Resin Bonded Surfacing
Introduction
Resin Bonded surfacing (Coat and Scatter) is a type of exterior surfacing commonly used on highways, domestic driveways, pathways or commercial projects due to its highly decorative appearance, strength and low cost. A thin layer of coloured resin is applied directly to the existing surface and then a decorative aggregate is scattered over the resin. When cured the aggregate is bonded to the surface, hiding the resin and resulting in a surface that looks like a loose gravel drive without the problems associated with loose aggregate such as aggregate migration, plant growth or trapped litter.
Image owned by Star Uretech
Unlike resin bound surfacing, resin bonded surfacing is significantly cheaper and requires no specialist training or equipment to install.
System Types
There are four types of resin bonded (Coat & Scatter) systems:
● Polyurea (StarScape PRO) (StarScape FLEX)
Our patented StarScape PRO and StarScape FLEXIBLE products are the only Polyurea systems available in the UK. A polyurea system offers the very highest performance combined with a simple, moisture tolerant application. Resin bonded polyurea systems are considerably cheaper than any bound systems and our StarScape PRO system even passes the Highways Type 1 performance scuffing test and comes with a 25 year guarantee.
● Polyurethane (StarScape THERMAL)
A polyurethane bonded system is more expensive than a polyurea bonded system. Their slow cure rate and incompatibility with moisture often mean they are only used in hot, dry conditions. If the system is being applied in hot weather or by an installer with limited experience then the slower cure rate can be advantageous.
● Epoxy
Although epoxy systems are often cheap, they can be difficult to use (reliant on a precise mix ratio) and carry a hazardous rating. Most contractors and manufacturers have now moved away from this technology as application problems are not always immediately apparent and problems can occur months after a seemingly successful application.
● MMA
MMA (Methyl methacrylate) systems are often expensive, have a strong odour and can have an explosive component which is hazardous for both transportation and storage. Their inability to handle moisture means they can be difficult to use and they often result in a rippled, non-uniform finish.