Resin art on cutting boards is surely breathtaking. The vibrant colors and the varnish finish can surely make an ordinary kitchen tool an incredible work of art. But with functional art comes that inevitable question one should predict: Can you really use it day-to-day to prepare food? The short answer would be yes, but with some serious precautions.
Understanding Resin Art
Resin is a versatile medium. Once set, it becomes very hard, durable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. This makes resin very popular in art for items that must be aesthetic while having functionality, such as cutting boards. However, with all the strength of resin, it is not invincible. This means it can scratch and chip-sometimes even crack under certain circumstances, especially when up against the sharp edge of a knife.
The Dual Nature of Resin Art Cutting Boards
It is all about duality when one attempts to reason through the use of a resin art cutting board. On the one hand, it is art that should be admired and kept safe. On the other hand, it is an instrument devised for daily employment in the kitchen. In this respect, these two natures must be harmonized according to a well-developed plan.
The other side is the resin coating; that is the star of the show-there the creativity of the artist comes into full play. Using that for cutting will quickly kill its shine. Knives, especially sharp ones, can leave scratches that mar the surface and turn a beautiful piece into something worn and tired-looking.
A Practical Approach: Separate Functions
The best way to make the most of your resin art cutting board daily is by using the wood side for cutting and the resin side for serving or display. The wood side is a lot more forgiving: it can withstand the pressure of your knife and the impacts of chopping without harming the resin.
Imagine using the resin side for serving cheese at a dinner party or displaying appetizers. This doesn’t destroy the integrity of the art but elevates the dining experience: your guests get to see a nice presentation, and you don’t have to worry about ruining your art.
Longevity and Care
And even when on the wood side for cutting, one must keep in mind that a person’s cutting technique and the type of knife make a difference. In fact, a sharp knife is less damaging than a dull one. Dull knives require more pressure in cutting and result in deeper gauges in the wood, possibly affecting the stability of the board.
Heavy chopping is discouraged on resin art cutting boards, more so with cleavers or large chef’s knives, since it may result in dents and chips not only in the wood but also along the edges of the resin. Thus, for maximum durability of your board, activities must be confined to merely slicing, dicing, and light chopping.
Other key care for your resin art cutting board involves regular maintenance. Wash by hand with soap and warm water-do not soak-with no harsh chemicals that could degrade the resin. Periodically oiling the wood side keeps it bright and prevents drying and cracking of the wood.
Safety Considerations
One of the primary concerns when using resin-coated surfaces to prepare food is their safety. Most resins used in art projects are non-toxic after completion, but taking this for granted might not be such a good idea with your board. Not all resins made are the same, and there is the potential for some to have chemicals that are not fit for food contact.
Buying: If you’re purchasing an item, ask the artist or manufacturer what type of resin they’ve used. Be sure to find products identified as food-safe. Making your own: If you are making your own, be sure to choose a resin that is identified for use in producing items that come into contact with food.
Harmony of Beauty and Function
Well, resin art cutting boards can be used for daily food preparation if you go about it in the right way. In that way, you will always have the art side with which to serve, and your cutting on the wood side. Above all, proper care and attention can help your resin art cutting board to last as long as it can in your kitchen, serving both beauty and utility for everyday living.
It’s all a question of respect for the dual nature of the object: work of art and tool. With just a little awareness, you can have the best of both worlds.