Resin Bound Stone Systems

Resin Bound Stone Solutions

A resin bound stone surface looks like natural stone, but it’s built as a designed system—not just “stones plus glue.” When done right, it creates a smooth, permeable finish that helps rainwater drain through, while still staying strong and easy to maintain.

At ZDSpoxy, we manufacture resin bound stone system materials including primers, binders, and sealers/coatings. This page explains the 3-layer system, where it works best, and how to reduce common failures like cracking, loose stones, and whitening.

What is resin bound stone?

Resin bound stone is a surface made by mixing clean, dry aggregates (small stones) with a resin binder, then troweling the mix onto a prepared base. The result is a stone-rich, porous layer that can let water pass through.

It’s commonly used for:

Sidewalks and plazas
Driveways and parking areas
Gardens and landscape paths
Pool surrounds and wet outdoor areas (when using the right binder + sealer)

Resin bound vs resin bonded (quick note):

Resin bound: stones are mixed with resin first (more stable, more common for permeable surfaces)
Resin bonded: resin is spread on the base, stones are broadcast on top (different look and performance)

The 3-layer system (Primer + Binder + Coating)

A strong resin bound stone project is built as a system. Each layer protects the next.

Primer (bonding and base sealing)

The primer helps the system bond to the substrate and reduces defects. It also helps control absorption of the base.

When primer is critical:

dusty concrete
old slabs with weak surface strength
porous bases that “drink” resin too fast
repair zones and patches

Recommended primer:

Resin bound primer — ZDS1012AB

Binder (the core: holds the stones together)

The binder is the “glue” inside the stone layer. It controls:

strength
stone locking performance
long-term durability
water stability in wet environments

Recommended binders:

Resin bound binder — ZDS7001AB
UV-stable binder option — ZDS1180AB

Practical note: binder selection should match your climate (sun/UV), traffic load, and wet exposure.

Coating / Sealer (surface protection and easier cleaning)

A coating or sealer helps:

reduce staining
improve wear resistance
improve water resistance (especially around pools)
make cleaning easier
stabilize the appearance over time

Recommended coating / sealer options:

Sealer — ZDS1902
Clear coating — ZDS1223AB

Not every project must be sealed, but many outdoor projects benefit from a sealer—especially in wet or stain-prone zones.

Permeability & UV: what really matters

Permeability (drainage performance)

Permeability depends on:

correct aggregate grading
correct binder ratio
correct compaction and troweling
thickness design
clean base drainage (water must have somewhere to go)

If the base cannot drain, water will still pool—permeable top layer or not.

UV exposure (sunlight stability)

Outdoor resin bound stone is constantly under UV. A UV-stable binder and/or a UV-stable sealer helps prevent:

yellowing
chalking
surface aging too fast

If your project is in full sun most days, prioritize UV resistance from the start.

Product portfolio

Use this as a simple matching guide. Final selection depends on your project conditions.

For standard outdoor walkways and gardens

ZDS1012AB (primer)
ZDS7001AB (binder)
ZDS1902 (sealer, optional based on stain needs)

For high-UV areas (strong sunlight)

ZDS1012AB (primer)
ZDS1180AB (UV-stable binder option)
ZDS1223AB (clear coating option for added protection)

For wet areas (pool surrounds / splash zones)

ZDS1012AB (primer)
ZDS7001AB or ZDS1180AB (binder selection based on UV + wet exposure)
ZDS1902 / ZDS1223AB (sealer/coating for water resistance and cleaning)

Installation (simple, field-friendly steps)

Resin bound stone looks easy, but most failures come from moisture, dirty aggregate, or rushed mixing.

Step 1: Base check

The base must be:

strong and stable
clean (no dust, oil, loose layers)
properly sloped or drained
repaired if cracked or broken

Step 2: Surface preparation

Grind or mechanically prepare the surface. Remove weak layers. Clean dust fully.

Step 3: Prime

Apply primer evenly. Let it reach the correct tack/cure stage before the next layer.

Step 4: Mix binder + aggregate

Rules that matter:

aggregate must be clean and dry
measure binder ratio consistently
mix until stones are evenly coated (no dry pockets)

Step 5: Lay and trowel

Spread to designed thickness and compact evenly. Poor troweling can cause:

low strength spots
uneven pores
loose stones on the surface

Step 6: Cure and protect

Keep water off during early cure. Do not open to traffic too early.

Step 7: Seal (if needed)

Apply sealer/coating once the stone layer is ready. This helps reduce staining and improves maintenance.

FAQs

Is resin bound stone good for driveways?

Yes, with correct thickness design and binder choice. For heavy loads, the base structure and thickness are just as important as the resin.

Can resin bound stone be used around pools?

Yes, but pool surrounds need better water resistance planning. Use a binder and sealer route designed for wet exposure and cleaning chemicals.

What causes loose stones on the surface?

Common reasons:

wet or dusty aggregate
incorrect binder ratio
weak base or poor prep
rushed curing or early traffic
poor troweling/compaction

Do I always need a sealer?

Not always, but a sealer often helps outdoors—especially for stain resistance, wet exposure, and easier cleaning.

Get a resin bound system recommendation

Tell us:

project type (driveway, sidewalk, garden path, pool surround)
area size
sunlight level (full sun / partial / shade)
traffic load (foot / light vehicles / heavy vehicles)
wet exposure (rain only / constant wet / pool chemicals)

We’ll recommend a primer + binder + sealer build-up and matching SKUs.