One of the most common challenges that we come across when we speak to road marking, playground, and surfacing companies is how complicated and time-consuming installing playground markings can be. Traditional methods like paint often need a lot of preparation, precise execution, and long drying times, which can mess up schedules and hike up labour costs. But if you’re looking for a way to make installation much easier, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll demonstrate how simple it is to install thermoplastic playground markings, share a success story from one of our customers, and provide some handy installation tips. Plus, we’ll explain why thermoplastic markings are the best choice for a smooth, hassle-free installation.
Success Story: Transforming a School Playground
We recently supplied our playground markings to one of our customers who undertook a project at a local school. By choosing to use our high-quality thermoplastic markings, they were able to turn a dull tarmac surface into a vibrant, engaging play area filled roadway markings, games such as Twister and Hopscotch, as well as educational markings for maths and the alphabet. The installation was completed with just a few hours, much to the delight of the school staff and students. After installation, the school shared some photos with us of their fantastic work:
Why Thermoplastic Playground Markings Make Installation Easy
All our playground markings are designed for an efficient and easy installation. There are many reasons why preformed thermoplastic is preferred by professionals! Let’s explore some of the benefits:
Pre-Cut Designs
Our thermoplastic markings come in pre-cut shapes and designs, eliminating the need for on-site cutting and shaping. This saves a significant amount of time and reduces the complexity of the installation process.
Simple Application Process
The application process requires minimal surface preparation in comparison to other methods and involves heating the thermoplastic material with a propane torch until it adheres to the surface. This straightforward method means that even those with minimal experience can achieve professional results.
Durability
Once installed, thermoplastic markings are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. The thermoplastic we use to manufacture our markings is UV resistant, meaning the colours will remain bright throughout their lifespan. They can also last beyond ten years on a playground, ten times longer than paint! This longevity means fewer touch-ups and maintenance, further simplifying the long-term management of the playground.
Fast Drying Time
Unlike painted markings, which often take hours to dry and cure, thermoplastic markings cool and set quickly, allowing the playground to be ready to use almost immediately after installation. Minimising downtime not only makes for a happier customer but saves on your labour costs too.
Tips for a Successful Installation
So now that we’ve seen how straightforward thermoplastic playground marking installation is, we want to go one step further and share a few extra tips you can follow to guarantee a successful installation every time.
Surface Preparation
Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of debris. Any dirt or moisture can affect the adhesion of the markings. If your tarmac is more than a year old, we recommend using a surface primer for best results.
Marking Layout
Plan and mark out the layout of the markings using chalk on the playground surface before starting the installation. This ensures accurate placement and alignment of the designs.
Optimum Heating
Use a propane torch to evenly heat the thermoplastic material. It’s crucial to follow the recommended heating times to ensure proper adhesion without burning the material. Similarly, you need to make sure the material is heated enough to make sure it lasts. Our top tip is to wait until the material starts to bubble, that’s your key to knowing you’ve heated it enough.
Safety First
It goes without saying, always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety shoes, when handling the propane torch and thermoplastic materials.
Teamwork
For larger projects, work in teams to ensure efficiency. One person can handle the heating while others position the markings, speeding up the installation process.
See our full step-by-step installation guide for more tips.
Thermoplastic playground markings are truly a game-changer for creating engaging play areas. Their ease of installation, combined with durability and quick drying time, makes them the perfect choice for playground projects. By following our handy tips and taking advantage of the benefits preformed thermoplastic offers, anyone can achieve professional, quality results with minimal effort.
Ready to transform your playground? Contact us for more information or to purchase our high-quality thermoplastic playground markings.
