Is It Normal for the Hardener to Look Yellow or Amber in the Bottle?

Yes. The hardener in UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy always has a slight amber hue in the bottle. It comes from the additives in the formula that enhance performance and durability, and it is usually most noticeable in the smaller pint and quart bottles. The resin and hardener have their own formulas and additives, so the two bottles will never look identical side by side. UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy hardener can carry an amber hue as well, and its resin has a lighter blue hue from the UV inhibitors that keep it clear over white.

Not old stock or a defect

The color does not mean you received old stock or a defective kit. We do not keep old stock on hand, and expired hardener turns a very dark yellow, not the light amber you see in fresh material. Product photos online are digital images and will not match the actual bottles.

Does it affect the cured result?

Once the two parts are mixed and applied as directed, the epoxy cures to a clear, glass-like finish. Over wood, concrete, laminate, stone and virtually every other surface, the amber tone is not visible.

The one exception is a clear coat over a white or very light-colored surface, where any table top epoxy can show a very slight amber tone. For that kind of project, use Art & Craft Epoxy instead.

If you want to see the result before committing, do a small test pour first.