Maintaining your high school’s running track is key for athletic success. Roughly five years after the installation of your running track, your base-mat spray system will require a fresh application of 1C polyurethane artificial track spray. Usually, this process is completed in two applications, and doing this will bring revive your track’s surface and texture, though the right time to do this largely depends on your geographic location. Serving New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, southern Massachusetts, eastern Pennsylvania, and other East Coast markets, American Athletic Track and Turf explains what to know about the polyurethane respray process to help you plan for this kind of maintenance.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Track
If your running track surface has any color that differs from that of the polyurethane spray, it’s possible that it may show through. Since our spray has a vented, viscous form, markings like graffiti, striping, and more may be seen. If you think this applies to your track, two viable options are available to you, including:
- Compatible marking paint: Adding $3,000 to $5,000 to the cost, you can opt to use a compatible marking paint to conceal track markings.
- Sealing or re-sealing: Another option is to seal or re-seal your existing running track. For those with a mat or structural spray system, upgrading to a sealed system will add durability and improved performance. The average cost for this can be $30,000 to $50,000.
A third option for your damaged track surface would be to completely cut out the damaged areas and replace them. We do not recommend this method. This is because the newer areas of the surface will include joints that open over time and turn into weak spots. Additionally, it is nearly impossible to match the old texture.
When to Seal before Spraying
When a track has been damaged from varied markings, including spilled paint, this can transform your surface into a sealed system. This creates a different texture that will still be visible after a spray application. To avoid this, American Athletic can first perform remedial work to seal the undamaged area, which will even out the visible inconsistencies in the track’s texture. Then, we’ll apply the polyurethane spray to the entire track to give your high school’s facility the look and performance you demand.
Weighing the Cost and Benefits
Whether you want to use artificial track spray or completely reseal your high school’s track is a personal choice. On the lower end of the cost, a simple spray will have your track looking brand new. However, if your track is damaged as described above, a resealing process may be necessary to improve the overall look of your track, though this comes at a higher price. To determine whether polyurethane track respraying is right for you, consider details like how much your track is used, what it’s used for, and the level of performance you’re working with. For help with picking the best, most cost-efficient option, contact American Athletic Track and Turf today.
