Here’s Why a Yellowing Epoxy Floor Happens and How You Can Prevent It
Epoxy is a top choice for garage floors because it looks great, lasts a long time, and is affordable. It’s also resistant to stains, moisture, and installs quickly. Homeowners with epoxy floors also enjoy the ease of maintenance and its ability to withstand high traffic and cover defects. It is steadily growing in popularity for both residential and commercial applications. However, over time, a yellowing epoxy floor can occur, impacting its appearance and requiring attention to maintain its pristine look.
What Is Epoxy Floor Coating?
Epoxy floor coating is constructed by mixing industrial-grade resins and hardeners, which take a few days to solidify and turn into a hard and stiff plastic floor. It is applied on a prepared and smooth concrete flooring surface in multiple layers, and each layer is allowed to harden before applying the subsequent layers.
However, despite all its benefits, several people notice their epoxy floors turn yellowish over time.
It can happen at any time, ranging from a few months to a few years after application. Although it is not concerning and does not indicate any problem or degradation, it is disheartening for homeowners to see their shiny floors turn yellow. We invite you to keep reading to understand why it happens and ways to prevent or slow down this yellowing process.
Why Is My Epoxy Floor Turning Yellow?
Epoxy turning yellow or amber is a natural change that often happens with many types of epoxy floors. However, this process usually has no impact on the coating performance of the garage floors. It is generally the result of a chemical reaction due to prolonged or continuous exposure to various environmental factors. Flooring constructed using old resin materials can quicken the discoloration process. Let us look at the main reasons behind a yellowing epoxy floor:
UV Light
Prolonged exposure to direct or indirect sunlight is the most common reason for epoxy floor coating turning yellow. The longer the UV light exposure, the more significant is the damage. It usually happens at the front of the garage or in areas receiving sunlight through windows. The phenomenon is known as ambering, and it speeds up the process of polymer degradation. Cracking, chalking, and gloss reduction are some other effects of UV light exposure on the coating.
High Temperature
Exposure to extremely high temperatures over an extended period can discolor the epoxy resins. Though it is not very common, it can happen if the garage has an uncontrolled environment. High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions within the epoxy, breaking down its polymer structure and causing a yellowing effect. Additionally, heat exposure can soften the resin, making it more prone to absorbing contaminants that contribute to discoloration. Sustained heat can also compromise the durability of the topcoat, leading to uneven color changes.
Water
Epoxy floor coating is water and moisture-resistant. However, when epoxy resin is exposed to water regularly or left in a high-moisture environment for longer, it can cause discoloration. Moisture can seep into microscopic imperfections in the coating, reacting with residual chemicals in the epoxy and causing it to yellow. Prolonged water exposure may also lead to the formation of mold or mildew beneath the surface, which can appear as discoloration over time. Improper sealing or insufficient curing can make epoxy more susceptible to water-related damage.
Signs of Early Yellowing Epoxy Floor
Identifying early signs of yellowing or discoloration in your epoxy floor can help prevent the problem from getting worse. Some subtle changes to look out for include:
- Fading Gloss: One of the first signs of yellowing is a noticeable reduction in the glossy finish of the floor. This often happens in areas exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
- Uneven Coloration: You may start to notice patches or areas where the color seems to shift, typically around high-traffic zones, near windows, or where the floor is exposed to moisture or heat.
- Cloudy or Dull Patches: Some areas might appear duller than others, giving a cloudy or hazy look to the surface. This is an early indication that the epoxy is beginning to break down.
- Loss of Vibrancy: Over time, the initial bright or deep color of the epoxy may start to look less vibrant, especially if exposed to UV light or harsh cleaning chemicals.
How to Remove Yellowing From Epoxy Floors
If your epoxy floor has already begun to yellow, there are a few steps you can do on how to remove yellowing from epoxy floor:
- Clean the expoxy floor well to get rid of any dirt or dust.
- Apply a UV-resistant sealer to protect the surface and restore its shine.
- Buff the floor with a soft polishing pad to smooth out and remove the yellowing.
- If needed, recoat the floor with a fresh layer of epoxy to eliminate yellowing.
How to Prevent Discoloration in Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Garage owners need to stay proactive to slow down or entirely prevent the process of epoxy yellowing. Here are a few ways to stop the yellowing process:
- Coat the flooring with a clear, aliphatic (non-yellowing) UV-resistant sealing agent. Make sure to clean the surface well before applying the product.
- Avoid keeping the garage door open for long durations.
- Choose epoxy resin colors that can mask discoloration, like yellow-pigmented shades, including green or dark colors like black.
- Be careful not to use acidic or soap-based cleaners.
Install and Maintain Your Custom Epoxy Floor
Epoxy floors are durable, affordable, and look great, which is why so many people choose them for their homes and businesses. But over time, they can start to turn yellow if you don’t take steps to protect them. Simple things like using UV-resistant sealers, keeping your garage well-ventilated, and following proper garage floor maintenance practices, such as cleaning the floor the right way can help keep it looking shiny and new for years. With a little care, your epoxy floor will stay strong, beautiful, and easy to maintain.
Contact a local epoxy garage floor expert for high-quality garage floor installation. They will also share more info about epoxy coating and other helpful tips to prevent discoloration.
Quick Response Garage Floor Coatings offers epoxy, flake, solid, stain, and specialty flooring options to Phoenix Valley residential and commercial clients. Call us today to schedule a free estimate at (602) 892-5165.