We get these questions all the time:

• Is Jesmonite® food safe?
• Is it flammable?
• Is it really eco-friendly?
• Is it safer than epoxy?

Let’s break it down clearly — no fluff, just facts.

What Is Jesmonite®, Really?

First, Jesmonite® is a brand name — not a single material.

At FTC Creative, the two flagship systems we feature are:

• AC100 Eco-Resin
• AC730 Micro-Concrete

Both are two-part systems made up of:

1. A mineral-based powder
2. A water-based acrylic liquid

When mixed, they form a strong, durable composite material.

The key difference? The mineral base.

• AC100 is gypsum-based, making it ideal for interior decorative casting with fine detail.
• AC730 is cement-based, offering greater durability and suitability for indoor/outdoor applications.

Both are excellent for decorative casting — the right choice depends on your project and environment.

Is Jesmonite® Food Safe?

Jesmonite® is non-toxic once cured — but it is not certified food safe by default.

That means:

• Safe to handle once cured
• Great for decorative home items
• Not intended for direct food contact without sealing

Many creators use Jesmonite® for:

• Trays
• Coasters
• Decorative bowls
• Plant pots
• Candle vessels

If your piece will be used around food, sealing is recommended. A certified food-safe sealer creates a protective barrier and improves durability.

Think of it like natural stone or concrete — beautiful, durable, and best sealed when used functionally.

Is Jesmonite® Fire Safe?

Yes.

Both AC100 and AC730 are Class A fire-rated.

A Class A rating means:

• Low flame spread
• Low smoke development
• High surface burn resistance

Because Jesmonite® is mineral-based, it behaves more like stone or concrete than plastic or traditional resin when exposed to heat.

That’s one reason it’s used not only in craft studios, but also in commercial interiors and architectural applications.

Fire-rated doesn’t mean fireproof — but it does mean high resistance and safe performance when used correctly.

Is Jesmonite® Eco-Friendly?

“Eco-friendly” can mean a lot of things — so here’s what matters.

Jesmonite® systems are:

• Water-based
• Solvent-free
• Low odor
• Lower VOC than many traditional resin systems

Jesmonite® was originally developed as a safer alternative to polyester resins, which rely heavily on solvents and strong curing agents.

It also supports low-waste studio practices:

Jesmonite® binds to itself.
Broken pieces can be crushed and reused as terrazzo chips.
Mistakes can be embedded into new castings.

It’s not biodegradable. It’s not plant-based.

But it is durable, long-lasting, and designed to reduce reliance on solvent-heavy resin systems — which for many creators is a more responsible option.

Is Jesmonite® Safer Than Epoxy Resin?

They are different materials — designed for different results.

Epoxy resin:

• Often produces noticeable fumes
• May require strong ventilation
• Can contain higher VOC components
• Creates a glossy, plastic-like finish

Jesmonite®:

• Water-based
• Low odor
• Solvent-free
• Mineral, stone-like finish
• Studio-friendly for home and classroom use

For creators looking for a lower-odor, mineral-based alternative to epoxy, Jesmonite® often feels more approachable and manageable.

If you need a crystal-clear, high-gloss finish, epoxy may still be the right choice.

If you want a stone-like, durable, water-based system — Jesmonite® may be a better fit.

The Bottom Line

Jesmonite® is:

✔ Water-based
✔ Non-toxic once cured
✔ Class A fire-rated
✔ Lower VOC than many traditional resin systems
✔ Durable and long-lasting
✔ Suitable for decorative casting indoors (AC100) and indoor/outdoor use (AC730)

It’s not a miracle material — but it is a modern, versatile, and studio-friendly option trusted by creators and industry professionals alike.

If you still have questions about safety or applications, we’re always happy to help.