Choosing a floor coating for your garage or basement floor can help protect the concrete from shifting or cracking. Epoxy coatings help to improve the appearance of the space, as well. Epoxy coatings come in multiple different colors and designs that will match your home design.
Certain environmental factors can cause the color of your floors to change or the entire coating to yellow. To avoid discoloration, make sure to clean the floor regularly and have a professional apply the coating. In this blog we will share some of the most common reasons your epoxy floors turn yellow and how to prevent this issue to the best of your ability. Our professionals at Garage Floor Masters can apply multiple kinds of floor coatings to your home, including ones that will avoid discoloration.
1- Being Exposed To High Temperatures
Hot humid summers may be great for camping and swimming, but not so great for your epoxy floors. High temperatures for extended periods of time can cause the epoxy to change color or even lift. Keeping the garage cool can be a complicated task but doing so will help the environment to be more controlled and prevent issues with your epoxy. Try implementing some industrial finds or running your air conditioning to the area where epoxy has been applied.
2- UV Light Exposure Through Windows Or Open Doors
Direct sunlight is the most common reason for your epoxy floors to turn yellow. The ultraviolet rays from the sun usually start to yellow the coating around the front of your garage, but if the coating is in your basement or other area, light from the windows can cause shapes of yellowing all across the room.
UV light causes ambering, which speeds up the process of polymer degradation. This is what causes the color of epoxy to change and possibly crack. Epoxy floor coatings are known for their glossy finish, but when they are exposed to high amounts of UV light, it can cause them to lose their shine. Avoid your coating looking lackluster by limiting UV light exposure.
3- Excess Moisture In The Air Or From Rainfall
One of the reasons people have epoxy coatings applied is to prevent mold growth. Keeping excess moisture off your epoxy coating will prevent staining and discoloration. Moisture can come from underneath your concrete, from rainfall, or from cleaning the area. Making sure the area stays dry will keep your coating looking pristine and help you avoid floor discoloration.
4- Oxidation In The Epoxy Hardener
Epoxy resin is mixed in with a hardener to help it set on your concrete properly. If the hardener is opened and air gets into the product it can start to oxidize and change the color of your epoxy. Depending on how much air enters the container will determine how much discoloration occurs once your coating is applied.
If you have extra hardening resin left over from a project or put it into a new container, this allows more air to cause oxidation. Be sure to store your product in a safe place and purchase a new hardener if it has sat for too long.
How Homeowners Can Prevent Epoxy From Turning Yellow
Is there anything you can do to prevent epoxy floors from yellowing? In fact, there are steps you can take that will keep your garage floor coating looking new. Proper cleaning and maintenance will protect the epoxy from turning yellow or becoming damaged.
Here are some additional things you can do to keep your concrete surfaces safe:
- Have a UV-resistant sealant applied to the coating
- Clean the surface regularly and make sure it is dry each time
- Avoid leaving your garage door open
- Choose an epoxy color that masks yellowing
- Avoid acid-based cleaners
- Limit humidity with a dehumidifier
Epoxy Floor Coatings From Garage Floor Masters
Epoxy floor coatings continue to rise in popularity for homeowners and commercial businesses. Improving the appearance of your home is made easier when you work with our team to apply a coating to your concrete.
Garage Floor Masters apply this resin-type coating as well as polyaspartic coatings for basements, garage floors, offices, and more. Although your epoxy will need to be maintained or even retouched after its application, it can prevent injury and damage to your concrete. Our team wants to improve your home with different colored epoxy and pristine applications. Contact us to get started today!
