether you're building or refinishing a table, using a food-safe finish is important, especially for tables used for dining and food preparation. Food-safe finishes are non-toxic and create a protective layer that prevents bacterial growth, moisture, and food particles from penetrating the wood.

According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all finishes are food-safe when they're fully cured. The curing process can take around 30 days after table construction. Experts recommend completing the curing process at room temperature, or somewhere in the 68-77°F range. Discover top options for food-safe finishes and best practices for wood finish applications.

Top Food-Safe Finish Options

Wood finishes made from natural sources and non-toxic ingredients are considered food-safe. When applied to surfaces that make direct contact with food, they don't contaminate the food with harmful chemicals. Examples of wood finishes that are food-safe include:

Natural Oil Finishes

Natural oil finishes are deep-penetrating oils that enhance the wood's natural beauty while creating a protective, water-resistant finish. Tung and linseed oil are two of the best food-safe wood finishes from natural sources. They require regular reapplication but are completely food-safe once fully cured.

Wax Finishes

Wax finishes create a natural protective layer that can be applied over oil finishes. While they require regular reapplication, they have a subtle sheen that gives the furniture's surface an improved tactile feel. Popular examples include beeswax and carnauba wax, both of which are food-safe and suitable for tabletops and dining tables.

Epoxy

Epoxy finishes are a good choice when you're looking for something extremely glossy and thick. Companies such as Woodright manufacture pour-over epoxy, which is great for tabletops. This clear finish lasts and is extremely durable when cured.

Every epoxy manufacturer has a unique process for pouring and sealing wood using their product. We recommend reading their instructions. Some epoxy resins can be poured thicker than others, and some also dry and cure faster. The epoxy we use to finish usually takes at least 24 hours to harden to a point where it can be touched.

Marine Epoxy is a waterproof adhesive, unlike others that are just water-resistant. When cured properly, epoxy is food-safe. Some manufacturers label their epoxy resins as “food-grade epoxy coating,” indicating that they comply with the FDA's regulations regarding food-safe finishes.

Addressing Common Concerns About Polyurethane Food Safety

Polyurethane is often a frontrunner among the best finishes for dining room tables. It's hard-wearing and water-resistant, but there are concerns about its food safety. Let's address common concerns about polyurethane wood finishes.

Is Polyurethane Food-Safe?

Fully cured polyurethane is generally considered food-safe. It meets the Food and Drug Administration's standards for food-contact materials, meaning it is safe for use on tabletops. However, for added precaution, it's important to allow the curing process to complete according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Concerns About Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Some polyurethane finishes contain VOCs. These solvents give the coating a fluid and spreadable consistency. When the polyurethane finish dries, it releases VOCs into the surrounding air. For safer alternatives, we recommend low-VOC and water-based polyurethane options to achieve the same results minus the risks.

Applications and Curing

Proper curing is essential because it provides enough time for the protective coat to harden and become durable. Once the curing process completes, it shields your tabletop against heat, moisture, scratches and stains. Once the finish solidifies, it's no longer a source of harmful chemicals that can leach into food.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Tabletop

When choosing the right finish for your tabletop, avoid oils that can go rancid, like vegetable and olive oils. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, allowing sufficient time for the finish to dry and cure to a food-safe level.

Lancaster Live Edge uses food-safe finishes in our tabletops and live-edge slabs. They're durable and designed for easy reapplication and maintenance. We use the best tabletop finish for our selection of premium-quality wooden tabletops, kiln-dried live-edge slabs and wooden furniture. Request a free quote or contact us for more information on our products.