[Roberta Thyne]

If all resin eventually yellows, does it make sense to make items with primarily clear resin? If you make jewelry or a keychain how long should one expect it to last before starting to yellow if it is worn/used primarily inside? What is the effect of fluorescent lighting on epoxy resin?

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Roberta,

Unfortunately, all resins are going to yellow over time. Resins with UV inhibitors and stabilizers help extend the time before yellowing occurs. However, things such as mixing off ratio (even though it still can cure without tackiness), putting over an improperly cured lacquer, excessive heat, and or constant exposure to sunlight can speed up the yellowing process. How long the epoxy will last in its clear state is very difficult to predict.

[Roberta Thyne]

Assuming an item is generally inside and not exposed to very little UV light, made with UV stabilizers, how long should one expect it to be fairly clear? eg 6 months, 1 year? Does fluorescent lighting have any effect on resin?

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Roberta, I would expect months to years before it started to yellow if you use resin that has UV additives to protect against yellowing.

There is some UV light emitted from fluorescent lighting: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/home-business-and-entertainment-products/compact-fluorescent-lamps-cfls-fact-sheetfaq#:~:text=All%20fluorescent%20lamps%20emit%20some,measuring%20equipment%20must%20be%20used.

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