13 Common Reasons: Why Resin Is Yellowing [2024]

Here is why your resin is turning yellow. Epoxy resin has revolutionized the world of crafting and DIY projects. It offers a versatile medium for creating stunning, glossy finishes and intricate designs.

For those crafting unique jewelry, preserving memories in a beautifully cast tabletop, or adding a touch of elegance to your woodworking creations, epoxy resin has likely found its way into your creative endeavors.

However, there’s a common issue that can put a damper on your resin projects over time – the dreaded yellowing effect.

Have you ever noticed that your once crystal-clear epoxy resin masterpiece has taken on an unsightly yellow hue? Don’t fret; you’re not alone.

This phenomenon can be disheartening, we know. Understanding why epoxy resin turns yellow and using effective ways to fix and prevent it can be extremely helpful for resin artists and users.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the science behind epoxy resin’s yellowing. We will explore the factors that contribute to this transformation. And, most importantly, share practical techniques to restore your resin creations to their former, pristine glory.

So, let’s unravel the mystery of epoxy resin yellowing and learn how to keep your projects looking their best.

Why Resin Is Turing Yellow

Why does epoxy resin turn yellow? Epoxy resin can turn yellow due to several factors. This includes exposure to UV light, incomplete mixing, high humidity during curing, heat exposure, aging, and the use of low-quality materials.

Understanding these causes is crucial. Preventing yellowing involves using UV-resistant epoxy, ensuring thorough mixing, working in a controlled environment, storing your projects away from heat and light, and using high-quality resin.

1. UV Exposure Turns Resin Yellow

One of the primary culprits behind resin yellowing is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in epoxy resin, causing it to turn yellow over time.

Resin projects displayed in direct sunlight or under UV lamps are particularly susceptible to this issue. This is particularly disheartening when you are covering original paintings with resin.

How can I protect my resin projects from UV-induced yellowing?

To protect your resin from UV-induced yellowing, use UV-resistant epoxy or apply a UV-protective topcoat. Both methods act as barriers against harmful UV rays, helping to preserving the clarity of your resin creations, even when exposed to sunlight longer.

There are many non yellowing epoxy brands with stabilizers in the formula that will help slow down yellowing resin over time. One brand that has a good formula is Craft Resin.

2. Incomplete Mixing

Inadequate mixing of epoxy components, including the resin and hardener, can lead to yellowing. This occurs because unreacted molecules within the mixture can become discolored when exposed to various environmental factors.

To avoid this, ensure thorough and consistent mixing of your epoxy, paying close attention to proper ratios and stirring techniques.

What’s the importance of proper mixing in preventing yellowing? Proper mixing is essential to prevent yellowing since incomplete mixing can lead to unreacted molecules in the resin, which are more susceptible to discoloration. This can certainly be the cause of resin turning yellow.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing ratios and techniques to ensure a complete chemical reaction and maintain the resin’s transparency.

3. Humidity and Moisture

High humidity levels during the curing process can trigger yellowing in epoxy resin. Excess moisture can react with the epoxy and cause it to become discolored.

It’s very important to work in a controlled environment with proper ventilation and humidity levels, ensuring that moisture doesn’t negatively impact your resin projects. Yellowing epoxy can sometimes be triggered by moisture.

How does humidity affect epoxy resin yellowing? High humidity levels during the curing process can introduce moisture into the resin, leading to yellowing.

Working in a well-ventilated, low-humidity environment and using a dehumidifier if necessary will help mitigate this risk.

4. Heat Exposure can turn resin yellow

Elevated temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within epoxy resin, causing it to yellow prematurely.

One project we worked on had way too much heat when we applied the heat gun to pop the bubbles. Our epoxy turned yellow and it looked terrible.

Avoid placing your epoxy creations near heat sources, such as ovens or radiators, and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their clarity.

And when using a torch or heat gun be sure to keep if far away enough so that the resin does not burn.

5. Resin That Is Aging can turn yellow

You might be wondering why is my resin hardener yellow? Over time, epoxy resin naturally undergoes chemical changes, leading to yellowing.

So to answer your question, does epoxy yellow over time, the answer is yes.

While this aging process is inevitable, proper storage in a dark, temperature-controlled environment can slow down the yellowing process and preserve the resin’s transparency.

Resin that has expired will turn yellow and sometimes have a stronger odor that usual.

Can yellowing be reversed once it occurs? Unfortunately, once epoxy resin has turned yellow, it’s challenging to reverse the process. Prevention is the key.

However, you can sometimes improve the appearance by sanding the surface and applying a clear coat or UV-protective finish to minimize the yellowed appearance.

6. Low-Quality Resin Can turn yellow

Using low-quality epoxy resin or expired materials can result in yellowing. Invest in high-quality epoxy products from reputable manufacturers to ensure the longevity and clarity of your resin art.

Unfortunately once resin starts to yellow, there’s no reversing it. Not even sanding resin projects will help. Yellowed resin is one of those things that can’t really be fixed easily if at all.

Are there resin types less prone to yellowing? Epoxy resin products like ArtResin often contain UV stabilizers, which are additives that help absorb or block harmful UV rays from the sun. These stabilizers prevent the UV light from penetrating and interacting with the resin.

Choosing these types of epoxy resin can reduce the risk of discoloration in your projects. To learn more about this brand, we have an ArtResin epoxy review.

7. Air Bubbles can cause yellowing

Trapped air bubbles within the resin can cause focal points of yellowing, as they disrupt the epoxy’s uniformity.

To minimize air bubbles, use a heat gun or torch to remove them during the curing process, and pour your epoxy in thin layers.

Yellowed epoxy that is caused by air bubbles cannot be fixed once cured. But you can take steps to make sure your resin is free from bubbles. A resin bubble remover can also be used on smaller projects.

8. Contact with Chemicals can cause yellowing

Epoxy resin can turn yellow when exposed to certain chemicals, such as ammonia or bleach. To prevent chemical-induced yellowing, avoid contact with these substances, and opt for a chemical-resistant epoxy if your projects require it.

Can contaminants cause epoxy resin yellowing? Yes, contaminants from dirty tools or mixing containers can react with epoxy and lead to yellowing.

Regularly clean and maintain your tools and containers to prevent these issues and ensure the purity of your epoxy resin.

9. Incomplete Curing of resin

Inadequate curing time or improper curing conditions can lead to yellowing. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for curing times and temperatures, as rushing the process can result in color changes. Especially when using UV resin and resin cure lamps.

10. Contaminated Tools and Mixing Containers

Resin mixing tools and containers that aren’t cleaned properly between uses can introduce contaminants that react with the epoxy, causing it to yellow. Regularly clean and maintain your tools to prevent this issue.

11. Inadequate Surface Preparation

When applying epoxy resin over surfaces that aren’t adequately prepared, like uneven or porous substrates, it can become discolored due to variations in curing and adhesion. Make sure your surfaces are well-prepped and primed for a smooth resin application.

12. Excessive Pigment or Dyes

While pigments and dyes are commonly used to color epoxy resin, excessive amounts can lead to yellowing.

It’s important to use pigments and dyes in moderation and follow manufacturer guidelines to achieve the desired color without compromising clarity.

Also, when using paper in resin it’s super important to prepare paper for resin first to prevent bleeding of the inks.

We have a helpful guide on the best colorant ideas for epoxy resin as well as how to choose acrylic paints to add to resin to help you choose the right colorants.

13. Reactive Wood Types

Certain wood types, like cedar and redwood, can release natural oils or acids that react with epoxy resin and cause it to yellow.

When working with such woods, consider using a sealant or barrier coat to prevent the interaction between the wood and epoxy.

Understanding these common reasons for epoxy resin yellowing and taking appropriate preventive measures can help you maintain the beauty and clarity of your resin creations for years to come.

Best Ways To Prevent Resin From Yellowing.

Guidelines To Prevent Resin From turning yellow

What Is The Best Non Yellowing Resin?

The best non yellowing epoxy resin will be properly formulated with stabilizers to help the resin from turning yellow over time. Craft Resin is one of the top brands that has a great formula.

1. Use UV-Resistant Epoxy Resin

Opt for epoxy resin products that are specifically formulated to be UV-resistant. These formulations contain additives that protect the resin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light.

UV-resistant epoxy is ideal for projects exposed to natural or artificial sunlight, as it reduces the likelihood of yellowing over time.

2. Work in a Controlled Environment:

Maintain a controlled workspace with regulated temperature and humidity levels. High humidity and extreme temperatures can accelerate yellowing in epoxy resin.

Aim for a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment to ensure the curing process occurs optimally and reduce the risk of discoloration and also your resin getting hot.

3. Properly Mix and Measure Components:

To avoid yellowing due to incomplete curing or improper mixing, meticulously follow the manufacturer’s instructions for measuring and mixing epoxy components.

Ensure that the resin and hardener are combined thoroughly and in the correct ratios to facilitate a complete chemical reaction.

4. Store Resin Art Away from Heat and Light:

After your epoxy resin projects have cured, store them in a cool, dark area. Exposure to heat and prolonged light, especially direct sunlight, can cause yellowing over time.

Storing your resin art in a dim, temperature-stable location will help preserve its original clarity.

5. Don’t Overheat The Resin:

It’s crucial not to overheat it with a torch. Overheating resin can lead to various issues such as bubbles, burns, discoloration, or a rough surface finish.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a heat gun or a torch with a low-temperature setting if necessary. Proper handling and temperature control will help you achieve the best results when working with resin for your projects.

In Closing: As we conclude this exploration of epoxy resin yellowing and ways to restore its brilliance, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for taking the time to delve into this topic with us.

Crafting with epoxy resin is an art form that brings joy to countless creators, and the journey is made all the more rewarding when we can overcome challenges like resin discoloration.

We hope that the insights and tips provided in this blog post will prove invaluable in your resin crafting endeavors, enabling you to maintain the stunning clarity and vibrancy of your creations.

Remember, the world of epoxy resin is brimming with endless possibilities, and with a little knowledge and effort, you can keep your resin art shining brightly.

Should you have any further questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is highly appreciated as we continue to explore and share the wonders of resin art.

Thanks once again for being a part of our creative journey. Happy crafting and may your resin projects continue to shine brilliantly!