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Pre-Formed Playground Markings
Application Instructions
Individual graphics are pre-packed with assembly instructions. They are two dimensional and when overlay is necessary this is clearly indicated. The material is thermoplastic. When very cold it can become brittle and when hot can become soft. Care should be taken when handling the material in these circumstances.
Surfaces
For general purposes, the following surfaces are suitable for thermoplastic to be laid onto; tarmac, concrete, block paving, paving slabs and any other non-combustible material.
All surfaces onto which the graphics are to be laid must be clean and dry. Sweeping of dry surfaces is usually sufficient to remove any surface debris but if in doubt, jet washing to remove more stubborn surface contamination by oil, grease etc should be carried out.
Wet surfaces can be dried with a propane torch but should be allowed to cool before the thermoplastics are placed in position to avoid the possibility of condensation occurring on the base of the materials. Any moisture between the material and the surface when heated turns into steam and the steam forms a barrier between the material and the surface preventing full adhesion occurring. Similarly dirt or other contamination on the surface constitutes a barrier to adhesion.
The integrity of the surface is also important. The material sticks to the surface. If the surface is loose the material will not remain in place. An example is old dry tarmac. Sometimes it appears to be sound but the application of heat causes the surface to dry and crumble.
To avoid this problem occurring on old tarmac a primer should be applied to the surface before applying the material. Primer should be used on all surfaces other than suitable tarmac.
Heating the Material
Once the surface has been prepared and the material placed in position it is fixed permanently by heating the material until it becomes molten. This occurs at a temperature between 200°and 225°, the flashpoint of the material is around 400°. Heat must be applied evenly over the entirety of the graphic to avoid hot points and more importantly cold spots.
Thermoplastic absorbs heat at a rate depending on the prevailing conditions. In practice you will not have equipment on site to accurately measure the temperature or rate of heat absorbtion of the material. It is useful information which will enable you to understand how practically to proceed.
Heat should be applied with a propane blow torch. These blowtorches are used extensively for the application of felt roofing materials on flat roofs and can be purchased from us online. All usual Health and Safety requirements for hot works involving naked flame use should be observed. The flame should be constantly moved over the material to ensure an even heat application. In a matter of minutes the material will show signs of the absorbtion of the heat.
There will be a subtle alteration of colouring and the best analogy would be that it will look like the melting of cheese on toast under the grill. It does not run like cheese but the edges feather down and it assumes a molten appearance. If the material starts bubbling it is too hot so remove the heat.
With experience, fitters become aware of the physical change in characteristics which confirm the material is at the correct temperature for bonding. After application a simple test should be carried out to ensure the bonding process is complete.
Once the material has cooled a portion of the material toward the centre of the graphic can be removed with a cold chisel. If the surface is still bonded to the material removed bonding has taken place, if not the heating process should be repeated. The small amount of material removed by the material can be replaced like a divot and re-heated.
In practice the heating process is relatively simple. Enough heat applied evenly on a well prepared surface will cause a secure bond. Practice makes perfect.
Once the material has cooled, depending on air and surface temperature, between 10 and 30 minutes, it can be used i.e. driven over or played upon by children.
Summary
F.A.Q
1. How long does it last?:
It depends on the amount of wear and abuse that it gets. London Bus Stations where they have an average of 100 buses an hour being driven over the markings 24 hours a day, the markings last an average 2.5 years. On school playgrounds where there is no vehicular access we cannot say. We have being laying graphics on school playgrounds for over ten years and have not had any in these graphics wear out. On average car parks last between 5-7 years.
2. If I change my mind can it be removed or repositioned?:
Re-positioning requires removal of the existing graphics. Removal is not easy particularly on asphalt surfaces. The plastic material forms a physical and a chemical bond with the surface and removal is bound to affect the surface. Removal of the graphics with a blasting system using volcanic ash and water is the preferred method. It is expensive but causes the least damage to the remaining surface. To minimise this problem ensure that the graphic and sighting thereof is approved before fixing.
3. What can I do if it gets stained or dirty?:
All our graphics are manufactured from class A road marking materials. This means that they are self cleaning. Leave it alone and it will clean itself. If it is a Company logo or other graphic that cannot be left for a couple of weeks we have a proprietory cleaner but its use is only recommended by experienced operators.
4. Will the Colours Fade?:
No the pigmentation is fixed using natural materials unaffected by ultra violet light. The vibrancy of the colours is ensured by the reflectivity of the material. Class A road marking material must have a fixed reflectivity index over the entire extent of its life. This is achieved by impregnating the material with tiny glass beads which reflect light, similar to cats eyes.
5. What is the Slip Resistance of the Material?:
The material complies with all international regulations and requirements for road and pavement markings and has a slip resistance similar to tarmac. The full slip resistance for the material does not occur until the self cleaning process which we refer to as ‘chalking down’ begins. This basically is when the surface of the material is broken down by ultra violet light and natural erosion by rain or wind removes this residue. When it is used on pavements regular use aids this process and the weight of adults is sufficient to nullify any problem. The onset of the chalking down process depends very much on weather conditions. In hot dry conditions it isn’t a problem. When it is cold and wet, like English winters, we add a very light covering of slip resistant aggregate when the material is still hot. This gives a slip resistant finish even when wet which lasts until the chalking down process begins.
6. Can it be fixed on a Gradient?:
Yes up to about 30º. The plastic must be heated until molten. It will run if the gradient is too steep.
7. Can the Graphics be Customised?:
Yes we can manufacture any graphic you require subject to the following:-
a) Colours – We have a range of standard colours which can match most requirements. If a non standard colour is required this can be manufactured but at a cost premium and a minimum of 1 ton.
b) The design must be in block colours we cannot economically produce shading effects.
c) The size of the graphic is dictated by the smallest design. Basically if the graphic involves script the minimum size is 75mm in height.
Subject to the above we offer a fully customised design service please contact our office for full details.
8. What if I have a problem or further enquiries?:
We offer a full technical back up service, FAQ is only a sample. Any further technical enquiries should be addressed to our office.
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