Squeegee Marks

Acrylic color surfacing systems are generally applied with a squeegee in multiple coats. Most systems include one or more filler coats, followed by two to three coats of color. Some systems also include texture or cushion coats between the filler and the top coats.

Even when color coatings are applied with care by a skilled operator, some squeegee marks and other slight variations in color and texture are inevitable. This is because the formulation of acrylic causes components to migrate to the edge of the material as it is being applied. As a result, an observer will be able to locate the spot where the acrylic material was poured on the surface, where the squeegee operator turned to make a pass in the opposite direction or where one pass overlapped another. Squeegee marks will be more visible on lighter colors and more common when coatings are applied in hot weather or when they include coarser sand. Humidity, angle of the sun when the acrylic is applied and other factors also may affect frequency and visibility of these marks.

They will not affect play and will become less visible as the court wears and ages.

While squeegee marks are within industry standard, more serious flaws – ridges, drips, tool marks, foot prints, bucket marks and areas of excess material – are unacceptable and should be corrected by the surfacing contractor.

Differences in site, weather and soil conditions require variations in construction and repair methods and materials. Readers are advised to consult a qualified contractor or design professional before undertaking construction or repair of a court. Rev. 2023