How Light Affects Resin Art: What Every Maker Should Know

How Light Affects Resin Art: What Every Maker Should Know

Protect Your Projects. Preserve Your Shine. Pour With Confidence.

You spend hours designing the perfect pour, mixing pigments, layering glitter, and laying down that final coat of epoxy. It cures beautifully — glossy, clear, and vibrant.
But then… a few weeks later, it starts to look different.
The colors fade. The whites turn yellow. The shine dulls.
“What happened?!”

The answer, most of the time?
Light.

Let’s break down exactly how light affects resin art, and what you can do to protect your pieces long-term, without sacrificing the look or the quality

The Science: UV Light vs. Epoxy Resin
Epoxy is a polymer, and while it may look rock solid once it cures, it’s still vulnerable to light energy, especially UV (ultraviolet) rays.

Here’s what UV exposure does to resin over time:

  • Breaks down molecular bonds (photodegradation)

  • Oxidizes the resin, turning clear coats amber

  • Fades pigment colors, especially bright neons and whites

  • Softens the surface of some formulas, making them dull or tacky

And it’s not just outdoor sun.
Even indoor lighting, especially fluorescent bulbs, can gradually affect your artwork.

What Types of Light Matter Most?

Type of Light Risk Level Common Sources
Direct Sunlight High Windows, outdoor sales booths, and sunrooms
Fluorescent Light Moderate Office lights, craft rooms, retail shelves
LED Lighting Low Still possible with prolonged exposure
Dark Storage Best Cool, dry, away from light = resin heaven

How Artistry Epoxy Fights Back
Most resins are vulnerable to light, especially cheaper ones that skip the good stuff.
That’s why we formulated Artistry Epoxy with a triple-action UV defense system built in:

  • UV Inhibitors — Absorb damaging rays before they hit your project

  • UV Blockers — Scatter and reflect light to protect from the outside in

  • HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) — Stop UV breakdown at the molecular level and repair degradation in real time

It’s not just about looking good on Day 1 — it’s about lasting clarity on Day 100

What About Pigments and Light?
This matters too. Some pigments (especially neons, pastels, or whites) are more sensitive to UV exposure.
Fading, color shifting, and dulling can all happen when:

  • Pigments aren’t UV-stable

  • The resin doesn’t protect them

  • The piece sits in high-light areas

Pro tip: Use high-quality, UV-stable pigments and always encapsulate them in resin with solid UV protection, like Artistry

What About Finishes?
Down the road, we’ll be introducing:

  • UV-stable top coats

  • Pigments formulated for lightfastness

  • Sealants and protectants that boost durability

But even with those tools, your first line of defense should always be your resin

For Older or Yellowed Resin?
Sometimes you’re working with resin that’s already ambered, or you’re trying to save an older batch. That’s when you bring in:

Color Correct+ UV+ Dye
Our violet-based additive uses color theory to:

  • Neutralize amber/yellow tones

  • Restore clarity

  • Add extra UV protection

  • Save you from tossing expensive products

[Fix Yellowed Resin with Color Correct+]
[Prevent It Altogether with Artistry Epoxy]

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Pour, Protect Your Profit
If you’re creating art for clients, selling at markets, or building a brand, your work needs to look as good in 3 months as it did on Day 1.

Here’s the recipe:

  • Use UV-protected resin

  • Store finished pieces out of direct sunlight

  • Choose UV-stable pigments

  • Seal and finish with lightfastness in mind

Whether you’re a first-time crafter or a full-time creator, we’re here to help your art last.

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