Keeping Gym Floors Looking Great All Season
Thanksgiving is the time of year when basketball tournaments come alive. Whether you’re playing in a school tournament or an organized recreational league, these times are filled with exciting competition and great memories for everyone involved. With all the activity on gym floors during tournament play, it can be hard to keep them looking their best all season. Proper maintenance is key to keeping your gym floor looking great throughout the year.
This article will compare traditional gym floor refinishing processes with the relatively new idea of using a micro-layer sports floor coating to recondition the floor finish throughout the year.
Traditional Gym Floor Refinishing
Traditional gym floor refinishing is a process that involves several necessary steps and techniques to restore the floor's appearance and durability. First, inspect the floor and remove any gum or tape. The next step is sanding down the surface to remove any signs of wear and tear. Proper sanding is vital as it ensures the bonding of the subsequent layers of the gym finish.
Prepare the sanded surface for finish application by tacking the floor and allowing it to dry. Once the surface is prepared, multiple finish coats are applied to protect the wood and enhance its longevity. Each coat is carefully applied, allowing adequate drying time between applications to ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish. This process restores the floor's natural beauty and creates a protective barrier against future damage. Once the floor finish is applied, many gym floor finishes require seventy-two hours of cure time before gameplay.
Well-maintained gym flooring requires regular refinishing to extend its lifespan and maintain quality. The combination of sanding and applying multiple coats of finish prevents the wood from getting damaged and enhances its resilience against heavy foot traffic and sports activities.
The cost and time required for a gym floor refinishing project can vary depending on factors such as the size of the floor and its current condition. On average, the price can range from $3 to $5 per square foot, including labor and materials. Refinishing typically takes around 4-5 days, allowing for proper drying times between applications.
Traditional gym floor refinishing produces some fantastic results. The problem, however, is that it's difficult to get your floors back to a like-new condition once the season starts. After a few months of use, scuffs can take their toll, dulling the finish.
Get Like-New Shine With The Recon Micro-Layer Coating System
What is Recon?
Recon Micro-Layer Coating System is an innovative solution that takes gym floor refinishing to new heights. Designed specifically for sports facilities and gymnasium floors, this advanced coating system delivers unparalleled protection and longevity to wood surfaces. The Recon Micro-Layer Coating System is revolutionizing the gym floor refinishing process with its unique formulation and application method.
The Recon Micro-Layer Coating System is different from traditional gym floor refinishing methods. Thinner than traditional finishes, this micro-thin layer provides exceptional durability without compromising performance. Its advanced formula creates a protective barrier that withstands heavy foot traffic, sports activities, and scuff marks, ensuring your gym floor remains in optimal condition.
How To Apply the Recon Micro-Layer Coating System
Applying the Recon Micro-Layer Coating System for gym floor refinishing is a simple and straightforward process. Follow these steps for a successful application:
Step 1: Clean the floor
Inspect the floor and remove any gum, scuff marks, and large debris. Next, sweep the floor using a treated dust mop. Finally, scrub the floor with a Hillyard Glacier P2 Pad and Hillyard Pre-Game Tacking Solution.
Step 2: Apply Recon to the clean floor
For best results, use the Hillyard Multi-Flo XP to apply Recon to the gym floor. The Multi-Flo XP can coat a 5,000-square-foot playing surface in as little as 30 minutes. If the Multi-Flo XP isn’t available, Hillyard’s Microfiber Flat Mop Application System is also a good option.
Step 3: Wait for the floor to dry
Recon takes about an hour to dry, assuming normal conditions. Drying time may be extended in more humid and cooler than normal conditions.
Step 4: Play the next day.
After twelve hours, the gym floor is ready for action. The Recon coating is cured, and the gloss is restored to a like-new level. In most cases, there is a three-fold improvement in gloss.
Comparison of Traditional and Recon Methods
| Recon | Traditional Annual Recoat Methods |
| One-Coat Recon | Two-Coat Waterborne | One-Coat Solventborne |
| Prep Hours | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| Multi-Flo XP Apply Hours | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Labor Hours | 2 | 7 | 12 |
| Dry Time Hours | 1 | 12 | 24 |
| Cure Time Hours | 12 | 72 | 72 |
| Total Out-of-Service Hours | 15 | 91 | 108 |
| Ready To Play | Next Day! | 4 Days | 5 Days |
| Skill Level Required | Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Prep Method | Clean | Pad Abrade | Screen Abrade |
| Odor | Odor Free | Slight | Strong |
Add Recon To Your Cleaning Program Today
Even though Thanksgiving may seem far away, now is the right time to learn how Recon can benefit your cleaning program. Your local Hillyard representative would like to meet with you and explore how you can add Recon to your gym floor refinishing plan. Use the "I'm Interested" form at the bottom of this page, and one of our representatives will contact you.