I didn't know beforehand that some cool white LEDs can turn yellow and I wish I had because I would have made diffe

In October 2021, I completed my DIY kitchen renovation, replacing all the cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash. I was thrilled to incorporate cool white LED lighting under the wall-mounted cabinets, and for over a year, I loved the look. However, recently, I noticed that the cool white LED lighting strips have turned yellow, emitting a dull yellow light that doesn't showcase the backsplash or provide sufficient brightness. Interestingly, the LED ceiling light I installed as part of the renovation still emits cool white light.

The Problem and Research

Before replacing the LED strips, I wanted to explore if there was a fix or a simple solution. I invested time in researching the issue and discovered that cool white LED lighting strips frequently turn yellow. Each manufacturer had different explanations for the cause, but I found common trends:

Causes of Yellowing

LED quality: Inferior LED strips can be a contributing factor, but it's not the main reason for yellowing.
Overheating: The LED strip's overheating affects the PU adhesive used in manufacturing cool white lighting strips.
Tin contamination: During manufacturing and welding, tin can affect the phosphor in the strip, resulting in vulcanization and yellowing.
Light decay: Over time, the light intensity decreases, leading to yellowing and reduced brightness.
Aging process: All white LED strip lights will eventually turn yellow as they age.
Oxidation: Optical materials used in manufacturing may turn yellow due to oxidation effects.
Insufficient power: Check the power adapter to ensure the LED lighting strip receives sufficient power.

Preventing Yellowing

To prevent cool white LED strips from turning yellow, follow these tips:

Choose LED lighting strips from reputable suppliers.
Apply the strips to a heat-dispersing surface like wood or aluminum profiles, rather than tiles.
Ensure good ventilation in the installation area to reduce temperatures and prevent overheating.
Opt for LED lighting strips with a glass or silicone cover instead of PU adhesive.

Conclusion

Based on my research, it seems that cool white LED lighting strips will not remain cool white for long and will eventually turn yellow due to overheating, lack of ventilation, inferior workmanship, and other factors. To maintain the desired cool white lighting, it's crucial to select high-quality LED strips and consider the installation environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do cool white LED lighting strips typically last before turning yellow?
A: The lifespan of LED lighting strips can vary depending on factors such as quality, usage, and installation conditions. However, it's common for cool white LED strips to turn yellow as they age over time.

Q: Can yellowed LED lighting strips be fixed?
A: Once LED lighting strips have turned yellow, it's challenging to reverse the discoloration. The best solution is to replace the affected strips with new ones.

Q: Are there any other color options that do not turn yellow over time?
A: While no lighting option is entirely immune to aging, some users have reported that warm white or neutral white LED lighting strips may show less noticeable discoloration compared to cool white strips.

Q: Can adjusting the power supply prevent yellowing?
A: Insufficient power can contribute to LED strip yellowing. It's essential to ensure that the power supply matches the strip's requirements and provides a stable and sufficient power source.

Q: Are there any other maintenance tips to keep LED lighting strips in good condition?
A: Apart from selecting quality LED strips and providing adequate ventilation, keep the strips clean and free from dust, as it can affect their performance and lifespan. Regularly inspect the connections and ensure they are secure to avoid any potential issues.