The Basics of Field Marking Paint
Field Marking Paint
The painting of sports fields or turfs is a common practice that defines the dimensions of sports fields. Field marking paint is also used for a variety of painting tasks, such as creating team logos, messaging, advertisements etc. Straight lines, crisp edges, high visibility and minimal overspray are some of the key elements that athletic directors and facility managers look for when purchasing and applying sports field paint. But which types of field marking paint are available, and how do you find the one that is right for you?
What Athletic Field Marking Paint Should I Choose?
When selecting paint for marking lines or other artwork, make sure to select the paint that is specifically formulated for the job at hand. Keep in mind that these products are designed to be harmless to the turf, as well as to the players’ skin and eyes.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing field marking paint:
Athletic field paint should resist mold growth, livering, skinning, putrefaction and hard setting of the pigment.
Avoid purchasing any paint that contains calcium carbonate or vinyl copolymers, as they can kill the grass.
What Are the Different Types of Sports Field Marking Paint?
Although turf paint comes in many different types and forms, two main types are most widely used:
Pre-mixed paints and latex mixable/ premium paints.
Pre-mixed paint or ready-to-use paint is the most commonly used type of field marking paint on the market, primarily due to its lower price compared to premium paints. This type of paint is typically environmentally friendly, water-based, and acrylic, making it a convenient choice. However, this type of paint doesn’t last as long as premium/latex paints.
Pros:
-Environmentally friendly
-Convenient
-Cheaper than latex mixable paints
Cons:
-Lower quality
-Doesn’t last as long as some premium paints
The latex mixable/ premium paints usually contain about three times the amount of pigment and whiteners as other paints, resulting in durable, long-lasting markings without harming the turf. This type of paint lasts longer than pre-mixed paints, is of higher quality but is more expensive and less convenient than pre-mixed paint.
Pros:
-Lasts longer than pre-mixed paints
-Higher overall quality
-You have the freedom to choose the water/paint ratio
-Safer for the turf and easier cleanup than some pre-mixed paints
Cons:
-More expensive
-You must mix the paint with water
-Not as easily found on the market as pre-mixed paints
How Does Aerosol Spray Paint Work?
Aerosol paint canisters offer the convenience of an inexpensive application and eliminate the need to mix the paint with water. Aerosol paints are usually environmentally friendly and apply highly pigmented, undiluted paint.
The main advantages of using aerosol canisters are minimal overspray/waste, ease of use, dependability, and convenience.
How Long Does Sports Field Paint Last?
The visibility of painted lines, and how long they stay visible, depends a lot on local conditions such as grass growth and weather conditions. The more the grass grows, the sooner the grass needs to be mowed, which affects visibility and the need for remarking. According to some manufacturers of sports field paint, the paint itself can remain visible for up to 2 to 3 months. However, in some areas, lines are repainted once every week during high season to guarantee the highest level of visibility.
What Type of Paint Do Sports Field Marking Robots Use?
Our autonomous sports field painters, the TinyMobile Robot Sport and Pro X, both use pre-mixed paint.
Both the TinyMobileRobot Pro X and the TinyMobileRobot Sport robots come with a custom paint container that fits perfectly on the robot. All you have to do is pour the paint into the canister, and the robot is ready to go!
