Combat Epoxy Yellowing With UV Resistant Epoxy Resin

The most common epoxy resins are made specifically for indoor use, which means that they aren’t often subjected to external weather and related factors. However, a common question that resin crafters have is how to prevent resin from yellowing when it does get exposed. Those who are both familiar with and new to using resin often wonder “does epoxy yellow over time?”

The truth is all epoxy resins do. That is because sunlight's UV rays break down the composition of epoxy resin, turning it yellow. If you're wondering what you can do to keep your epoxy resin project the color you want, we recommend using a UV-resistant epoxy resin to coat the project from the beginning.

What Is UV Resistant Epoxy Resin, and How Does It Work?

If you intend for your epoxy resin project to be exposed to the sun, there is something you can do to hold off yellowing. Using products like Promise Epoxy's UV Pro Formula Clear Coating Epoxy will help epoxy's crystal-clear coating last much longer under UV rays. This enhanced UV-resistant formula holds out against the yellowing caused by exposure to the sun. As a result, that clear, glossy coat that you expect from resin will then stand up to UV rays far longer than typical epoxy resins.

For more information about how durable Promise's UV-resistant epoxy is against the sun, take a look here. In the linked video, they expose sections of two panels of painted wood, one coated with a standard tabletop epoxy, and one coated with Promise UV Art  —to the sun. Below, you can see the panel coated with the standard tabletop epoxy and how direct sunlight affected it.

Finally, this is a panel coated with Promise Epoxy's UV Art Formula that sat in the same sunlight.

Then, we will take a look at them side-by-side, with details about how long they spent in the sun. 

The results speak for themselves; Promise Epoxy's UV Art Formula Epoxy is a great weapon against UV exposure. However, you should always remember that it will not last forever. Eventually, resin will turn yellow.

UV-Resistant Resin Tips

Products like Promise Epoxy UV Art Formula Clear Coating Epoxy are self-leveling, impact- and water-resistant, measured by a 1:1 by volume mix ratio, and resistant against scratches and blemishes.

To ensure the best results:

• Mix 1 part A with 1 part B
• Mix thoroughly, scrapping the stir stick and the sides and bottom of the container as you go
• Combine until the swirls are gone
• Pour and spread the product onto the project before the open time is up
• For deeper pours, you can layer the product in multiple thin layers
• Allow the proper amount of cure time before pouring the next layer
• Use a heat gun or torch to remove the bubbles in each layer

A little sunlight can go a long way, so we recommend using UV-resistant epoxy resin on any project that might see even the slightest bit of sun, even if the sunlight is coming through glass or a window.

For more detailed information about how much epoxy you should use for your project, Promise also has an Epoxy Calculator that you can access on the product page. A good rule to follow for Promise Epoxy's UV Art Formula is 12 square feet per mixed gallon, poured at 1/8".

Any questions about Promise Epoxy's product or your project? Contact them or visit their FAQ page. They also have a Directions for Use document that details the best practices for the product’s use.

We always encourage you to review all product instructions before use.