Why Epoxy Yellows and Ambers (And How to Prevent It)

Why Epoxy Yellows and Ambers (And How to Prevent It) Why Epoxy Yellows and Ambers Over Time Several factors cause epoxy to develop a yellowish tint: prolonged heat exposure, UV light from sunlight, aging, and poorly formulated epoxy resins. Not all epoxies are created equal, they vary widely in quality. The old adage “you get what you pay for” rings especially true in the epoxy coatings industry. High-quality epoxies formulated for art, preservation, or functional surfaces should include UV stabilizers in their formula. Heat-rated resins are essential for applications like counters and tabletops, allowing you to place hot items directly on the surface. Cheaper imported products are inconsistent and unreliable for long-term performance. Choose a product with at least ten years of proven field performance, as age can contribute to yellowing. Advantages of Quality Epoxy Epoxy offers numerous advantages across various applications. For countertops and food preparation areas, it provides a nonporous, food-safe surface that prevents germs and contaminants from penetrating. For preservation projects like encasing flowers, jewelry, or memorabilia, epoxy creates a crystal-clear, protective coating that showcases your items beautifully. Epoxy can be seamlessly applied and customized to any color or pattern. When properly formulated and applied, it should maintain its clarity and last indefinitely. Protecting Against Yellowing To protect your epoxy projects, keep them away from prolonged heat sources. For countertops, use cutting boards, trivets, or hot pads under crockpots, coffee makers, and other heat-generating appliances. For preserved flowers and decorative pieces, display them away from direct heat vents or warm lighting fixtures. Avoid placing epoxy projects in direct sunlight or outdoors, as UV exposure accelerates breakdown and yellowing. If displaying near windows, consider UV-filtering glass or window film. Indoor environments with ambient light are ideal for maintaining clarity. While epoxy may deepen slightly in color after several years, most colors and applications show no noticeable change. Clear epoxy used for flower preservation and white surfaces are most susceptible to visible color shifts, potentially developing a cream or amber tone. Restoring Yellowed Epoxy If yellowing occurs on flat surfaces like countertops or art pieces, it typically affects only the top layer. Thicker epoxy applications can be carefully sanded to remove the discolored surface. After sanding, high-quality epoxy can be buffed and polished to restore clarity. For three-dimensional pieces like preserved flowers or encased objects, prevention is key since restoration is more difficult. Many professionals offer maintenance and restoration services for epoxy surfaces. Questions? If you need assistance with your epoxy project, reach out to iCoat for help. We have over 35 years of experience in epoxy applications, from countertops to artistic preservation.

What is the difference between epoxy vs resin?

What is the difference between epoxy vs resin? We could delve into the technicalities of how resins and epoxies are different and that the terms should not be used interchangeably, but we won’t. In the art industry, the terms “resin” and “epoxy” are typically used to refer to a two-component epoxy system that includes an epoxy resin (part A) and a hardener (part B). Just for some basic knowledge, all epoxies are resins, but not all resins are epoxies. Resins are all viscous liquids that, when combined with a hardener, create a chemical reaction that turns the components into a solid. Resins comprise a wide variety of polymers, including synthetic and natural. Resins can be natural, polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane, or epoxy-based, and all have their own unique performance properties. As we discussed, here at iCoat, you can call our products epoxy, resin, or even epoxy resin, and we will know what you mean. Still have questions? We are here to help. Call, Text, or Email.

How to pick the right epoxy – Not all epoxy resin are the same

How to pick the right epoxy We are all familiar with the phrase “all men are created equal,” a great sentiment, the same though cannot be said about epoxy. Many people think of epoxy resin as a glue, a sealer for flooring, objects, or a wide variety of commercial purposes. While true to a degree, modern-day technology has developed formulations that are designed for use in very specific applications in controlled environments.  Epoxy was originally invented in the 1930s to be used in dentistry but quickly evolved into a plethora of adhesives. Epoxies are still used today to line water tanks, repair bridges, and many other commercial uses. But, it has taken on a whole new life in the construction industry and the arts and crafts world.  Like most commodities, epoxy ranges in manufactured quality and price. Introduce pigments, mica flakes, additives, and variables like heat and humidity, and you better have some experience to lean on to get you that bubble-free, crystal-clear look you and working so hard for as a lot can go wrong. I’m here to help you choose the right epoxy for the job. So the question is, How to pick the right epoxy for your project or job? Epoxies used in the construction and arts and crafts can be divided into three classifications: Countertop epoxy, tabletop, epoxy, or finish-coat are epoxies that are designed to be poured over a finished substrate to provide a high gloss protective layer at ¼” or less. WHAT TO WATCH FOR? A well-formulated epoxy for this application should have good ultraviolet light protection and a high heat rating to protect against ambering. Also, good bubble release, zero water retention rate, and a slew of flow agents and other additives to make sure every job is successful.  Casting epoxies are made to pour thicker than ¼” up to as much as 3″ or 4″ deep for river tables, cutting boards, and coasters. Pay attention to the demolding time of your project as some deep cast epoxies can typically take up to a week to dry properly vs a crystal clear epoxy with a low thermic rate can be demolded in 24 to 48 hours. WHAT TO WATCH FOR? There are many types of casting epoxies and selecting the right one is essential to provide a great finished product that won’t crack, bubble, foam, or be too flexible or too hard for the project.  Metal Illusion floor epoxy is a 2:1 mix made to lay out at 10-14mil on an epoxy flooring coating application. It can be pigmented with metallic effects, acrylics, or dispersion colors or simply used as a crystal clear topcoat. With unparalleled bubble release, it creates a beautiful, long-lasting floor when applied over one of the suitable primers. It can be used on wood, concrete, canvas, and most any other well-prepared substrate.   Tim Phelps is a thought leader in this space, a 30-year veteran of both the epoxy and decorative concrete industry as well as the U.S. Military. He has been featured on TV home repair shows like SpacesTV and various online outlets. He started iCoat Products 30 years ago to help contractors and tradesmen deliver top-quality work to their customers and over the years has developed superior iCoat epoxy systems that are best-in-class and have been stand-out products at the annual World of Concrete Show. Tim can tell you how to pick the right epoxy and more. He always makes himself available to those skilled in the industry and those looking for a start, contact him at 877-669-1110 or tim@icoatproducts.com