PLAYFORM – Educational playground marking games for children, Logos and Street decorations
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLAYFORM is a preformed thermoplastic material with a special design which is used for playgrounds. PLAYFORM combines the durability of thermoplastic road markings exposed to heavy traffic with special and unique designs, required by the necessity of educational, interactive and inspirational games applied in school yards for example, but also logos and advertisements for companies, touristic markings and street decorations.
PLAYFORM application is fast and simple due to delivery of the product in its final form, ready to be used, and requires only 1-2 trained operatives and a propane burner. To ensure adhesion to asphalt, the material should be heated to a temperature between 200-220° C. At this temperature the material becomes liquid, merging with the substrate.
A correct application, which ensures an optimal adhesion to the substrate, involves a thorough surface cleaning, removing the moisture and using AC-341 primer.
Please study the following instructions carefully in order to avoid application mistakes, damages or work-related accidents.
Safety Precautions during application:
- Use protective clothing such as leather boots, long pants, safety glasses, safety vest and appropriate gloves. Do not use protective equipment made of synthetic materials.
- Avoid all contact with the molten material and heat torch flame. If you do get molten material on your skin, flush the area immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Do not attempt to pull the molten material off of your skin.
- Take all necessary precautions when working with an open flame. General safety rules should be followed when using propane.
Application instructions
- Surface treatment general instructions
The preformed thermoplastic material PLAYFORM must be applied only on moisture free surfaces. Thoroughly clean the application area. Remove all loose particles (sand, dust, and other debris). Worn, polished surfaces should be wound or milled so that the surface becomes rough. The surface must be free of chemicals or oily substances.For cleaning the surface we recommend to use a power blower or compressed air if possible. Otherwise, sweep the entire area completely.PLAYFORM can be applied on top of existing thermoplastic materials. Application on other thermoplastic games requires to scrape off any loose material. When the surface of the thermoplastic game is already oxidized heat the surface shortly and scrape the top until fresh material appears.Apply on top of any existing materials other than thermoplastic, only after consulting the producer.
Fig. 1 – Cleaning of the surface before application
- Positioning the preformed thermoplastic material
Ensure that no moisture is present prior to positioning the preformed thermoplastic material on the pavement surface. PLAYFORM thermoplastic material may be applied at air temperatures down to 5°C. However, surface temperature is critical. The surface should be preheated until min. 30°C.Position the material on the surface and lay out the marking pattern using chalk or crayon as required for guidance. - Primer application
For achieving optimum adhesion to the pavement surface use AC-341 primer. Apply primer to areas outlined in chalk or crayon. It is very important to apply the primer on the entire surface that will be covered by the preformed thermoplastic material. The primer is dry when it does not transfer to the finger when touched.Caution: Do not accelerate the drying process of the primer by using an open flame. The primer is flammable at this stage!
Fig. 3 – Application of AC-341 primer
- Assembling the preformed thermoplastic
Position the preformed thermoplastic material on the pavement surface. Position all connecting parts then make sure the parts are properly placed and that there are no gaps between them. In every PLAYFORM packaging you can find a guiding drawing for correct assembly of the symbol.
Fig. 4 – Positioning Pieces Prior to Application
- Melting the material
Always place yourself downwind in order to protect yourself from the heat torch’s flame. Begin heating the entire material by moving the torch slowly and steadily over the material in a sweeping-like motion at a height of 20-40 cm above the material. The heat is evenly distributed across the marking, slowly melting the thermoplastic material and assuring its adhesion. As you heat the preformed thermoplastic material, visually monitor or measure the material to ensure it achieved the temperature for a proper application (200-220°C). It is important not to “overheat” the material. Measure the temperature of the preformed material using an infrared thermometer.
Fig. 5 – Symbol being applied by heat torch
- Anti-skid granulates application
In order to obtain a non-slippery surface apply anti-skid granulates during application, while the material is still hot. Use from producer’s side recommended anti-skid material and apply with appropriate methods. - Adhesion test
Inspect the freshly applied preformed thermoplastic material to ensure that complete bonding has occurred over the entire area. After the preformed thermoplastic has cooled to near ambient temperature, try to lift an edge or cut an area in the interior of the material with a chisel or a hammer. Try to lift a portion of the material; if the preformed thermoplastic material can be lifted easily without evidence of asphalt on the underside and you do not see a thin layer of the thermoplastic material adhering to the road surface, insufficient heat has been applied. Simply repeat step 5 to 7 by reheating the material bonding has occurred. After performing the adhesion test, remember to reheat the tested area. - Drying time
PLAYFORM will cool down and settle in a few minutes after application. The drying time is depending on asphalt temperature, weather conditions, layer thickness and the amount of heat applied during the application process. If desired the cooling time can be reduced by covering the materials surface with water.
Above given information is based on trials and experience of the producer. The information is only valid for the product itself. Not if blended with any other product or used for any other application other than that described in the text. Information is not necessarily complete for all situations. Further this document does not mean any contractual relationship.