Colour shading refers to when dark or light streaks appear in a resin floor after it has finished curing – instead of the uniform, solid colour that you would expect to see.

While it won’t affect a resin floor’s functional properties, such as durability, cleanability or longevity, colour shading can be a real headache for sites that want to portray a visually appealing, high-end image. It can be especially aggravating for businesses that want the floor to reflect their brand image and colours, as it will spoil the surface’s consistency and quality.

Causes and Cures of Colour Shading

Colour shading is a preventable issue and the majority of causes can be avoided during the floor’s installation by diligently following the system’s application instructions.

Below are some of the most common causes of a floor exhibiting different shades of the same colour and a few tips on how to prevent this problem.

1. Retouching after 15 minutes: Colour float issues can arise when a pigmented epoxy has been applied but is then re-touched or rolled over again after having been left sitting for 15 minutes or more, resulting in different shades appearing in the same colour. Cure: If the material needs to be re-touched or rolled for any reason then it needs to be done within the first ten minutes after application.
2. Using different batch numbers:  Colouring can vary between different batches of the same flooring product, meaning that if a number of batches are used on the same project it can lead to colour variances.Cure: Always check to make sure that you have the same batch number on the pigmented side of the product prior to adding the activator.
3. Exposure to Sunlight: UV rays and sunlight can cause colour discoloration or fading to occur. Cure: The likelihood of excessive UV exposure during the application process should be taken into account prior to installing a resin system to ensure that adequate preventative measures are taken to protect the floor’s colour consistency and vibrancy.
4. Product Settling: If any of the pigment settles down at the bottom of the product’s can then it needs to be re-mixed properly. If a pigmented coating is not properly mixed then this causes the tell-tale light and dark streaks in the coating. Cure: Proper mixing of the products is essential to properly disperse the settled pigment.
5. Coating Phases: If the floor has ben coated in different phases then the older material will have been exposed to more UV light and weathering, which could make a noticeable difference when it is compared to the newer finish.
6. Cure: When the coating is being completed in phases then a transition, such as a wide joint, will help to minimise this problem.