Resin bonds in the process known as Resin Bonding by acting as an adhesive layer onto which aggregates are scattered and held securely.
The method described as Resin Bonding is a specific technique used in surfacing to create a durable, aggregate finish. It is designed to resemble the texture and appearance of loose gravel but with the stability of a bonded surface.
The Resin Bonding Process Explained
This process involves several key steps:
- Surface Preparation: Ensuring the surface to be covered is clean, dry, and prepared correctly is crucial for the resin to adhere properly.
- Resin Application: A coating of resin is applied evenly onto the prepared surface. This resin serves as the adhesive layer.
- Aggregate Scattering: Scattering loose dried aggregates onto a coating of resin after the resin has been applied to a surface is the core step of this bonding method. While the resin is still wet and tacky, the chosen aggregates (like gravel or stones) are broadcast or scattered generously over the entire resin-coated area.
- Curing and Excess Removal: The resin is allowed to cure, effectively gripping and bonding the aggregates that are in contact with it. Once cured, any loose, unbonded aggregates on the surface are swept away, revealing the stable, resin-bonded layer beneath.
This technique ensures that the aggregates are firmly stuck to the surface by the resin coat, preventing them from shifting or being easily displaced like loose gravel.
Key Characteristics of Resin Bonding
This method, sometimes referred to as a scattercoat, broadcast, or coat system, has distinct characteristics:
- Appearance: Creates a surface that looks like loose gravel.
- Texture: Provides a textured, non-slip finish.
- Durability: Once cured, the resin creates a strong bond holding the aggregates in place.
- Process: Involves applying resin first, then scattering aggregates on top.
Unlike resin bound systems where aggregates are mixed with resin before application, resin bonding involves bonding aggregates onto a pre-applied resin layer. This difference in application method results in the distinct "loose gravel" appearance of resin bonded surfaces.
