Why does white paint turn yellow?

Question

I know cigerette smoke can cause it but even in non-smokers houses the gloss around the window frames and doorframes always turn yellowy after a few years, why is this?

Answer 1

If its oil based gloss,eggshell or satinwood ,its the solvents used in making them that turn the paint yellow with age.Their are many good water base products now available .Dulux trade do a couple of products,aqutec gloss or quick drying eggshell,they are both as hard wearing as the solvent base product but also have the added advantage of being low Oder and better for the environment.

Answer 2

The same reason why printed paper turns yellow and pale, perspec turn yellow and brittle over time. It's ultra-violet light acting on the paint. It's most noticable in white paint because, well, any discolouration is more noticable when the thing is supposed to be white.

Answer 3

I paint my Interior trim with a real good exterior trim paint. It will combat the UV rays. Nicotine will do it and Oil based paints always yellow. best of luck

Answer 4

i dont know the answer to this, we use good quality paint and it still happens, i suppose the solution is to buy a yucky gone off colour in the first place.

Answer 5

Light. Yes, I'm serious. UV in fact. Think of it as a very slow suntan.

Answer 6

I wonder if its the same reason as to why my teeth have turned yellow

Answer 7

because they should be repainted every couple of years (in between using a mild bleach and water solution will help)

Answer 8

Enamel is paint...what are you using?

Answer 9

god knows..and i've just painted my living room...guess what colour???

WHITE!!

Answer 10

Dirty - people need to clean more!