Are you considering placing some bright, vibrant and exciting playground markings in your outdoor space? They are beneficial for all kinds of settings, from schools and nurseries, to public recreational areas and leisure facilities, providing kids with inspiration and layouts for various games and activities.
Though the end results are something to be excited about, it is also important to understand how thermoplastic playground markings are laid. This process is indicative as to why the markings are superior to painted markings, staying vibrant, bright and precise for so much longer. Let’s take a closer look:
Planning & Design
Before thermoplastic markings can be laid you need to choose from the various designs on offer. Every company offers different options for markings, but below are the types of designs you can expect to see most often:
- Games
- Trails and tracks
- Shapes and prints
- Characters and cartoons
- Educational designs
These designs come in set colour examples which look beautiful on any outdoor playground. However, some companies will allow you to choose your own colour schemes to make the design completely your own. This can be helpful if you have a colour scheme in mind that relates to your school badge colours, or an outdoor play area that has already been decorated.
As part of this design and planning process you will be able to plan out which designs you want and where you want the designs to be placed. A professional markings company will be able to help you best place your designs to work with the size and shape of the outdoor area you want to decorate. By ensuring the designs face the right way and are placed thoughtfully, the children who use them will get the most out of them.
This planning section of the process may also reveal the need for new tarmac to be laid. If this is the case, this can be organised in advance of the markings being laid or simply be added on to the overall process to minimise disruption. Usually, though, thermoplastic markings can be placed on the majority of surfaces, unless they are highly degraded. What is likely to happen is the company will recommend a primer is placed, which helps the markings stick for longer, increasing the length of time the designs can be enjoyed, and protecting your investment at the same time.
Installation
Installation of your UV-resistant, anti-slip thermoplastic markings is actually very quick. The graphic designs are placed correctly onto the tarmac as per the design agreement with you, and then heat is applied to create a bond between the plastic design and the tarmac underneath. The markings will be based with absolute precision and accuracy before they are permanently placed, because the placement cannot be reversed. Once the heating process is complete, in as little as half an hour the markings can be used by anybody who wants to enjoy them and start having fun!
Thermoplastic markings, after installation, can then last a decade, with most companies offering a warranty of around five years or more. During that time there is no fading, leaching chemicals into the ground, or other issues commonly associated with painted markings. Instead, the children with access to the designs get to make their own memories and fun day after day, season after season.
When Will You Enhance Your Outdoor Space With Thermoplastic Designs?
If you would love to add vibrant, educational thermoplastic designs to your outdoor space, choose a professional markings company and playground equipment supplier. They will ensure that the designs you choose are laid with precision and expertise, so that they last as long as possible and stay in great condition for a long time, giving your playground users plenty of fun and activity in return for the financial investment in your outdoor space.