Educational
Thermoplastic playground markings
The hot-applied material behind almost everything we install, and the reason a Uniplay marking is still bright and anti-slip years after paint would have faded.
- Free design and site survey
- Durable thermoplastic, anti-slip
- Installed nationwide, often in a day
What are thermoplastic playground markings?
Thermoplastic is a hard-wearing marking material that is heated and bonded onto the playground surface, where it cools into a tough, anti-slip, coloured design. It is the same family of material used for road markings, which is why it stands up to constant footfall, PE and British weather far better than paint. Because it fuses to the tarmac rather than sitting on top, it keeps its colour and its grip for years, and it is the material we recommend and use for the great majority of school markings, from number grids to sports courts.
Why schools choose them
Lasts for years
Bonded to the surface with heat, thermoplastic holds its colour and outline through constant use, typically lasting several times longer than painted markings.
Anti-slip underfoot
The finish is textured for grip, so markings stay safe to run and play on even when the yard is wet.
Down and dry fast
It cools and cures within minutes, so a marking is walkable almost as soon as it is laid, and most primary schemes go down in a day.
Types of thermoplastic playground markings we install
The hot-applied material behind markings that last for years.
Preformed thermoplastic
Ready-cut shapes and detailed designs heated onto the surface, ideal for intricate graphics and logos.
Hot-applied line markings
Melted and screeded lines for courts, tracks, roadways and grids that need crisp, straight edges.
Anti-slip finishes
Textured thermoplastic where extra grip matters, on tracks, ramps and busy routes.
Full-colour designs
Multi-colour educational and play markings built up in thermoplastic for depth and clarity.
How the work goes
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 01
Survey
We check the surface is sound, clean and dry enough to bond to, because a good thermoplastic finish depends on the tarmac underneath it being in decent order.
- 02
Design
We plan the markings and confirm the colours and layout, so you approve exactly what will be laid before we heat a thing.
- 03
Install
Our team preps the surface and applies the hot thermoplastic on site, either as preformed shapes or screeded lines, working around your school day.
- 04
Aftercare
The markings cure within minutes and are walkable once cool. We advise on keeping them clean and can repair or add to them years later.
What do thermoplastic playground markings cost?
Thermoplastic costs more per marking than paint at the outset, but it lasts several times longer, so on a whole-life basis it is usually the cheaper choice for a school. Individual thermoplastic markings often start from around £50 to £300, and a typical primary package runs into the low thousands. The figure depends on the designs, the area, the surface and access, so we survey and give a fixed quote.
Get a fixed quoteSpecification at a glance
The key details for thermoplastic playground markings. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Hot-applied thermoplastic |
| Bonding | Heat-fused to the surface |
| Finish | Anti-slip, textured |
| Lifespan | Several times that of paint, with care |
| Cure time | Walkable within minutes of cooling |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
Examples of our work
A closer look at thermoplastic markings and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
Thermoplastic playground markings: your questions answered
What is thermoplastic and how does it work?
Thermoplastic is a marking material that is heated until it melts, then applied to the playground and left to cool, where it bonds to the surface as a tough, coloured, anti-slip design. It is the same family of material used for road markings, so it is built for heavy, constant use.
Is thermoplastic better than painted markings?
For most school markings, yes. Thermoplastic costs more up front but bonds to the tarmac and lasts several times longer, holding its colour and grip through years of footfall and weather. Paint is cheaper initially and wears faster, so we usually recommend thermoplastic on the whole-life cost, and we will give you both figures.
How long before children can use thermoplastic markings?
Very quickly. Thermoplastic cools and cures within minutes of being laid, so markings are walkable almost as soon as they are down. That is a big part of why most primary schemes are installed in a single day with a yard back in use fast.
Get a free design and a fixed quote
Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw thermoplastic markings around your yard and send a fixed price, with no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6695Thanks, that is with us
One of the team will be in touch to arrange your free design and site survey. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6695.
Markings that work well alongside
Schemes schools often combine with thermoplastic playground markings.
Ready to get your playground moving?
Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a fixed quote.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Nationwide install team