When painting a field, first line up all lines, hash marks and sideline-number stencils using a string that runs the length or width of the field. Sideline hash marks and yard lines, except for the goal line, must come no closer than 4 inches to the sideline. For marking the field the first time of the season paint the sidelines first so you have a better visual when painting the yard lines and hash marks. Here again, using a string running the length of the field offset by 4 inches from the sideline, will help prevent you from getting too close. photos courtesy of EcoChemical

A great deal of time and effort goes into preparing a sports field, especially painting lines and logos. The proper tools, paint and products are vital to a professional-looking product.

Painting Tools

After you determine what type of striping unit is required to deliver the desired results for your program, there are a number of tools needed to make the entire process of painting easier. Varying lengths of string should be used for field marking, notably No. 21 nylon twine (or braided No. 18) to prevent early failure from molding because of wet string winding. Two to four lengths of 400-foot twine (alignment for side line, hash marks, and number stencils) as well as four 200-foot strings for yardage lines should be considered. This allows for movement of string with one or two people while the paint striping is taking place. You should have each length of string on its own spool. Use at least six-inch colored nails (orange, pink or white) so they are not easily lost.

Types of Paint

In most cases you should use water-based paint specific for turf usage with a flat finish. White will be the predominate color, except in snow conditions where blue and red have been used. Titanium oxide is a common ingreditate in paint that acts as a brightener for white. Also the grinding of the solids in the paint will have an effect on the mixing and striping operations. The finer the grind (more expensive paint) the less settling will occur over time. Don?EUR??,,????'???t overpaint when it is unnecessary. Consider current line conditions and the weather to vary your paint ratio to water.

Apply the paint on the leaf tissue (not on the ground); this may require you to reduce the pressure of the paint striper. Although most latex paint is labeled to cover 300 square feet, 5-gallons of diluted paint will usually cover 1,000 linear feet at a 4-inch width. Thus for a standard football field with 5-yard lines and four sets of hash marks (approximately 4,600 linear feet) you will use close to 25 gallons.

Pre-Season

In the week prior to your first sporting event of the season, try to resolve equipment and supply problems early. String out all lines, hash marks and sideline numbers because the initial painting of logos will take a few days to complete. First, take a day to lay out the center logo, followed by a day to paint its border and details. Finally, lay out and paint additional logos.

Planning these activities will minimize the switching of colors used in your field marking equipment as well as providing sufficient time to resolve problems with equipment, paint, tools and weather. Your schedule must be flexible to allow for rain and team usage (possible marching band usage as well). If at all possible mow the entire field 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 inch lower than the normal on your paint day. Mowing early in the day allows for the grass to dry prior to field painting. Finally, paint the entire field with logos two days before the event.

During the Season

Painting and preparation during mid-season requires more flexibility due to weather (northern areas contend with more rain, snow, frost, and less daylight) and team usage. Three days before the event mow the field at 1-1⁄2 inches. The end zones and a three-foot border should be mowed at 1-1⁄4 inches. Paint the three-foot border, restraining line, and team areas.

Sources: Boyd Montgomery, CSMF, SCPS, Toro Co.;and Mark Hall, TruMark