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Colour Coatings
In recent years we have generally switched from solvent
based coatings to newly developed high quality water-based alternatives.This
has significant environmental and health & safety benefits.
- We
have a standard range of colours held permanently in stock.
- Special
colours are available quickly and at little extra cost.
- Range
of available textures to provide required slip resistance and speed
of play properties.
- We
offer a range of acrylic and polyurethane colour coatings.
Standard
colours for courts are Dark Green, Standard Green & Brick Red.
Painting
Sports Surfaces
Factors
such as the position of courts, type and severity of use all need consideration
when choosing the most suitable coating. Typically
environmental conditions that can reduce the normal life of the surface
and paint coating are:
- Intensive
use.
- Locations
where the types of footwear and the use (eg. Skateboards & Bikes)
cannot be easily controlled leading to increased wear.
- Proximity
of trees creates damp areas in the shade and under leaf debris reducing
the adhesion of the paint coating.
- Sap
falling onto the court from trees.
- Dirt
& pollution lying on the courts surface can cause increased abrasion.
We use a manufacturer
that produces a high quality range of paints and binders with different
characteristics (
www.sportscoatings.com ).
- Acrylic is the
standard coating for courts that are in good condition.
- Polyurethane paint
and binders are chosen to strengthen an ageing surface, or where a court
is used intensively.
Slip Resistance
Paint coatings for sport surfaces contain texturing agents such as aluminium
oxide, in order to provide the required grip in dry, wet and damp conditions.
The LTA recommend a minimum slip resistance value for Tennis & Mini
Tennis of 60.
The
surface of Netball, Basketball and MUGAs Courts usually require a higher
slip resistance due to the characteristics of the dynamic nature of play
involved. Therefore, they have a higher recommended value of
75. This increased level of grip will produce a more abrasive finish to
the court surface.
It is recommended that Water Based Polyurethane paint with augmented aluminium
oxide aggregate is applied. This will strengthen the surface and provide
a durable coating able to combat heavier use, whilst incorporating the
increased level of slip resistance needed.
Application
to Newly Laid Macadam
Paint coatings do not achieve good adhesion to newly laid macadam, new
macadam has a glossy finish. As the macadam cures and the oils evaporate,
the top layer hardens and loses its sheen. Only after this has occurred
should the macadam surface be painted.
The time this takes
will vary, depending on the nature of the surface and the weather. It
will normally take three weeks in the summer and up to three months in
the winter.
Access to
the Courts
Our paint spraying equipment is fixed on the rear of large 3.5 tonne vans.
Hoses through which we pump the coatings for the spray guns, are run from
the van to the courts,. Whilst we can extend the length of the hoses,
we still require the van to be located nearby, with easy access for personnel
working on the court.
Surface Cleanliness
The area to be coated should be free from oil and dirt. Older or very
dirty courts may require chemical treatment and thorough power washing
prior to painting.
Loose leaves and other
detritus lying on the surface is normal and is swept or blown free immediately
prior to painting.
Weather &
Temperature
Painting can only be carried out in fine, dry weather with little wind.
Temperatures need to be above 12° – 15°C. This restricts
the period that coatings may be applied outdoors from April to October.
Work during dry periods may also be prevented if there is a threat of
overnight frost which damages the coating if it occurs during 24 hours
of application.
Programming work is therefore very difficult and delays can occur. It
is very helpful if the client can allow flexibility with access &
working times. During periods of unsettled weather we will communicate
if delays are probable.
Time Taken
for Application
In good weather painting a standard court is achieved in a day. Where
there is more than one court we may increase the manpower and number of
spray guns to achieve this in 1-2 days.
During unsettled weather,
two or more visits are commonplace to finish the courts.
Curing
Period
On completion of painting, the paint surface will be touch dry.
The period of time necessary for the paint to fully harden is dependent
on the ambient temperature.
Play can usually occur after 3 days but in low temperatures this can take
up to 5 days.
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