Jointing with synthetic resin based paving joint mortar brings a shine to the surface. The synthetic resin film creates a wet look.

The synthetic resin film enhances the stone

Note should be taken, that after nearly all jointing using synthetic resin paving joint mortars, a very thin synthetic resin film remains on the stone surface and intensifies the color of the stone, resulting in a gloss effect (wet look).

Depending on the type of product or stone used, more or less colour enhancement is given. The synthetic resin film along with the colour intensification disappears from the surface in open weather and through abrasion in the coming months.

The facts about synthetic resin film:

  • Jointing leads to a natural intensifying of the stone colour
  • The synthetic resin film acts as a high quality stone surface sealant, that protects the paving stone from dirt
  • For light coloured types of stone (e.g. light, broken granite), clinker stones and items made to order, the synthetic resin film can lead to colour intensifying
  • For the jointing of large format slabs, the synthetic resin pavement fixing mortar is spread over the whole surface. This is to ensure an even synthetic resin surface appearance after the jointing is finished
  • Through uneven usage, loads or weathering, the stone surface can sometimes show discolouration in various places
  • During the weathering phase, the impression may occur, that the stones become discoloured by looking white/grey. This is due to light refractions within the synthetic resin film as it breaks up. This phenomenon can be avoided by lightly cleaning the surface or treating the stones with colour enhancing products
  • A resin film does not consitute an "application fault" and the quality of the surface is not compromised in any way.

Synthetic resin film before and after jointing

  • Synthetic resin film before jointing on concrete blocks
  • Synthetic resin film after jointing on concrete blocks
  • Synthetic resin film before grouting on natural stone
  • Synthetic resin film after grouting on natural stone
  • Synthetic resin film before jointing on light-coloured granite pavers
  • Synthetic resin film after jointing on light-coloured granite pavers

This aspect of synthetic resin jointing of paved stones should be discussed with the client in detail before jointing is carried out.

The synthetic resin film makes the stones look wet. In order to show this effect, wet the stones beforehand to see what they will look like after jointing. In case of doubt, always lay a sample surface first, that can be used as a reference surface. The synthetic resin film disappears through mechanical loads and weathering over time.

On heavily trafficked surfaces (roads, carparks) and public surfaces (market squares, train stations), the synthetic resin film usually disappears within a few weeks. This is due to natural weathering such as sun, rain and snow, as well as from the heavy mechanical loads and abrasion.

The disappearance of the synthetic resin film can take varying times. Surfaces that are level and that generally have heavier loads and stronger weathering effects, will lose the synthetic resin film quicker than on edges, that generally lie lower and are not affected so much by loads or weathering.

The intensity of the colour enhancement depends on the product used. The intesity of the synthetic resin film can be reduced, when pre- and subsequent wetting is carried out before jointing.