What are my options to delay the effects of ultraviolet light on a urethane rubber or plastic product?

First, know that nothing is UV stable.  Nothing will stop the effects of UV on these materials; the best you can do is delay it.

  • Adding a UV Inhibitor:  Smooth-On makes a product called Sun Devil that will be effective in delaying the effects of UV light on cured urethane rubber or plastic.
  • Coloring Option:  A way to achieve a uniform color and/or minimize the effects of UV would be to add UVO color pigment to the liquid urethane rubber or plastic product (A+B) and mix thoroughly.  UVO pigment contains UV inhibitors that will aid in delaying the effects of UV light.
  • Painting Option: Painting a cured urethane plastic casting with an acrylic or enamel paint will delay the effects of UV light on the casting. (Note; you cannot use acrylic or enamel paints to paint a cured flexible rubber casting).
  • Use a urethane rubber or plastic product that already has a UV inhibitor in it.  Smooth-On offers materials (such as Clear Flex Urethane Rubbers and Crystal Clear Urethane Plastics) that have UV inhibitors added as part of the formulation.

Related FAQ: The color of my urethane rubber is different compared to the last batch. Is there something wrong with the material? Will it perform the same as the last batch I received?

Disclaimer
This FAQ article is offered as a guideline and offers possible solutions to problems encountered during mold making and casting. No warranty is implied and it is up to the end user to determine suitability for any specific application. Always refer to the provided Technical Bulletins (TB) & Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before using any material. A small scale test is suggested to determine suitability of any recommendation before trying on a larger scale for any application.