Recently updated on May 3rd, 2024 at 10:47 am
Epoxy countertops are trendy for their durability, seamless finish, and glossy appearance. However, over time, they might be yellowing and lose their furnished look.
Like many other homeowners, If you are also facing this problem then don’t worry. In this post, you will find 5 effective methods on how to fix yellowed epoxy countertops without any professional help. Ready to dive!
Why Does Epoxy Turn Yellow?
There are many reasons which indicate why epoxy turns yellow and some of them I have explained below:
UV Exposure: One of the most common reasons epoxy resins turn yellow is ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even indirect sunlight over extended periods can affect the epoxy, causing it to discolor.
Heat Damage: Epoxy countertops can resist moderate temperatures, but direct contact with hot pots, pans, or appliances can damage the resin.
Chemical Exposure: Household chemicals, certain cleaning agents, or even some food items can react with the epoxy resin and turn it yellow.
Aging of epoxy: Over time, epoxy can naturally discolor due to the processes of oxidation and aging.
Low-Quality Materials: Not all epoxy resins are created equal. Some low-quality or non-UV-resistant epoxies are more prone to yellowing than their higher-quality counterparts.
Safety Precautions:
Before we go to fix the yellowed epoxy countertop there are some safety precautions that you must know to do it perfectly without any loss.
Wear Gloves and Goggles: Always wear gloves when working with epoxy, especially if you’re sanding or applying a new coat. Protective eyewear can also safeguard against accidental splashes.
Ensure Good Ventilation: The fumes from epoxy resins can be toxic. Always work in a well-ventilated area, and consider using a mask or respirator if you’re working with epoxy for extended periods.
Safe Storage of Materials: Keep epoxy resins, hardeners, and any other chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use Safe Cleaning Agents: When cleaning epoxy countertops, always opt for non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid acidic or corrosive substances that might exacerbate the yellowing or damage the surface.
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Whether you’re re-coating the epoxy surface or applying a UV protective sealant, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
5 Methods to Fix Yellowed Epoxy Countertop
Now there are 5 effective methods that will help you to fix yellewod epoxy countertop perfectly. These methods are a little bit different from each other based on how hard-yellowed your epoxy countertop is.
Method 1: Surface Cleaning
Sometimes the yellowing is nothing more than a layer of grime or an expansion of household products that stained the countertop’s surface. You can fix it simply by cleaning the countertop surface by using dishwashing soap.
Gentle Soap Solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Gently scrub the countertop in a circular motion by using a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the countertop with clean water. Ensure that no soap residues remain. Dry with a clean and soft cloth.
Deep Cleaning Agents: If the stain is not gone completely, consider using a specialized epoxy cleaner or a mild degreaser. However, always spot-test first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the epoxy further.
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
For mild yellowing, a baking soda paste can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water for effective removal. You can easily fix yellowed epoxy by applying baking soda paste. If there are Dull Spot on Countertops, it can be removed by using this method.
Mixing the Paste: Mix baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio in a bowl to form a thick paste. Baking soda is an alkali that interacts with stains and removes them.
Apply paste: Apply the paste on the yellowed areas of the epoxy countertop and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Gentle Scrubbing: By using a soft and clean cloth, scrub the surface gently in a circular motion.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the paste thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. If the stain is not gone completely, repeat this process.
Related Post: How To Fix Dull Spot on Quartz Countertop?
Method 3: Sanding and Polishing
The third method is helpful if the yellowing has permeated deeper into the epoxy, sanding and polishing might be helpful to get the new look again.
Wet Sanding: Start with 400-grit wet sandpaper. Keep the sandpaper wet during the process to prevent heat buildup. Sand the surface gently in a circular motion.
Progressive Sanding: Move to a 600-grit sandpaper and repeat. If necessary, you can progressively move to 800-grit or even 1000-grit for an ultra-smooth finish.
Polishing: Once you’ve sanded the surface to satisfaction, apply a polishing compound using a buffing pad or a soft cloth. Buff the surface until it retrieves its shine.
Method 4: UV Protective Sealant
Epoxy’s yellowing can sometimes result from prolonged exposure to UV rays. In such cases, UV protective sealants can fix the yellowing and prevent future discoloration.
Preparation: Clean the countertop to remove any dust and residue. Dry the countertop surface thoroughly with a clean and soft cloth.
Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the UV protective sealant. Typically, you’ll apply a thin, even coat using a brush or roller.
Curing: Allow the sealant to dry and cure completely before using the countertop. This may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the product.
Related Post: How to remove rust stains from formica countertops?
Method 5: Re-coating with a Clear Epoxy
If the above methods are not helpful and the yellowing is too deep or widespread, then it means you have to re-coat the countertop with a fresh layer of clear epoxy.
Clean surface: Clean the countertop surface. If there are any peeling or loose areas, sand them down to get a perfect recoat.
Mixing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix a new batch of clear epoxy.
Application: Apply a thin, even coat of fresh epoxy over the entire countertop using a brush or roller.
Curing: Allow the epoxy to cure completely. This usually takes at least 24 hours, but some products may require longer. It’s vital to wait until the epoxy has fully hardened before using the countertop.
Related Post: How to Fix a Bad Seam in a Quartz Countertop?
Conclusion
It is crucial to fix yellowed epoxy countertop because if you ignore it, it may increase with time and become a headache for you. Yellowed epoxy can be cured easily at the initial phase by simply cleaning it with baking soda paste.
If you have a little bit of knowledge about cleaning then you can do it on your own with any professional help.
FAQs
How to remove stains from epoxy countertops?
Baking soda paste can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water for effective removal. Apply the paste of baking soda and water on the stained surface and let it set for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with water and dry it with a cloth.
How to fix epoxy countertop edges?
For small chips or cracks on epoxy countertop edges, you can apply a clear epoxy resin designed for countertop repair. Apply the epoxy carefully to fill the damaged area, then let it set. After that sand the edges and polish them.
How to repair an epoxy countertop?
An epoxy countertop can be repaired by sanding it with wet sandpaper. Start with 400-grit wet sandpaper and move to 1000-grit for a smooth finish. Once the surface is sanded, polish the countertop surface by using a buffing pad or soft cloth.