When installing or resurfacing a court, you may have heard the words drying and curing. In order for your court to remain in good condition, you must ensure that the surface is applied correctly, dry, cured, and sealed. No matter what court type you are installing the proper drying and curing time will ensure that your court lasts through the seasons. Drying and curing are both important when it comes to installation. Read more about what occurs during the process below.

Which Occurs First?

When installing a court, multiple steps have to occur before you can play on it. The top coat and sealer to the court will need to dry completely before it has the chance to cure. Drying refers to the process of water or solvents dissolving from the surface. When installing a court, it is recommended that you start as the temperature is cooler and allow it to dry as the temperature rises. This will ensure that the moisture evaporates properly so it can move on to the curing stage.

After drying is complete, the chemical process of curing can occur. The hardening of the court material where the components bond together is the difference between drying and curing. The full curing process can take days or weeks to complete. Curing is essential for a court to withstand weather and athletic wear. 

Coating Bases Vs. Binders

The base of the paint or sealer also makes a difference between drying and curing. Acrylic coatings are water-based and latex is the binder that adheres it to the pavement. Once the coating is applied, the water base will evaporate so the binder can “melt” into the other components to create a durable court. 

Optimal temperatures are important for both processes. Applying the coatings at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and higher will ensure that drying occurs properly. If moisture or humidity affects your drying time, the cure will also be affected as the binder will not be able to start until all water is gone. If the court is not allowed to cure, it can result in discoloration, weak points, and failure of the court. 

Why Curing Is Important For A Court

If the court is not allowed to cure, it can result in discoloration, weak points, and failure of the court. Letting the surface cure at the right temperature is the only way to ensure that your court is firm for gameplay. Cracking is also more likely to happen when drying and curing are not done in the proper conditions. Having a professional install your court will prevent any issues during the process. 

Do Different Courts Have Varying Drying And Curing Times?

No matter what court you are having installed, the drying time and curing process are the same. The only factors that will affect your drying and curing time are moisture, temperature, and application technique. The usual drying time for a court can range from 24-48 hours under the right weather conditions. Curing will take about the same amount of time after the court is completely dry. 

Pickle Court Surfacing

Our experts at Pickle Court Surfacing use the recommended materials from USA Pickleball to ensure that you have a quality court. No matter what sport you are interested in, our team can ensure your court is up to code and able to help you play the sport correctly. We do our best to provide premium court surfacing for residents and communities in Utah. These courts are ideal for tournaments or backyard family activities. 

Pickle Court Surfacing offers estimates to help you plan for your court. Reach out to us to learn more about our process and commitment to customers.

With hundreds of color options available for courts, it can be a daunting task to choose the right one. Going with a typical court color is a safe option for your sports space, but what about a bold color? Or the color of your favorite sports team? Dark and light colored courts have their list of benefits and challenges. This blog will walk you through dark and light colored courts to help guide your decision. 

Pros Of Dark Colored Courts

Dark blue, black, green, and brown are common colors for courts of all sizes. When it comes to choosing the right paint, consider your climate and what sport is being played on the court. Here are the pros of dark colored courts.

Reduced Glare

One of the biggest benefits of dark colors is that they absorb light. This helps reduce glare from the sun that can blind players or cause intense sunburns. Reduced glare helps players have a safer game as they can see the ball and their opponents clearly. 

Heat Absorption

As the dark colors absorb heat, darker colors are best for cooler climates. Since the heat is retained, players will have extended playing time with a comfortable surface. During cooler nights, a warm court can help extend gameplay for passionate athletes. 

Depending on your climate, heat absorption can be a con to dark colored courts. Heat retention in warm climates can make playing on the court in the summer almost unbearable. Consider the average temperature of your state before choosing a court color.

Aesthetic Appeal

Darker colors are visually striking against the landscape. Purple, forest green, navy blue, maroon, brown, and other mixed colors can make your court unique. Some courts utilize two colors to create even more depth to your recreational space. Choosing a court color all depends on how you want the space to look. Some colors can blend into the surrounding landscape and provide a sophisticated look. Others will make your court easy to spot while providing a modern look. 

Cons

Maintenance

One con of dark colors is that they show dust and dirt easily. Choosing a dark color means that you will need to clean and maintain the court more often to keep it looking new. After a rain storm or high winds, you will need to give the court some TLC to ensure it lasts. 

Pros Of Light Colored Courts

Light blue, white, gray, yellow, orange, and light green can provide just as many benefits as dark colors. Light colors can be a fun addition to any home, rec space, or school. 

Visibility In Low Light

Light colored courts can improve the visibility of the ball, especially in shaded areas. Light colors work well with artificial lighting, darker climates, and seasons where the sun sets earlier. Lighter colors provide prolonged play time for passionate players. 

Reduced Material Wear

Cooler temperatures and less heat absorption will result in less wear on your court. Light colored surfaces will help reduce thermal expansion and contraction that can lead to cracks. Reducing thermal contracting will stop the court from weakening 

Cooler Surface

These colors will reflect sunlight and keep the playing surface cooler during the summer. Lighter colored courts are more enjoyable to play on during the summer months.

Cons

Glare

Light colored courts produce a large amount of glare, which can be distracting when playing an eye-to-hand coordination sport. Glare will make it challenging for players to see the ball and other players, especially in direct sunlight.

Staining

Spills, leaves, debris, and standing water will show easily on courts of lighter colors. More diligent maintenance is required for courts with light blue, yellow, white, or tan surfaces. If you want your court to look pristine but don’t have time to keep up with maintenance, these colors may not be for you.

Court Colors From Pickle Court Surfacing

Pickle Court Surfacing offers hundreds of color options for pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more. Whether you want to reduce glare or keep your court from premature wear, we have the best options for everyone. 
Pickle Court Surfacing uses the same materials as USA Pickleball, which means you will get the highest quality playing surface. The best playing space will be one that fits your unique situation and personal style. Pickle Court Surfacing can help construct a new court or resurface an old one. Our highly trained team can help give you a pristine court at the most affordable price. Reach out to schedule your project today!