How to Choose Between Uncoated and Resin-Coated Frac Sand for Your Operations

Choosing the right proppant for your fracing operation has a direct impact on performance, longevity, and budget. One of your most important decisions is whether to use uncoated or resin-coated frac sand. While both play key roles in hydraulic fracturing, they serve different purposes and perform differently under certain downhole conditions.

The best choice depends on your well design, pressure levels, formation type, and production goals. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between the frac sand types of uncoated and resin-coated frac sand, the pros and cons of each, and how to determine which one is the right fit for your project.

What Is Resin-Coated Frac Sand?

Resin-coated frac sand is regular silica sand that’s been treated with a resin layer. This coating is applied to improve the sand’s performance under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions commonly found in more extreme fracing environments.

How It Works

The resin layer acts like a protective shell. It helps the sand grains maintain their shape under stress, reducing the amount of fines produced during crushing. It also improves grain bonding, which keeps the proppant in place once fractures close and production begins. Some resin coatings are designed to harden with heat, increasing their strength once inside the formation.

What Is Uncoated Frac Sand?

Uncoated frac sand is exactly what it sounds like: raw, cleaned silica sand that meets API standards for use in hydraulic fracturing. It has the right size, shape, and strength for fracing, but it doesn’t include any additional treatment or coating.

Common Use Cases

Uncoated frac sand is widely used in conventional wells and shale plays with moderate temperature and pressure ranges. It’s the most cost-effective option and is preferred for projects that don’t demand the extra strength or performance enhancements offered by resin-coated alternatives.

The Benefits of Resin-Coated Frac Sand

Resin-coated frac sand is typically more expensive, but for certain wells, that added investment pays off in long-term performance and reduced maintenance.

Better Performance Under Stress: In high-pressure formations, uncoated sand can break down and produce fines. These fines can block flow paths, lower conductivity, and reduce overall production. Resin-coated frac sand holds up better in these environments by reducing the risk of grain crushing.
Improved Flowback Control: Because the resin creates better bonding between grains, it helps prevent proppant flowback, the unwanted movement of sand back toward the wellbore during production. Less flowback means less wear on your equipment and more efficient flow of oil or gas.
Enhanced Conductivity: Resin-coated sand can deliver higher conductivity, especially under high-stress conditions. That means better hydrocarbon flow and improved return on investment in the long run.

Disadvantages of Resin-Coated Frac Sand

Even with its performance advantages, resin-coated frac sand isn’t right for every operation. It comes with tradeoffs that need to be weighed carefully.

Higher Upfront Cost: Resin-coated sand is more expensive than uncoated alternatives. The coating process adds material and manufacturing costs, which are passed down to the operator. For wells where resin isn’t needed, that extra cost can be hard to justify.
Overkill for Some Wells: Not every reservoir requires that extra layer of protection. If your well isn’t operating under extreme pressures or temperatures, using resin-coated frac sand may not provide enough benefit to offset the price. In many shale plays, uncoated sand performs just fine.

Benefits of Uncoated Frac Sand

Uncoated frac sand is the backbone of many successful operations. Its simplicity, availability, and cost-effectiveness make it a go-to choice for thousands of wells.

Cost Savings: The biggest advantage of uncoated sand is its lower cost. For budget-conscious operations or wells with lower production expectations, it provides a reliable proppant without inflating expenses.
Readily Available: Uncoated frac sand is more widely available than resin-coated sand. This helps reduce lead times and ensures that you can get what you need, when you need it. That reliability is key in fast-paced drilling programs.
Simpler Logistics: Uncoated sand doesn’t require the same careful handling as some resin-coated products. This simplifies transportation and storage, further lowering your overall costs.

At Pontotoc Sand & Stone, we offer both premium uncoated and resin-coated frac sand tailored to your operation’s unique needs.

Tailored Coating Solutions

When to Use Resin-Coated Frac Sand

So, when does it make sense to invest in resin-coated frac sand? Here are a few scenarios where it’s the better choice:

High-Pressure or Deep Wells: If your formation is deep and subject to high closure stresses, resin-coated frac sand is better suited to handle the pressure without crushing. It protects conductivity and helps maintain consistent flow rates.
High-Temperature Reservoirs: Some resin coatings are designed to activate or harden at high temperatures. This added durability makes resin-coated sand more effective in high-heat conditions, where uncoated sand might degrade.
Wells With High Flowback Risk: If your team has had issues with flowback or excessive equipment wear, switching to resin-coated sand could help. It keeps proppant in place and reduces the volume of sand that travels back toward the surface.

When to Stick With Uncoated Frac Sand

In many cases, uncoated frac sand is all you need. Here’s when it’s the right choice:

Low to Moderate Pressure and Temperature: For wells operating under standard conditions, uncoated frac sand performs reliably without the added cost. There’s no need to over-engineer a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.
Shallow or Conventional Reservoirs: Uncoated sand is a proven option for shallow wells or formations with less demanding geologic characteristics. It keeps things simple and efficient.
Budget-Limited Projects: If your well has a tighter budget or lower production potential, uncoated sand keeps costs manageable. You can still achieve solid performance without the higher investment.

Source the Material Your Well Needs By Partnering With With Pontotoc Sand & Stone

At Pontotoc, we supply both with consistency, quality, and reliable logistics. Our team is ready to help you evaluate your needs, minimize downtime, and get the most from your next fracing operation. Contact Pontotoc today and let us help you choose the right frac sand for the job, every time.