As everything is kind of new to me and I want to learn it all I had to ask Mia about how to make the plywood foodsafe. She already made this post but thought it was so good and informative so thougt it would be a good thing to add it to the All Stars Blog as well..
By Mia (MiMoDesignLaserFiles)
I get asked this question a lot, since I make a lot of products and files for serving and displaying food.
Plywood is NOT foodsafe by itself - the adhesive between the layers are toxic and you or your customers could get sick by food that is in direct contact with the adhesive between layers.
The surface however is safe, but the toxic glue can penetrate if the plywood gets wet or hot.
So if you want to use plywood for these types of products, you HAVE TO make them foodsafe!
I personally love using varnish that are meant for Kitchen Countertops. Not only am I able to get mine in various colors from LUXENS, I can also get this as clear coating and clear spray, so I am able to use my regular stain/paint and make it food safe as well. Also varnish will leave a smooth and shiny surface, which is water resistant and easy to clean by simply rinsing the boards.
LUXENS is a brand by Leroy Merlin, so you might not be able to find it, where you are located, but I’m sure you can find alternative brands of varnish. All stains/varnish etc. will eventually be food safe once cured for a month, but if you don’t have that patience, choose products that are already made for food contact.
Alternatively you can seal with Shellac that is labeled as food graded.
How to seal your products correctly:
Once you have cut your layers, use damp towels, baby wipes, a toothbrush or similar and scrub/rub off residue from all your cut edges. Repeat until you don’t see anymore nasty stuff coming off.
Let dry and once dry, give everything a good sanding (I use 240 grit) - blow off or wipe off dust.
Now stain/treat your parts and remember to seal the edges that will be in contact with the food - these are the most toxic parts.
I use foam brushes when applying my varnish, but you should pick what you like working with.
After my first layer is cured, I give it a very light sand to smoothen the varnish - brush off dust and give it a second coat before gluing the parts together. Optionally you could spray it with a clear coat of your food graded sealer once dry.
Using plywood for these types of projects is more time consuming than using hardwood or food safe acrylics to begin with. But it IS possible to do it with a clean conscience as long as you treat your plywood properly and it’s a cheaper alternative to real wood.
I hope you find this little guide helpful and please share brands and alternatives to food graded products to help your fellow makers out 
Btw, if you’re interested in the color sampler I have pictured, let me know and I’ll add the files in the group 
1 comment
Would love that file