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.
