UV resin vs non-UV resin, the reason cheap driveways go yellow
The single biggest reason a resin driveway fades or yellows.
There are two families of resin used on driveways, aliphatic (UV-stable) and aromatic (non-UV). They look identical on installation day. Twelve to twenty-four months in, only one of them still looks the way it did on handover.
Aliphatic, UV-stable resin
Aliphatic resin is engineered to resist UV degradation. Colour stays true, aggregate remains crisp, and the surface holds its finish for the full lifespan of the driveway. Every Vuba system we install at Hinchliffe is aliphatic.
Aromatic, non-UV resin
Aromatic resin is cheaper. It also breaks down under UV, turning yellow-brown and dulling the aggregate. It is still widely used by cost-driven installers because it lets them undercut on quote day. The customer pays the difference in 18 months.
| Aliphatic (UV-stable) | Aromatic (non-UV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour stability | Holds true colour long term | Yellows within 12–24 months |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer + Hinchliffe guarantee | Not typically warranted for UV exposure |
| Cost per kg | Higher, premium engineered polymer | Lower, used to hit low quote prices |
| Suitable for driveways | Yes, the correct specification | No, we will not install it |