Getting started with Resin Bound Aggregates

Here are a few important things to remember before starting your Resin Bound System project.

Get trained

It may look easy to lay a Resin Bound system, but there is a lot that can go wrong. Attending a reputable training course is a great way to help you avoid these potential problems.

Use only the highest quality dry, dust free aggregates

To prevent any dust finding its way into the resin mix, we meticulously dry and screen our DALTEX dried aggregates. Dust will soak up the resin and produce a cloudy finish.

Make sure you use the right resin for your application

We recommend the use of UV resin for external applications, non-UV resin can discolour quickly and can completely alter the colour of the finished surface. This is especially more apparent when using the lighter coloured aggregates just as the DALTEX Silver or DALTEX Beige.

Cover your wheelbarrow with plastic

This is a very quick and affordable win which will save you time and money when trying to remove cured resin mixture from your wheelbarrow.

Use precise mixing times

Make sure all batches are mixed for the same, precise time every time.

Any alterations to different batches will affect the time it takes to cure and the level of difficulty for laying. This can lead to over trowelling. If you over trowel the mix it will make the different batches look different colours, giving a patchy effect.

Mix Parts A and B separately before placing in the mixer

This will make sure that it is completely blended together so you will not get some aggregates with more resin and not enough hardener on. This will lead to areas that are resin rich and will not cure correctly. 

Keep your equipment clean!

Not cleaning your trowel regularly will lead to a build-up of excess resin. This will cause you to start over trowelling the mix which will lead to a patch effect on the finished surface, even to the extent that it will look like two different aggregates have been used.

Temperatures

Be aware of the temperature on site as this can affect curing times. Always refer to the resin manufacturer guidelines. Hotter temperatures will speed up the setting time, making trowelling harder.

In the cold, the resin will not cure as easily. When using the UV-stable resin in cold conditions, the addition of a catalyst is necessary to achieve adequate cure rates.

Avoid moisture at all costs!

This will cause the resin to foam and to cloud, resulting in unsightly white stains on the finished surface. It's always handy to have a tarpaulin available in case of any unexpected rain showers. This is especially important before the resin has had a chance to cure.