UV Light: The 1 Resin Killer
Resin and the sun are not friends. UV light breaks down the molecular structure of epoxy, causing yellowing over time.
What helps:
- Choose resin that contains HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) and UV filters
- Keep artwork out of direct sunlight
- Store unused resin in a cool, dark space
Heat Exposure
Leaving cured resin art near heat sources can lead to discoloration — and not in a pretty way. Common heat-related dangers include:
Storing art in attics or sheds without climate control
Hanging artwork above heaters or heat vents
Placing art in sunrooms or under gallery lights
What helps:
- Display your resin pieces in cool, shaded areas
- Avoid storing resin (cured or uncured) in hot environments
Over-Torching While Removing Bubbles
Torching is great for popping bubbles. But holding the flame too close or staying in one spot too long can damage the resin.
Signs of over-torching:
Yellow patches in isolated spots
Rippled or distorted surface
What helps:
- Hold your torch a few inches away
- Keep it moving — like ironing clothes
- Remember: Less is more when it comes to heat
Using a Sealant That Yellows
Sometimes it’s not the resin — it’s the sealant. Certain spray sealants can yellow over time, ruining your finish.
Best practices:
- Use non-yellowing sealants (like Krylon Crystal Clear or UV Resistant Spray)
- Always test on a scrap first
- Only seal when necessary (e.g., over porous materials or delicate paper)
- Painting Over Wet or Tacky Paint
That acrylic paint you applied might feel dry… but it’s not. Applying resin over paint that hasn’t cured completely can cause clouding or yellowing later on.
What helps:
- Let paint dry thoroughly — sometimes for days or even weeks
- If it feels tacky, soft, or cool, it’s not ready
- Patience = clarity
Titanium White + Resin = Trouble
White paint might be sabotaging your work. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), found in titanium white paint, can chemically interact with resin and speed up yellowing.
What helps:
- Apply a clear barrier sealant between the paint and resin
- Use non-reactive whites or test alternatives beforehand
Thick Resin Layers (a.k.a. The Yellow Amplifier)
Even a little yellowing looks worse in bulk. Just like water looks blue in an ocean but clear in a glass, resin yellowing becomes exaggerated in thick pours.
What helps:
- Stick to thin, even coats
- Avoid excessive layering unless using a deep-pour formula
- Consider tinting the resin slightly if needed
Can Yellowed Resin Be Fixed?
Short answer: Not really.
But here's what you can try:
Lightly sand and recoat with fresh resin (only if yellowing is on the surface)
Color it intentionally — add pigments or dyes to turn yellow into “warm amber glow”
Use it for practice or darker backgrounds
Dispose responsibly if it’s beyond saving
Final Tips to Keep Resin Crystal Clear
- Buy smaller resin kits you can finish within 30–60 days
- Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry, dark place
- Don’t overtorch
- Use non-yellowing sealants
- Let all paints fully dry before pouring
- Watch out for titanium white or unsealed natural materials
- Avoid prolonged heat and light exposure
