| 1.0 | Introduction | |
| The following is not intended to be a specification for color finish materials. These Guidelines provide minimum standards for the preparation and application of color finish surfaces to impervious tennis courts. There are several basic methods and/or types of materials that will accomplish the desired results. | ||
| 2.0 | Objectives | |
| A. | To provide a surface properly drained, without depressions exceeding acceptable tolerance. | |
| B. | To provide a surface of uniform texture, speed of play and desired playing quality. | |
| C. | To provide a weather-resistant and ultra-violet-resistant, durable, non-glare, protective finish | |
| D. | To provide color, contrast and other aesthetic values. | |
| 3.0 | Surface Inspection | |
| Prior to application of a color finish system, the court surface should be flooded with water and allowed to drain for one hour at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is any remaining water that covers a 5 cent piece (American coin), that area, commonly called a “birdbath”, should be patched and leveled in accordance with recommendations of the manufacturer of the color finish system specified. (Note: If the standing water does not cover a 5 cent piece, it is considered within tolerance and will evaporate within a reasonable time.) Reflooding and patching may be necessary until “birdbaths” are properly minimized. | ||
| 4.0 | Preparation | |
| Surface course and subsurface materials must have been installed to proper slope requirements (.833% – 1.0%) in accordance with the U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association Construction Guidelines and must be thoroughly cured (a minimum of 14 days for asphalt and 28 days for concrete), before application of any filler or color finish materials. | ||
| A. | Asphalt – Based on pavement conditions, porosity and texture, and upon completion of patching, it may be necessary to install an acrylic and/or asphalt emulsion resurfacer to provide a smooth, dense, uniform texture for subsequent acrylic color coatings. Asphalt emulsion products may be used only if approved by the color system manufacturer. Follow the instructions of the surfacing material manufacturer in the application of any resurfacer. | |
| B. | Concrete – Surface preparation should include phosphoric acid etching with a thorough rinsing. Priming and patching should be as recommended by the acrylic surface manufacturer. Based on pavement conditions, porosity and texture, it may be necessary to install an acrylic resurfacer to provide a smooth, dense, uniform texture for subsequent acrylic color coatings. | |
| 5.0 | Coating Materials | |
| Coating materials should be 100% acrylic emulsions, formulated with acrylic resins, mineral fillers, color fast pigments and approved silica sand. Both filler and finish coats should be fully pigmented, assuring the owner a uniform finish and consistent color throughout. Consult a qualified tennis court contractor, engineer or architect for assistance. | ||
| A. | Colored Texture Coats Once the surface has been properly prepared and has cured, the next step is the application of the texture materials as recommended by the manufacturer of the color finish system to achieve a uniform texture on the court. Application rates should be expressed in undiluted gallons per square yard. | |
| B. | Color Finish The final coat may or may not contain aggregate, depending upon the finish desired. It is recommended that, wherever feasible, the finish coat be applied parallel to the net in the inbounds area. Application rate should be expressed in undiluted gallons per square yard. | |
| C. | Cushion Coat Color finish systems may, at the owner’s option, include resilient layers. Proper installation in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is of prime importance.Each layer of cushion will improve the final performance and comfort of the court surface. Consult a qualified contractor, engineer or architect to assist in selecting the most appropriate system and the most effective method of application. This will assure the owner of the desired resilience and playing quality. | |
| 6.0 | Color Selection | |
| The available selection of colors enables the owner to select different combinations of multi-tone or single colors. While custom colors are available, the use of standard colors is recommended. Some custom colors may not be colorfast in exterior exposures. | ||
| 7.0 | Application of the Color Materials | |
| The coating materials should be installed in multiple applications in the selected and approved colors, so as to form a true, uniform texture and color. Minor aesthetic differences may be seen when viewing the court from different angles and under different light conditions. Application work should be performed by skilled mechanics in a workman-like manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard printed instructions. No work should be performed when rain is imminent. Temperature must be 50 degrees Fahrenheit and rising for application. Surface temperatures in excess of 140 degrees Fahrenheit may not allow proper film formation. | ||
| 8.0 | Playing Lines | |
| Base lines should not be more than 4” wide and playing lines not more than 2” wide, accurately located and marked in accordance with rules of the United States Tennis Association and painted with a paint recommended or approved by the manufacturer of the color finish material. Use of traffic, oil, alkyd, or solvent-vehicle type paint is prohibited. The painting should be done by skilled mechanics in a workman like manner in accordance with the manufacturer’s standard printed instructions. At no time should the playing lines or the line dimensions vary more than 1/4” from the exact measurement. | ||
Note: Refer to Guidelines for:
1.A. General Conditions for Construction
2.A. Tennis Court Orientation
2.B. Tennis Court Dimensions and Related Measurements
2.G. Reinforced Concrete Tennis Courts
2.H. Post-Tensioned Concrete Slab Tennis Courts
2.I. Hot Mix Asphalt Tennis Courts
ASTM specifications are available from
American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-832-950
NOTICE: These Construction Guidelines are for use by architects, engineers, contractors, tennis court and running track owners. Parties not experienced in tennis court or running track construction are advised to consult a qualified contractor, consultant and/or design professional. Experienced contractors, consultants and/or design professionals can be identified through the U. S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association. Due to changing construction technology and techniques, only the most recent version of these Guidelines should be used. Variances in climate, soil conditions, topography and other factors may make these Guidelines unsuitable for certain projects.
Copyright © 1998 by U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association. All Rights Reserved.