Spotting a yellow tint on your epoxy floor can be frustrating, especially if it once looked clean and bright. That discoloration doesn’t just affect how it looks, it can also leave you wondering if something went wrong during installation or if it’s going to keep getting worse. Whether you use your garage every day or just walk through occasionally, floors that shift in color can make the whole space feel off.
Epoxy flooring are known for being strong and sleek. But like anything exposed to heat, light, and daily wear, they can change over time. If your epoxy floor is starting to yellow, it’s not always about age or low-quality materials. There are a few reasons it might be happening, and the good news is that you can take steps to either prevent it or fix it once it starts.
Understanding Why Epoxy Floors Turn Yellow
Yellowing in epoxy floors can happen for a few different reasons. The most common one is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Even if sunlight doesn’t hit your garage floor directly, ambient light through windows or open doors can still slowly affect the coating. Over time, UV rays interact with the epoxy, especially lower-grade options, which can cause it to change color. This is more noticeable in clear or lightly colored finishes.
Another reason is the natural aging process of epoxy. Epoxy resin is a chemical, and some formulas are more prone to yellowing as they cure or age. Certain products contain additives that help slow this process, but not all do. If the epoxy lacks stabilizers, then heat, moisture, or daily chemical exposure can speed up the yellowing. This tends to worsen in areas where temperatures shift often or where road salt, oil, or other fluids are tracked inside.
Here’s a quick list of what might be causing your epoxy floor to yellow:
1. UV light entering through windows or doors
2. Heat buildup on the floor’s surface
3. Low-grade epoxy without stabilizers
4. Frequent chemical spills or exposure
5. Moisture problems beneath the surface
For example, a garage with a big south-facing window may develop discoloration along the sunlit edge even if the rest of the floor still looks normal. These kinds of issues are not uncommon and often preventable when caught early.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Yellowing
The best way to stop your epoxy floor from yellowing starts before the install. Once the color shifts, it’s harder to fix without refinishing some or all of the floor. Starting with the right products and setup can make all the difference.
Here are steps that help reduce yellowing:
1. Pick UV-resistant epoxy. Look for blends made to block sunlight damage. This is important if your garage sees any natural light, even for part of the day.
2. Apply a topcoat with protection. Clear urethane or polyurethane coatings over epoxy will add a layer that resists light, scratches, and stains.
3. Use less clear epoxy in sunny spots. If you’re going for a transparent or light flake finish, consider how much sunlight hits those areas. Adding reflective window film or shades can help limit light exposure.
4. Choose darker epoxy colors. Darker tones tend to hide yellowing better and are less prone to show fading.
5. Stick with high-quality materials. Cheaper epoxy kits often lack strong curing agents or UV blockers and may yellow faster than higher-grade products.
These small steps during installation can go a long way. If you’d think twice about leaving a white couch in direct sunlight, do the same with your garage floor. Planning ahead protects the finish you worked hard for.
What To Do If Your Epoxy Floor Is Already Yellow
If your garage floor already has a yellowish tint, there’s no need to panic. There are ways to bring back the look you had before. What you do next depends on how bad the discoloration is and how the floor has been maintained.
First, figure out what led to the problem. Has sunlight been hitting that section often? Do you regularly use certain cleaners or park vehicles that might drip chemicals or moisture?
Once you know the likely cause, here are some options to treat the floor:
1. Light surface yellowing: A professional deep-clean and surface buff may help even out minor changes.
2. Topcoat reapplication: Adding a fresh UV-blocking clear coat to the surface could improve its look and help guard against worsening.
3. Tinted spot repairs: Small tinted epoxy patches can be used on areas that are more affected, which helps the floor look more uniform overall.
4. Sand and refinish: If yellowing is spread across the floor or the finish is peeling, a total refinishing may be the best move. This gives you a brand new top layer with improved protection.
Trying to fix epoxy with household cleaners or store kits might seem like a shortcut, but the results are often uneven or short-term. Yellowing usually affects the surface, not just the color, so it’s a job best left to experienced pros who can match tones and textures while restoring durability.
Long-Term Care For Epoxy Floors
Once your floor looks good again, or if it hasn’t yellowed yet, a few simple habits can help you keep it that way. Epoxy is low-maintenance and durable, but regular upkeep really pays off.
Follow these easy steps:
1. Sweep weekly to clear dirt and debris that can scratch or wear down the layers.
2. Wipe up spills right away. Household chemicals, oil, or cleaners left on the surface can discolor the epoxy over time.
3. Mop biweekly with water and a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid citrus or harsh soaps that eat away at the coating.
4. Schedule a yearly inspection. A trained eye can spot early signs of wear or fading and help with resealing areas before they worsen.
You can also keep blinds drawn during the sunniest parts of the day or install UV window film to cut back on daily light exposure. Even a few small tweaks like these go a long way over time.
One customer had a white epoxy floor that only yellowed where the sun came through a nearby glass door. After replacing that area’s mat with a UV-resistant one and limiting how long the door stayed open, they saved the rest of the floor from the same fate. That yellowed section was then touched up professionally, restoring an even tone across the room.
Your Garage Floor Deserves Easy Upkeep
Epoxy floors can stay sleek and good-looking for years when installed and taken care of properly. Yellowing doesn’t always mean something went wrong. Often, it just means the floor has been working hard under the same lighting and use that makes a garage useful in the first place.
Getting ahead of common issues like discoloration doesn’t take much time. If the yellowing has already started, you’ve got solid options for repair, especially with professional help. And by sticking with the right routine from the start, you protect your space from needing avoidable fixes later on.
Make the most of your floor by treating it like any other part of your home worth keeping clean and sharp. It’s a simple way to keep the garage looking its best day after day.
Ready to restore your garage floor to its former glory or prevent future yellowing? The team at Genius Epoxy, a trusted flooring contractor in Lansing and Mid-Michigan areas is here to bring back the shine and longevity of your epoxy floor. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help extend the life and appearance of your space.