Yellowing Paint - Causes & Solutions

In the world of paint, you are bound to run across the problem of yellowing paint. There are several causes for this phenomenon. One cause is a lack of light, such as areas of a room that remain in relative obscurity and walls that are covered with furniture or pictures. Another cause of yellowing paint is an excess of heat from furnaces or stoves. A third cause of yellowing paint lies in the paint itself. Often when oil-based paint oxidizes, it starts to yellow. The following are yellowing paint causes and solutions.
 

Causes: Lack of light

Often, paint yellowing is caused by a lack of light. This can occur after a period of time, like when a picture remains at the same space for a long period of time. Typically the space behind the picture has yellowed. This can often occur in consistently dim corners of a room or in closets. Paint yellowing often occurs behind furniture, such as shelves, that also cover up part of the wall.
 

Causes: Excess heat

Another cause of yellowing paint is an excess of heat. The area of a wall close to a stove, which see a lot of fairly consistent heating, can also yellow. Walls by furnaces tend to yellow, as well as any other areas exposed consistently to a lot of heat.
 

Causes: Oxidation

Yellowing paint also occurs when oil-based paint or alkyd oxidizes. This means that oxygen reacts with the paint, causing the yellowing. Solvent-based paints react negatively to some chemicals, which also creates yellowing.
 

Solutions

The most effective, long lasting solution to yellowing paint is to repaint. Water-based paints do not cause yellowing. Other solutions include non-yellowing varnish and trying to equally expose walls to light, which means rotating pictures and furniture regularly.

There are several causes and solutions for yellowing paint. The causes vary from light to chemical reactions. The solutions also vary as radically. Repainting with a water based paint is the most effective solution.
 

Primers and Finishes

Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability. 
Select a top quality interior paint in the color and sheen of your choice. 

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Various 
Primer: Usually None 
Finish Coats: 550 Super Latex Interior Flat Wall Paint 
1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish 
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss 
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En. 
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En.