How Long Does It Take for Epoxy to Yellow?
One of the most common questions in the epoxy art and crafts world is:
“How long before epoxy resin turns yellow?”
The answer? It depends — but the good news is, you can prevent it, and even fix it when it happens.
Whether you’re making tumblers, coasters, countertops, or resin molds, this post will walk you through:
-
Why epoxy yellows
-
How long it typically takes
-
What factors speed it up
-
And how to stop it (or save it) with the right products
So… How Long Does It Take for Epoxy to Yellow?
In general, most epoxy resins begin to show signs of yellowing in 3–6 months after opening, but some lower-quality resins can yellow even faster.
If stored properly and protected from light and heat, epoxy can remain crystal clear for up to a year. But once it’s exposed to UV light, oxygen, and heat, that timeline shortens fast.
What Causes Epoxy to Yellow?
If you’ve ever wondered why your epoxy changes from clear to amber over time, here’s the science:
UV Exposure
Even small doses of sunlight or indoor light can cause resin to yellow. This is called photodegradation, where UV rays break down the resin’s molecular bonds.
Oxygen
Once the bottle is opened, oxygen begins the oxidation process, slowly tinting the resin over time, especially in cheaper formulas without stabilizers.
Heat + Humidity
High temps during storage or shipping can accelerate yellowing even in unopened bottles.
Low-Quality Resin Formulas
Let’s be real: many resins on the market skip critical UV-blocking ingredients to cut costs, leaving your project vulnerable.
What’s the Average Timeframe for Epoxy Yellowing?
|
Condition |
Yellowing Timeline |
|
Stored cool & dark (unopened) |
6–12 months |
|
Opened + sealed well |
3–6 months |
|
Other brands exposed to light/heat |
As little as 2–4 weeks |
|
In finished artwork (with no UV protection) |
1–2 months |
Can You Prevent Yellowing?
Yes — and it all starts with using high-quality epoxy resin and understanding how UV protection works.
Enter: Artistry Epoxy — Built to Resist Yellowing
We formulated Artistry Epoxy to be one of the best-performing resins on the market for long-term clarity and shine. And now, we’ve made it even better.
What’s Inside Our Upgraded Formula:
-
Extra UV+ Protection
(A powerful mix of UV Inhibitors, Blockers, and HALS) -
Built-In Bubble Release Tech
(Smooth finishes, less torching) -
Glass-Like Clarity
(Even after curing in sunlight-exposed spaces)
And the best part?
These upgrades are FREE. We’re giving you the pro-level performance most brands charge extra for.
Already Have Yellowed Resin? Don’t Toss It — Fix It.
If you’ve already got a bottle of resin that’s started turning yellow, don’t panic. You can save it with this:
Color Correct+ UV+ Dye
Our concentrated dye was built specifically for resin artists to restore clarity to yellowed epoxy and prevent it from getting worse.
Here’s how it works:
-
Violet pigment neutralizes amber/yellow tones (color theory FTW)
-
Infused UV protection adds defense even if your base resin lacks it
-
Works with any brand of epoxy
-
Just 4–6 pumps per 8 oz is all you need
Pro Tip: Think of it like purple shampoo for your epoxy.
Final Thoughts: How to Keep Epoxy Clear, Longer
If you’re in the arts and crafts resin world, yellowing isn’t if — it’s when. But with the right products and practices, you can:
-
Extend the life of your epoxy
-
Prevent yellowing from happening
-
Fix it when it does — and keep creating
Ready to Protect Your Pours?
-
Shop Artistry Epoxy – Now With Free UV+ Upgrade
-
Get Color Correct+ – Save Yellowed Resin Fast
