White gloss paint going yellow

[purplegreen99]

Is it normal for white gloss to go yellow after 2-3 years? I don't think I've noticed this at other people's houses. Would satin paint be less likely to go yellow? Or should I choose an off white, maybe slightly grey shade next time instead?

Oil based paints tend to yellow over time. And newer oil based paints seem to be worse for this (down to environmental regulations I guess). Can you try a water based wood paint?

Yeah it does that.

They had to make gloss less harmful so now it yellows much worse/quicker. The change was quite a while ago now though.

The yellowing is worse in places not exposed to sunlight, eg behind furniture, etc. I find satinwood paint (water based) better but it isn't as glossy.

Fluffy thank you - I just looked this up and it seems the law changed in 2010, so our previous paint would have been the one that didn't turn yellow so easily. That makes sense as I couldn't remember this being a problem before. I'll look at water-based as Tulips suggests - thanks Tulips. I am thinking of going for an off-white colour to avoid the horrible yellow, but not sure if that would just yellow in its own way.

if it's indoors, you can use a water-based paint, which will not yellow. I don't consider it as durable as oil paint, but that won't matter indoors.

Outdoors, sunlight keeps white oil paint bleached, so it stays white.

If you smoke or burn candles, all bets are off.

No smoking or candle-burning in our house PigletJohn . I will definitely look for water-based. Even if it's less durable hopefully it will still look better after a couple of years than the current yellow paint does.

There was an EU regulation that came in a few years ago. A certain chemical is not allowed in white paint anymore, hence the yellowing. I know a bit about this as I repainted the woodwork in the entire house and it started going yellow within months. Look for tins of paint that include the wording 'stay white ' on the front.

I feel your pain. Oil based paint that gets lots of direct daylight doesn't yellow but that doesn't really help if one side of the door is white but behind the door and all the rest of the room is in shade as the contrast can be really pronounced.

Like in our cloakroom with no window. Looks fine until you are inside and close the door. Mustard all round.

They used to put lead in the paint to make it really white, nowadays they are gradually reducing what can go in. It's possible to get factory finished timber but that only works the first time.

Interesting about the bits exposed to lots of light being ok - that explains why the skirting board is yellowest behind the sofa! Thanks all for explanations and suggestions - hopefully I can find a whiter paint now.

I use Ronseal or Hammerite Radiator paint on white woodwork, it’s still white with no yellowing after 6 years.

Gloss paint is a very dated look for indoor woodwork. Eggshell for interior woodwork is tough and certainly doesn’t go yellow. Our F and B eggshell is as white now as it was when first applied 8 years ago. It’s a far more subtle and beautiful finish.

Brilliant white satinwood is pretty good. It isn't as shiny or durable but it's easier to work with and stays white.

Yy for eggshell. Had my woodwork done throughout in white eggshell nearly a year ago and it's still as white as when it went on. I like the look much more than old-fashioned gloss, it doesn't show brush strokes, and it doesn't chip as easily. I think it'll wear away more quickly though, but not before it's time for a refresh. I think the EU regs have done us a favour by making paint manufacturers innovate!

Try the trade water based gloss from screwfix - can't remember the name but it's the one in the white tub with writing on it etc.
It lasts for ages.

Leyland, just been and googled w

Bubbles thanks for your opinion. I think shiny gloss is a lovely clean, modern look and eggshell looks a bit dusty and Country Life, but it's all subjective isn't it?