Why Do Cool White LEDs Go Yellow?
I didn't know beforehand that some cool white LEDs can turn yellow and I wish I had because I would have made different choices.
31/03/2023
In October 2021, I finally managed to complete my do-it-yourself kitchen renovation where I ripped out the old kitchen and replaced all the cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash. At the time, I was extremely chuffed at being able to incorporate LED lighting under the wall-mounted cabinets and for over a year I was still loving the look. Now, however, you can see that my cool white LED lighting strips have turned yellow and no longer provide a bright light in the kitchen; it is more of a dull yellow light that doesn't bring out the colour of the backsplash or provide much light at all. I should also mention that I installed an LED ceiling light as part of the renovation and this still puts out cool white light.
Although hard to see in the above image, the one below clearly shows how the LED lighting strips are now giving off a yellow-tinged light rather than the cool white it should be.
Before I remove and replace the LED strips, I would like to find out if the problem can be fixed and if it will, hopefully, be a simple solution because I didn't opt for cheap LED strips and paid a bit more for Eurolex LED Lighting Strips. I undertook quite a bit of research into the problem and found a solution and discovered that this happens quite often to cool white LED lighting strips and there are many cases of this happening around the world. Another thing that became quite clear is that each manufacturer came up with a completely different excuse for the cause - one that their lights didn't have, so I am providing these causes so that you know what to look for and what to avoid if you are thinking of installing cool white LED lights.
Claims of why cool white LED strips turn yellow
The LED quality can be blamed but the main reason is due to the fact that the LED strip becomes overheated and this affects the PU adhesive used in the manufacture of LED cool white lighting strips.
- During manufacturing and the welding process, the colour of LED lighting strips can be affected by tin, which cases the phosphor in the strip to produce vulcanization and result in yellowing.
- The problem is caused by light decay that also affects the brightness. Over time, the light intensity will further decline.
- It is a process of ageing and all white LED strip lights will turn yellow as they age.
- It is a common occurrence for optical materials used in manufacturing to turn yellow due to the effects of oxidation.
- The LED lighting strip does not receive sufficient power and you should check the power adapter.
Prevent cool white LED strips from turning yellow
- Only select LED lighting strips from reputable suppliers and use the following tips to help prevent cool white LED lighting from turning yellow, whatever the reason.
- Only apply to a heat-dispersing surface. If installed on tiles, the build-up of heat is not easily dispersed while organic materials such as wood, or aluminium profiles, assist in heat dispersion and help to prevent overheating.
- Ensure good ventilation where LED lighting is installed as this will also assist in reducing the temperature and preventing overheating.
- Purchase LED lighting strips that have a glass or silicone cover instead of PU adhesive.
Conclusion
The overall conclusion that I came to based on the above claims is that cool white LED lighting strips will not stay cool white for very long and will eventually turn yellow as they age due to overheating, lack of ventilation, inferior workmanship, and anything else you can think of.