There are a lot of benefits to having a resin driveway fitted, but whilst the durability, versatility and permeability are reasons why the head would get one fitted over stone, concrete or loose gravel, the heart is often drawn to the aesthetics.
It is no secret that due to the protective effects of epoxy resin, there is a huge variety of options when it comes to patterns, textures, colourways and stones you can use, and gazing into a gallery of fantastic results is often enough to convince someone to seek out an expert fitter and get a quote.
On the subject of aesthetics, whilst much of the decoration is a natural consequence of the beautiful stone and aggregate choices used, some people wonder whether it is possible to add additional decoration on top.
Sometimes, being able to paint a driveway, particularly a large one, is important to ensure that multiple occupants of the same house are parking in the right place or in a way that is conscientious and mindful of the people around them.
Because of this, paint can be a dealbreaker for some people looking for a drive solution and the fantastic news is that you absolutely can paint a resin driveway, whether to add a mural, markings or simply to make your drive stand out from the rest.
If you are going down the paint route, here are some top tips to keep in mind.
Prepare Your Surface Carefully
Before you paint any surface you need to clean it and fix any damage that has emerged over years of use, but with resin surfaces, you will also need to be careful to stand the surface carefully to create a rough texture.
The reason for this is that because of the inherent smoothness of epoxy resin, you need to develop a rough texture to allow the paint to adhere evenly, and ensure a smooth coat and effective finish.
As well as this, you will need to clean the surface with a pressure washer, make sure you have an effective particulate mask to avoid inhaling residue blasted into the air, and invest in a sanding block or electric sander to make the job as simple as possible, as well as paint rollers, brushes and paint of course.
Make sure you have masking tape and tarpaulin material to block off areas you do not want painting.
Prime Your Surface
Getting paint to stick to resin is a three-step process: sanding, priming and painting.
A primer works similar to a base coat for wood and acts as a medium between the epoxy surface and the paint coat itself.
Choose a primer that complements your colour choice; white is often the most popular choice but black and grey primers are also available.
Spread it evenly with a roller or a large brush.
Choose Your Paint Wisely
A durable, high-quality paint designed for exterior surfaces is essential to have a paint job that will last. These will either be all-surface paints or ones designed for masonry and/or concrete, as they are designed to adhere to the same types of primers used for resin.
Beyond colour choice, also consider paints that have anti-slip and UV protection properties; given that your drive will be constantly in the sun, this will help it last longer and avoid your home becoming a heat island.