DIY Resin Bound Driveway Success: Thanks To PERMABOUND Training

October 2024
Blog
Resin Bound Stone

Discovering PERMABOUND

Embarking on a DIY project can be daunting, especially when it involves intricate materials like resin. However, with the right training and support, even the most ambitious projects can be successfully completed. Paul, a retired solar panel supplier and installer, is a testament to this. His journey from a curious DIYer to successfully installing a 93.5m² resin bound driveway is both inspiring and instructional. Here's how our PERMABOUND training course played a crucial role in his success.

Paul discovered one of our stockists and training centres, GCL Products, in August 2023 while researching resin bound driveways. Intrigued by the detailed information on our website and the comprehensive nature of our training course, Paul signed up for one of their February 2024 session. The PERMABOUND training course, delivered by Danny from The Resin Bull who boasts over 12 years of experience in the industry, provided Paul with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

The Training Experience

Paul attended the one-day training course, which included classroom theory and practical sessions. He found the knowledge gained during this course invaluable. It equipped him with the confidence and skills needed to tackle his project. Following the course, Paul remained in contact with GCL Products' resin bound specialist, who offered guidance and support throughout the project.

When Paul first walked into the PERMABOUND training session, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Having worked in the solar panel industry, he was no stranger to hands-on work, but resin bound driveways were a new challenge. The course kicked off with classroom theory, covering everything from the basics of resin chemistry to the importance of sub-base preparation. Paul found this foundational knowledge essential, giving him a solid understanding of the material he would be working with.

The afternoon was dedicated to hands-on experience. Danny, our experienced instructor from The Resin Bull, guided Paul and the other trainees through the process of mixing and laying resin. Paul particularly appreciated the detailed demonstrations and the opportunity to try out the techniques himself. He learned the importance of precision in mixing ratios, how to handle the tools, and the best practices for achieving a smooth finish. By the end of the day, Paul felt confident in his ability to tackle his driveway project.

The Installation Process

Paul's project involved upgrading and extending his driveway. Starting in the winter, he prepared the groundwork by digging out the existing driveway and building up the sub-base using hardcore and a gravel grid. By Spring, his preparation was complete and his PERMABOUND driveway was ready to lay.

He ordered 51 kits of our unique Caramelita blend from GCL Products along with essential tools, including a Bulldozer, Bad Bull Trowel, Baby Bull Trowel and a kneeling pad. He also hired a 100L SoRoTo mixer and a 1220w paddle mixer. The materials and tools were delivered and Paul began the final preparations.

Over five days, Paul meticulously followed the techniques learned during his training:

Day 1: He started with the garden, laying a patio and path around the house. Using the techniques from the training, he installed edging strips as day joints to manage the project in smaller, more manageable sections. This method allowed him to work efficiently, even when working alone.
Days 2 and 3: Paul began working on the driveway. He found that the more he practiced, the more proficient he became. He worked in sections, laying the resin in designated bays. By marking out these sections beforehand, he could manage the curing times more effectively, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
Day 4: Tackling the widest part of the driveway presented some challenges. Paul had to blend newly laid resin with sections that were already beginning to cure. Despite the difficulty, his meticulous planning and use of edging strips allowed him to manage the joins effectively.
Day 5: The final day was the warmest, and Paul found the curing times accelerated due to the heat. He completed the last section of the driveway, but the faster curing time made blending the batches more challenging. Despite this, the overall result was impressive, with neighbours complimenting the finished driveway.

Challenges and Solutions

Throughout the project, Paul faced several challenges, particularly with the cleaning of equipment and managing curing times. He highlighted the importance of keeping equipment clean to avoid delays and ensuring unused materials were kept in shaded areas to control curing rates.

Paul discovered that working alone added an extra layer of complexity to the project. The constant need to mix, lay, and clean meant that he was continually balancing multiple tasks. Despite these challenges, he successfully completed the driveway by staying organised and methodical.

Paul's experience underscores the value of proper training and preparation. Here are his top tips:

Attend a Training Course: "You can't just wing it with resin," Paul advises. "The course taught me so much about the materials and techniques. It’s essential."
Keep Equipment Clean: "Clean as you go," Paul stresses. "If you let the resin set in your equipment, it becomes a nightmare to clean."
Work in Teams: "Having an extra pair of hands would have made a world of difference," he says. "I managed on my own, but it would have been smoother with help."
Manage Heat: "Keep your materials shaded," Paul recommends. "The difference in curing time between shaded and sun-exposed resin was significant."

Paul's project has received numerous compliments from neighbours, and the driveway has demonstrated excellent permeability, withstanding heavy thunderstorms without any puddling. While Paul enjoyed the project and took pride in his work, he doesn't plan to start his own resin bound company!

Paul's journey highlights how our PERMABOUND training course can empower individuals (both professionals and DIYers) to install resin bound surfaces. With the right knowledge and support, anyone can achieve professional-grade results. If you're inspired by Paul's story and are considering a resin bound project, our training course could be your first step towards success.