Food Grade Polyurethane Gel

[hughyg]

Hi Guys this is my first post.
I've recently bought an old wine basket press that is in need of a restoration

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/392/hughspress.jpg

Im looking for a food grade polyurethane gel in Australia.

In the USA the one people all use is EZ-DO Ez - Do Polyurethane Gel Cider and Fruit Press (http://www.homesteadhelpers.com/i/302/food-grade-polyurethane.htm)

Is there anything like this here?

Cheers
Hugh

[Master Splinter]

Just use some West epoxy. (slightly resin rich (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/wood-epoxy-composite-tank-guidelines/) if you want to be really sure - 5.5:1 instead of 5:1). Half dozen coats, and scrub with scotchbrite and soapy water when finished.

Epoxy coatings are used inside tin cans carrying produce that is likely to react with the metal of the can (such as tomatoes or fruit juices), so it is not an untested substance (see Epoxy Resin Can Coatings: Bisphenol A Safety (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/epoxycan.html) ).

It's also used to make large exotic fish tanks, and exotic fish tend to be fussy buggers who die easily.

You can chase up some 'approved for food contact' epoxy coatings, but they will probably come in at an industrial price range!

[hughyg]

Just use some West epoxy. (slightly resin rich (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/wood-epoxy-composite-tank-guidelines/) if you want to be really sure - 5.5:1 instead of 5:1). Half dozen coats, and scrub with scotchbrite and soapy water when finished.

Epoxy coatings are used inside tin cans carrying produce that is likely to react with the metal of the can (such as tomatoes or fruit juices), so it is not an untested substance (see Epoxy Resin Can Coatings: Bisphenol A Safety (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/epoxycan.html) ).

It's also used to make large exotic fish tanks, and exotic fish tend to be fussy buggers who die easily.

You can chase up some 'approved for food contact' epoxy coatings, but they will probably come in at an industrial price range!

They surely do come in industrial price. International Interseal 670HS cost $80 for 4 litres!! I was going to use it for the steel base. I only need about 500ml aswell which makes it worse!

[hughyg]

Just use some West epoxy. (slightly resin rich (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/wood-epoxy-composite-tank-guidelines/) if you want to be really sure - 5.5:1 instead of 5:1). Half dozen coats, and scrub with scotchbrite and soapy water when finished.

Epoxy coatings are used inside tin cans carrying produce that is likely to react with the metal of the can (such as tomatoes or fruit juices), so it is not an untested substance (see Epoxy Resin Can Coatings: Bisphenol A Safety (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/epoxycan.html) ).

It's also used to make large exotic fish tanks, and exotic fish tend to be fussy buggers who die easily.

You can chase up some 'approved for food contact' epoxy coatings, but they will probably come in at an industrial price range!

So would something like Easy Cast Clear Casting Expoxy work? see link EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy : Adelaide Moulding & Casting Supplies (http://www.amcsupplies.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7_861)

[bellyup]

Why do you need to coat the staves?
Wine barrels are untreated and wood has good anti-bacterial properties.
I would have thought that a quick,light planeing would be the go.

[Master Splinter]

So would something like Easy Cast Clear Casting Expoxy work? see link EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy : Adelaide Moulding & Casting Supplies (http://www.amcsupplies.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7_861)

Probably, but you might find West or Botecote epoxies cheaper, guestimating about two litres total for that press.

[hughyg]

Why do you need to coat the staves?
Wine barrels are untreated and wood has good anti-bacterial properties.
I would have thought that a quick,light planeing would be the go.

The inside of a barrel is fair easy to keep microbial free than the out side of a press. but that's for another day! Also, I hope it will make clean up a lot easy.

Ive just gone ahead and bought the Ez-Do from the states. Shipping was twice as expensive as the product but at least i know it is food grade and what the press manufacturers suggest. I think some may have also mentioned shellac, but i pretty new to this type of thing:o??

[tea lady]

I think some may have also mentioned shellac, but i pretty new to this type of thing:o??Shellac is made from beetles, and is used to coat pills, so is edible! :shrug: