Trade Tips – Yellowing Gloss

Premature Yellowing of Alkyd/Oil based Paints
(White or Light Coloured Enamels)

There are two main factors which can cause the accelerated yellowing of White or Light coloured alkyd/oil based enamels.

  1. Lack of exposure to ultra violet light(natural daylight).  When surfaces are painted and then have little or no exposure to the natural day light, yellowing occurs. Examples being, Cavity doors, Inside of cupboard doors and frames, Skirting’s behind furniture, dark rooms or Hallways in general.
  2. Exposure to Products containing ammonia.  This is usually a problem during new construction.  The Ceiling and wall paint products used in conjunction with the Alkyd/oil based enamels during new construction, contain ammonia.  Most Water based paint products contain ammonia. This particular scenario can increase the likely hood of yellowing by up to 20 times the normal rate. (Within a matter of weeks rather than months the yellowing can become apparent).

Also be aware in the early stages of painting to avoid cleaning products which contain ammonia.  These too will have the same effect.

HINTS TO PREVENT YELLOWING.  Avoid the use of White or pale coloured Alkyd/oil based enamels where there is little or no exposure to natural light.  Avoid application of Alkyd/oil based enamels until any water based products on the walls and ceilings have had sufficient time to dry thus allowing the ammonia to evaporate out of them.  (Does not always fit in with work schedules).  Avoid the use of household cleaners containing ammonia for approx 2 weeks.
Unfortunately the above hints will only delay the eventual yellowing process. Nature of the Product due to its makeup. Alkyd/oil based enamels contain vegetable oils. These oils react with Oxygen in the air to produce the tough shiny finish surface; it is also these oils which yellow.