Epoxy is a great material to use for home improvement and other projects, especially when you want something that’s durable and can even be used outdoors.
But if you’re doing a home improvement project or working on your kitchen counter-tops, you might want to consider one of the new epoxies that resists yellowing over time.
If your epoxy is already turning yellow, there are some things you can do to make it look white again.
Does white epoxy turn yellow?
Yes, white epoxy does turn yellow. It’s called yellowing, and it happens in the presence of UV light. This is a chemical reaction that happens over time as one of the chemicals in the resin starts to break down when exposed to sunlight.
This isn’t something you can stop; rather than trying to prevent yellowing, you should focus on making sure your project turns out right before worrying about its lifespan.
Table of Contents
What epoxy does not turn yellow?
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about epoxy, and it’s easy to understand why. Many people assume that epoxies are plastic or resin and therefore susceptible to the same yellowing effect as plastics and resins.
This is not correct. While it may appear that epoxies have been made from plastic or resin, they actually contain no such thing—they’ve just solidified polymers (chains of molecules) like any other polymer-based material.
Is epoxy still good if it turns yellow?
It depends on the yellowing. If it’s just a little bit of discoloration, then it’s probably still good to use. However, if it’s a lot of discoloration or if the epoxy is turning yellow entirely, then it’s time to replace your old epoxy and get some new stuff.
Why is my resin going yellow?
There are a number of reasons why your epoxy might be going yellow. The most common are:
- UV light, which causes the resin to degrade over time and turn yellow
- Heat, which can also cause deformation and discoloration
- Reaction with other materials or substances (such as metals), will change the chemical makeup of your resin
- Humidity, since can affect how well your cured product absorbs water and moisture
How do you get yellow out of epoxy?
There are several ways to remove yellowed epoxy. Some of these methods will require you to do some research and pick up supplies, while others can be done in your own home.
- Paint thinner
- Paint stripper
- Chemical cleaner
- Degreaser
How do you keep resin clear?
If you want to keep your epoxy from turning yellow, you’ll need to use a clear resin.
There are two main types of clear resins: UV-resistant and non-yellowing.
UV-resistant resins are made with pigments that absorb UV light, preventing it from causing the pings and dings that can turn an otherwise pristine piece yellow over time. If you have a project in mind that will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time (like outdoor furniture), this is the way to go.
Non-yellowing resins rely on other technologies to prevent discoloration (usually by using glass beads or titanium dioxide).
These resins tend not only keep their color well but also have longer working times than UV resistant ones do; however they tend not stand up well against environmental factors like moisture or temperature fluctuations (which may be an issue depending on where you live).
How do you whiten yellow resin?
If you need to whiten a yellow epoxy or resin, you can try adding a little bit of white pigment, paint or epoxy. You can also use vinegar and water. However, if none of these work for you, there’s one last trick up your sleeve: flour!
To whiten your resin with this method:
- Mix equal parts of white flour and water until it’s smooth. Any type of water will do but distilled is best because it has no chemicals in it that could stain your project later on.
How long before resin turns yellow?
How long before resin turns yellow? That depends on the resin.
A few things can cause your epoxy to turn yellow. The first is UV exposure or sunlight. Epoxies are artificial materials, so they don’t have a natural ability to protect themselves from their surroundings. When left in direct sunlight for too long, they will eventually begin to break down and turn color. This process takes time—and if you’re using white epoxy indoors, it’s unlikely that it will become discolored unless you’ve got some windows facing east or west (which means they’re exposed to strong morning or afternoon sun).
The second cause of yellowing is heat exposure—in other words, leaving your project outside on a hot day in direct sunlight could cause quick yellowing as well!
The third potential cause of discoloration is chemical exposure: certain chemicals can damage the surface of an epoxy coating over time (such as acid rain), making it more susceptible to further discoloration.
Moisture exposure also causes problems for your epoxy coatings; this includes both humidity and water itself being absorbed into the surface
Conclusion
Hopefully, your epoxy project is looking great! If you are experiencing yellowing and you want to fix it, there are some things we can try. We’ve talked about using different types of resin, adding a UV inhibitor to the epoxy, applying a topcoat, or even just keeping the epoxy out of direct sunlight entirely.
You may also choose not to worry about the yellowing if it’s not too bad yet. It all depends on what kind of project you’re doing and how much time/money you have invested in it already.
A little bit of yellowing doesn’t affect performance at all but may detract from appearance depending on your taste (and that of others).
