Welcome to our comprehensive guide on gym floor and basketball court screening and recoating. Whether you are a school, college, or sports facility owner, maintaining the durability, performance, and aesthetics of your gym floors and basketball courts is essential to your athletes’ safety and enjoyment.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about screening and recoating your gym floors and basketball courts, including what screening and recoating are, why they are important, how often you should do them, what materials and equipment you need, how to prepare your surfaces, how to apply finishes, how to maintain and repair them, and much more.

What is screening and recoating?

Screening and recoating are two of the most common and cost-effective ways to maintain and enhance the appearance and performance of your gym floors and basketball courts. Screening refers to the process of abrading or sanding the surface of your floors or courts to remove the top layer of finish, dirt, and scuffs, without removing the wood or synthetic material underneath. Recoating refers to the process of applying a new layer of finish to the freshly screened surface to restore its shine, color, and protection.

Why is screening and recoating important?

Screening and recoating your gym floors and basketball courts offer numerous benefits, including:

• Preventing wear and tear: Over time, gym floors and basketball courts can accumulate dirt, grit, moisture, and foot traffic, which can wear down the finish, create scratches, and expose the underlying material. Screening and recoating can remove these imperfections and restore the protective barrier, preventing further damage and extending the lifespan of your surfaces.
• Enhancing performance: Gym floors and basketball courts that are well-maintained and coated can provide better traction, shock absorption, ball bounce, and sound insulation, creating a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable playing experience for your athletes.
• Improving aesthetics: Gym floors and basketball courts that are clean, shiny, and uniform in color and texture can enhance the visual appeal and branding of your facility, creating a positive impression on your visitors, sponsors, and stakeholders.

How often should you screen and recoat Your Gym Floors?

The frequency of screening and recoating depends on several factors, such as the type of finish, the traffic level, the climate, and the maintenance routine. In general, it is recommended to screen and recoat gym floors and basketball courts every 1-2 years, or when you notice signs of wear and tear, such as dullness, scuffs, stains, or unevenness.

What materials and equipment do We Use?

To screen and recoat your gym floors and basketball courts, you will need the following materials and equipment:

• Sanding screen or pad
• Sanding machine or buffer
• Dust mop or vacuum
• Tack cloth or damp mop
• Floor finish or sealant
• Applicator pad or roller
• Floor cleaner or stripper (if necessary)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, mask, and goggles

How to prepare your surfaces for screening and recoating

Before you start screening and recoating your gym floors and basketball courts, you need to prepare your surfaces properly to ensure optimal results. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean your surfaces thoroughly with a dust mop or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Sweep or scrape off any sticky substances or gum spots with a putty knife or scraper.
3. Damp-mop your surfaces with a neutral cleaner or stripper to remove any remaining dirt, oils, or residues. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and dwell time, and rinse thoroughly
4. Allow your surfaces to dry completely before proceeding with screening. Use a moisture meter to ensure that the moisture content is below the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Inspect your surfaces for any damages or defects, such as cracks, chips, or warping. Repair or replace any damaged boards or tiles before screening.
6. Determine the type and grit of sanding screen or pad to use based on your surface’s condition and the type of finish you have. Use a finer grit screen for light screening or a coarser grit screen for heavy screening.
7. Install the sanding screen or pad on the sanding machine or buffer and start screening your surfaces, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for speed, pressure, and direction. Move the machine in overlapping passes, covering the entire surface area.
8. Vacuum or dust mop the screened surface to remove the sanding dust and debris.
9. Damp-mop the screened surface with a tack cloth or damp mop to remove any remaining dust or residue. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding with recoating.

How to apply finishes for screening and recoating?

Once your surfaces are screened and cleaned, you can apply a new layer of finish or sealant to restore their shine, protection, and color. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the type and sheen of finish or sealant that best suits your needs and preferences, such as water-based, oil-based, or polyurethane-based, and matte, satin, or glossy.
2. Pour the finish or sealant into a bucket or tray and dip the applicator pad or roller into the solution.
3. Apply a thin and even coat of finish or sealant onto the screened surface, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for coverage, drying time, and ventilation. Work in sections and avoid overlapping or pooling.
4. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second or third coat, if necessary. Sand lightly between coats with a fine-grit sanding screen or pad to promote adhesion and smoothness.
5. Allow the final coat to dry and cure for the recommended time before allowing foot traffic or sports activities. Avoid dragging heavy equipment or placing sharp objects on the surface for at least 24-48 hours.

How to maintain and repair your surfaces after screening and recoating?

After screening and recoating your gym floors and basketball courts, you need to maintain them regularly to prevent future damage and maintain their performance and aesthetics. Here are some tips on how to maintain and repair your surfaces:

• Clean your surfaces daily with a dust mop or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a damp mop or automatic scrubber with a neutral cleaner or stripper to remove tougher stains or marks.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or wax-based products on your surfaces, as they can damage the finish and attract dirt and dust.
• Place walk-off mats or rugs at the entrance of your facility to trap dirt and moisture from outside.
• Use furniture glides or felt pads on the legs of chairs, tables, and equipment to prevent scratches and scuffs.
• Inspect your surfaces periodically for any damages, such as scratches, dents, or discoloration. Repair or refinish any damaged areas promptly to prevent them from spreading or compromising the surface’s integrity.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and recoating intervals to ensure the longevity and performance of your surfaces.

Conclusion

Screening and recoating your gym floors and basketball courts is an essential and cost-effective way to maintain and enhance their durability, performance, and aesthetics. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your surfaces remain safe, attractive, and functional for years to come. If you have any questions or need professional assistance with screening and recoating your surfaces, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced and certified flooring experts can provide you with customized solutions that meet your specific needs and budget.