ACT XtremeTurf Maintenance manual
Maintenance Manual
Play More.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
2
THE PREAMBLE
Act Global created this manual with the purpose of
providing potential customers with the necessary
knowledge, background, information, understanding, and
insight concerning the proper care and maintenance of a
synthetic turf playing surface.
The index provided as part of the document allows
for quick access to the variety of subject matter
covered within the document. The various matters are
grouped together under headings to facilitate better
comprehension of the subject matter.
Our hope is that the information provided will educate
and provide important insight that will assist you in
making informed decisions.
The Care and Maintenance Manual provided will arm
each Act Global customer with the adequate information
to ensure the successful and safe use of their synthetic
turf playing surface throughout its entire useful life.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO CARE & MAINTENANCE ............................................. 4
PROTECTING YOUR SURFACE .................................................................. 5
GROOMING OF INFILLED TURF ................................................................. 8
CLEANING AND STAIN REMOVAL ........................................................... 11
FIELD MARKINGS, LOGOS & PAINT ....................................................... 15
LOAD LIMITS ............................................................................................ 18
SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 19
WATERING SYTNTHETIC TURF SURFACES ............................................ 21
EVENTS & SHOWS ................................................................................... 21
MINOR REPAIRS ..................................................................................... 22
MAINTENANCE OF REMOVABLE SURFACES ........................................ 24
BEST PRACTICE – INFILL ....................................................................... 28
APPENDIX: FIELD MAINTENANCE USE .................................................. 30
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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INTRODUCTION TO CARE &
MAINTENANCE
Your Synthetic Turf Playing Surface represents a signi-
cant nancial investment and is a critical element of your
sport, physical education and/or recreational program.
Proper care and maintenance recommendations con-
tained in this manual will allow you to realize the full
potential of your playing surface. Following these simple
suggestions will signicantly extend the life and perfor-
mance of the product.
Keep It Clean
Do not abuse it. Example; vehicle trafc, heavy static
loads, reworks, etc. Make all minor repairs to your sur-
face promptly. Consult with an Act Global certied profes-
sional if your repairs and/or renovations are complicated.
NOTE
This manual is intended for customer use. It is important
that the people who are responsible for eld maintenance
are thoroughly familiar with its contents and refer to it
regularly. The contents in this manual represent the most
current information regarding suggested procedures for
the proper care and maintenance of Act Global Synthetic
Surfaces. All information has been presented in good
faith and is believed to be accurate.
Act Global makes no representations, warranties or guar-
antees of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the
information contained herein and disclaims all liability for
any loss or damage arising out of its use.
Do not perform any maintenance or other activ-ity that
may invalidate the warranty. Make sure in advance any
maintenance equipment, personnel, techniques, repairs
and materials comply.
We hope you nd the Act Global care and maintenance
manual as informative and insightful as we found it enjoy-
able to provide. While reading the manual if you should
have any questions please contact Act Global directly at
+1-512-733-5300, by fax at +1-512-733-5326 or email
at spor[email protected].
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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PROTECTING YOUR SURFACE
It is good business to protect the investment in your play-
ing surface. To do this most effectively, KEEP IT CLEAN.
The following maintenance precautions are advised:
• Control access to eld
• Keep your surface free of litter, mud and debris.
Provide ample garbage receptacles.
• Post signs prohibiting smoking and carrying food or
drink onto the eld.
• Properly monitor the use of motorized vehicles on
your surface.
• Repair minor damage promptly.
• Follow suggested maintenance and cleaning
procedures.
• Budget approximately one hour of inspection and
maintenance for every 10 hours of playing time.
General Cleaning and Stain Removal
For outdoor surfaces, rain is your best cleanser. Rain-
fall gently cleans the bers of dust, pollen and airborne
pollutants in a way that is difcult to duplicate. In areas
where rainfall is scarce – or during prolonged periods of
drought – an occasional watering is benecial to cleanse
the synthetic surface. Listed below are the suggested
precautionary maintenance practices:
• Keep trash and litter containers on site.
• Route elds access trafc in such a way to minimize
mud/dirt tracking on the eld.
• Set up drinks for athletes during practice breaks off
the synthetic surface if possible.
• Enforce a smoke free environment and discourage
the use of chewing tobacco, gum and sunower
seeds.
Dailycare
Daily Care is truly on going care, it does not necessarily
mean care each and every day. The amount and frequen-
cy of daily care is dependent on not only on the surface
selected, but also by the volume of use and the type of
use. Act Global recommends that every Act Global sports
surfacing system be periodically vacuumed to remove
litter and dust etc…
Litter Removal
For Non-Inlled Systems, Light trash (paper, peanut
shells, sunower seeds, athletic tape etc.) and airborne
dust can be removed easily with a lawn sweeper, mainte-
nance sweeper or a motorized vacuum.
For Inlled Systems
Light trash (paper, peanut shells, sunower seeds, athlet-
ic tape, etc) can be removed most easily by gently using
a shop vacuum and angling the hose so not to vacuum up
the inlled material.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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WHEN USING MACHINES,
SEVERAL POINTS SHOULD BE
OBSERVED
Sweepers
The sweeper should have synthetic ber bristles such as
nylon or polypropylene. The minimum brush length should
be 2.5”. The maximum bristle diameter should be .030”.
The brush must contain no metal or wire! Metal bers
can fall out and cause injuries to players and can also
damage the surface.
Brush Setting
The brush setting should be monitored. The actual setting
will of course depend on the model and type of sweeper.
The sweeper will work best, however, when the brush is
set so that it barely touches the tips of the turf bers.
DO NOT SET THE BRUSH SO LOW THAT IT DIGS INTO
THE TURF FIBER PILE OR BACKING. Too low a setting
can damage the turf. Vacuum cleaners are not recom-
mended to remove mud. Contact your local Act Global
representative if you have any questions about the type
of machine to use or brush settings.
Temperature Limitations
Never use a motorized vacuum sweeper during the
heat of the day if the ambient temperature exceeds 90
degrees F.
Turf Loading
Limitations Brushing and brush cleaning may require
several trips over the eld to nish the operation. Any
sweeper that weighs more than 300 lbs. should have
pneumatic tires with a maximum tire pressure of 35
pounds per square inch (psi). Do not park vehicles on the
turf, especially in the heat of the day, or leave vehicles on
wet turf for long periods of time.
Exhaust Fumes
For indoor use we recommend either electric or propane.
The type of fuel or power used by a sweeper is of no ma-
jor importance for outdoor use. However, if the sweeper
has an internal combustion engine, make certain that
the hot engine exhaust is not discharged down toward
the playing surface. Hot objects can damage the eld and
engine exhaust may soil it. Check to make sure that the
sweeper is designed in such a way that a hot mufer or
exhaust pipe cannot drop directly onto the surface.
Oil Spillage, etc.
Care should be taken to prevent lubricating oil, gasoline,
grease, transmission uids, battery acid, brake uid, etc.
From dripping , leaking or spilling on the turf surface
during sweepings. Such spills can discolor the turf and
damage the bers and turf backing. Proper care and
maintenance procedures should be observed in this re-
gard. Battery acid and other uids should not be allowed
on the surface. Never change or add uids to mainte-
nance equipment while on the surface.
CAUTION
Because electrically powered units may not be properly
grounded, do not use them on wet or damp surfaces.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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Frequency
The removal of loose rubbish and surface dust should be performed on an
as needed basis, generally about once a week depending on usage.
Do
It is good business to protect the investment in your Act
Global Sports Surfacing System. To do this most effec-
tively, Keep it Clean. Act Global sports surfacing systems
are designed to resist both wear and exposure to the
elements. The effectiveness of their materials, design
and construction is demonstrated by the long life of elds
under heavy use in many climates - north and south, wet
and dry, hot and humid / cold and dry. The following are
the most obvious precautions:
• Control Access to your Act Global sports surfacing
system.
• Keep your Act Global sports surfacing system and
close adjacent areas clean and free of litter, mud and
debris.
• Post signs prohibiting smoking and carrying food or
drink onto your Act Global sports surfacing system.
• Observe load limits for static and rolling loads, espe-
cially when surface is wet.
• Repair minor damage promptly.
• Follow suggested care and maintenance procedures.
• Contact your local Act Global representative for as-
sistance with repairs, renovation work, or any further
technical details.
Don’t
DO NOT ABUSE YOUR ACT GLOBAL SPORTS SURFACING
SYSTEM WITH:
• Vehicle trafc
• Heavy static loads
• Fireworks
• Storage of materials such as drums, lumber, equip-
ment, etc.
• Unnecessary vehicle trafc
• Golng, shot putting, javelin or discus throwing, and
the use of long spike track or steel/rubber cleated
shoes.
• Open ames, Welding, etc.
• Use of wire brush in any form
• Use of cleaning equipment, materials, and methods
not authorized by Act Global.
• High-pressure water sprays exceeding 500 PSI.
• Vehicles with non-pneumatic tires
• Introduction of inlls or impregnated layers other
than supplied or authorized by Act Global.
• Do not allow the use of bikes, skateboards, lawn
mowers, etc.
• Do not allow any unauthorized use
• Improper storage, in the case of an Act Global remov-
able sports surfacing system.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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GROOMING OF INFILLED TURF
Act Global recommends that every Act Global sports
surfacing system have routine brushing every 80 to 200
hours of usage. Routine brushing is accomplished with a
“drag broom” suitable for brushing the surface. If you do
not have a “drag broom” please contact your local Act
Global representative to purchase one.
Inlled surfaces do require grooming. Additional Groom-
ing may be necessary only when and if the Inll has
become displaced due to excessive use in certain areas
of the surface such as a goal and heavy trafc areas.
Routine Brushing
Routine brushing keeps the surface free from debris, but
also maintains your Act Global sports surfacing system at
its optimum performance. Routine Brushing simultane-
ously achieves three objectives:
1. Keeps impregnated layer uniform in its distribution
2. Ensures that the exposed part of the ber is uniform
in its direction and stays erect
3. Helps remove litter, leaves, dirt, etc
The realized benets from routine brushing are:
1. Consistent footing and ball bounce throughout the
surface
2. Maximum aesthetic appeal
3. Lengthened life expectancy
Frequencies
In general, the frequency will be related to the intensity
of use; however, excessive brushing can cause ber
damage which over time will compromise the eld’s
performance characteristics and longevity. (See mainte-
nance schedule on following page.)
MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY LOG
Keep a maintenance activity log containing the
following information:
• Type of activity that takes place on the eld
• Estimated number of hours the eld is used per week
• Average number of participants per hour
• Type of maintenance activity performed
• Remarks/Notes
• Signature of maintenance supervisor
SEMI-ANNUAL, ANNUAL & AS NEEDED
Situations Requiring Comprehensive
Maintenance
Over time, the following situations may arise which will
require the need for more comprehensive maintenance:
• Grass bers become signicantly bent, creased and
at.
• The playing surface becomes hard and compacted.
While common to inlled systems, this impacts the
players and also can create drainage issues.
• Dirt, debris and metal accumulate on or within the
system despite routine maintenance.
• Seams become loose or panels shift creating a safety
hazard.
• Inll levels become uneven, particularly in high wear
areas, such as in front of soccer goals.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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Playing hours per week:
Suggested
Maintenance < 10 hrs 10-20
hrs
20-30
hrs
30-80
hrs Reason:
Litter removal daily daily daily daily Avoid damage by paper, bottles, chewing
gum, athletic tape and such.
Relling heavily
used areas weekly weekly daily daily Keep inll even and at the
right level.
Brushing heavily
used areas weekly weekly weekly daily Keep bres in the optimum
upright position.
Total surface brushing every 2
weeks
every 2
weeks weekly weekly Keep surface in perfect condition.
Leaves, twigs, moss,
weed removal weekly weekly weekly weekly Avoid pollution and beginning
compaction.
Seams inspection monthly monthly monthly monthly Avoid eld damage by faulty seams.
Specialist maintenance
(or as needed) yearly yearly every 6
months
every 6
months
Maintain playing properties and
performance.
The above maintenance schedule is meant to assist in clarifying how the number of playing hours inuences maintenance needs.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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Field Rejuvenation
Field rejuvenation is a deep compaction and deep clean-
ing of your eld’s inll, and should be performed on an
as needed basis. As elds mature, the accumulation of
unwanted or foreign contaminants is inevitable, especial-
ly deep within the inll layer. Events, such as ooding or
dust storms, may introduce extreme levels of contamina-
tion.
When a eld begins to show signs of deep compaction,
such as high g-max readings or signicant drainage is-
sues, full eld rejuvenation may be desired. These main-
tenance services are performed using specialized eld
rejuvenation equipment and personnel and may include:
• Removal of the vast majority of dirty and contaminat-
ed inll to get rid of embedded foreign matter that
has contaminated the inll system
• Untangling matted and compacted bers
• A combination of cleaning of the original inll
and/or re-installation of new inll
• Removal of dust, debris and application of a
disinfectant to treat for bacteria, if the original
inll will be processed and cleaned
• Use special equipment that combines mechanical
brushing, suction, and an inll return system to
remove surface debris and embedded contaminants.
COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE
Comprehensive maintenance may include the use of spe-
cialty maintenance equipment by trained professionals.
Depending upon the situation, the following actions may
be performed:
Professional Field Inspection &
Corrective Action
Assess the eld surface, identify weak or loose seams
and inlays, and repair the damage. Sport performance
testing may also be desirable.
De-compaction Of Inll
Inll de-compaction is important for improving shock ab-
sorption and synthetic turf drainage. Use only equipment
specially designed for this purpose.
Restore Inll levels
Inll levels may decrease due to a variety of reasons—
wind, storms, or may leave the eld on players clothing or
shoes—and over time the levels may need to be replen-
ished. Replacement inll should meet the eld’s speci-
cations.
Metal Removal
Use a magnet attached to your maintenance equipment
to remove ferrous metal objects from the eld.
Weed & Pest Treatment
Treat with herbicides or pesticides, as required.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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STAIN REMOVAL
General Instructions
Act Global bers are among the most stain resistant in
the industry. Most “stains” are not true “stains” but rath-
er residue of foreign matter that must be promptly and
thoroughly removed.
The rst rule in spot removal is promptness. It is always
easier to clean up a fresh spill than one that has dried
and hardened. Remove any solid or paste-like deposit
with a spatula or table knife. Blot up excess liquids with
a thick stack of paper towels or a dry absorbent such as
“kitty litter” or Fullers Earth. Dry absorbents can then be
swept or vacuumed up.
Act Global surfaces have good resistance to staining.
However, it is important to realize they are only one
part of a sophisticated system of various components
designed for overall eld performance. Some cleaning
agents that are safe for the ber can be harmful to other
components of the system.
Nylon Fibers
Cleaning agents are grouped into two sets, one of which
can be used in liberal amounts directly on the turf sur-
face, and the second of which should only be applied by
rubbing a cloth soaked in the cleaner, in order to mini-
mize penetration of possibly harmful agents below the
turf bers.
REMOVAL OF
Foreign Objects
& Contaminants
Chewing gum can best be re-
moved by using either ice or
an aerosol to freeze the gum,
which can then be chipped
or broken off the turf bers.
If gum has been smeared
across bers, peanut butter
will soften the gum so that it
can be wiped off.
Sunower seeds, peanut
shells, pistachio shells, etc.
should be removed by using a
hand held or back pack blow-
er. To minimize the movement
of inll, do not point nozzle
directly into the turf. Use min-
imal throttle to decrease the
volume of air.
Metal objects should be
picked up by a magnet that
is attached to grooming and
brushing equipment.
Moss, mold, or algae may
appear in underutilized areas of the synthetic turf,
particularly if it is in shade and damp. Specialty
products are available. Weeds are easily removed
by hand if the infestation has not become too
excessive. Treatments are also available.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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In the rst group of cleaners, which generally can be ap-
plied to Non Inlled Systems without any special precau-
tions, are the following:
1) A warm, mild solution of granular household detergent
such as Tide or ALL in water, or any neutral low sudsing
detergent that is recommended for ne fabrics. Use
approximately one teaspoon to one pint of water. This will
handle most stains, as the list below indicates.
2) A three percent solution of ammonia in water for more
severe cleaning problems. (NOTE: household ammonia
is three percent. Industrial aqua ammonia is 33%. Dilute
nine parts water to one part industrial ammonia, or the
available supply as appropriate.) Thoroughly ush the
surface, rinse with an ample amount of cold water after-
wards.
3) Clean, dry absorbents such as paper towels or com-
mercial “kitty litter” can be used for applicable stains.
In the second group of cleaners, where agents must be
applied sparingly, care must be taken to avoid penetra-
tion beneath the turf bers. Cleaners will eat away at the
turf backing.
1) Sponge with Perchloroethylene (Dry Cleaning solution).
Blot with absorbent towels. Mineral spirits or a grease
spot – remover will also work. In general cleaners in this
category should qualify as suitable for use on nylon car-
pets. This will be effective with stains listed below:
*Chewing gum is a common hazard and can be removed
by freezing. Spray with refrigerant aerosol and scrape to
remove residue. Aerosol packs of refrigerant are available
from carpet cleaning suppliers for this purpose.
2) A mixture of white distilled vinegar in an equal amount
of water, to neutralize animal waste. Flush thoroughly
with water after application.
3) A one- percent solution of hydrogen peroxide in water,
to treat fungus or mold spots. Apply with a sponge, ush
thoroughly with water after application.
4) Sponge with acetone to remove nail polish.
5) To remove oil paints, blot immediately. Sponge with tur-
pentine or paint remover (apply sparingly). Blot with de-
tergent and water. Re-sponge with cold water to remove
detergent. Scrape excess. Sponge with Perchechloreth-
ylene (dry cleaning solvent). Repeat steps as necessary
Beer
Blood
Butter
Coffee
Asphalt
Ball-point Ink
Crayon
Cooking Oil
Chewing Gum*
Floor Wax
Lipstick
Motor Grease
Motor oil
Parafn wax
Rubber Cleat Mark’s
Shoe Polish
Suntan Oil
Cola
Cocoa
Food Coloring
Grape Juice
Ice Cream
Ketchup
Margarine
Milk
Mustard
Tea
Energy Drinks
Tomato Juice
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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STAIN REMOVAL (CONTINUED)
Polypropylene & Polyethylene Fibers
This section is similar to Nylon ber stain removal. Poly-
propylene & Polyethylene bers are among the most stain
resistant bers known to man. Hence, most “stains” on
Act Global polypropylene and polyethylene elds are not
true stains but rather residues of foreign matter which
must be promptly and thoroughly removed. (This is not
the case with nylon and other bers on the market.)
Most “stains” on polypropylene or polyethylene elds can
be removed with water or soap and water. The rst rule is
promptness. It is much easier to clean up a fresh oil spill
before it has time to dry and harden. Remove any solid or
paste-like deposit promptly using a dull knife or spatu-
la-like tool. Blot up excess liquids with a stack of towels,
cloth or paper. Dry absorbent clay based materials, such
as cat litter absorbers (“kitty litter”) can be very useful
and should be stored on site. Such dry absorbers can be
swept or vacuumed up.
Procedure for Removing “Stains” and
Other Blemishes
Cleaning agents are grouped into two sets, one of which
can be used in liberal amounts directly on the turf sur-
face, and the second of which should only be applied by
rubbing a cloth soaked in the cleaner, in order to mini-
mize penetration of possibly harmful agents below the
turf bers.
In the rst group of cleaners, which generally can be ap-
plied to Inlled Systems without any special precautions,
are the following:
1) “Water Borne”
Residues Most stains commonly associated with Polypro-
pylene and Polyethylene playing elds can be classied
as “water borne” stains. These stains are best removed
with a warm mild solution of granular household deter-
gent (non abrasive) and water
Typical Water Borne “Stains”
1. Brush the residue with a stiff brush.
2. Scrub the area with soap and water.
3. Rinse the area thoroughly with clear water to remove
all traces of soap.
4. Dry with absorbent towel(s), if necessary.
A three percent solution of ammonia in water may be
used in lieu of household detergent for more stubborn
residues or stains.
Acid
Alcohol
Alkali
Beer
Blood
Butter
Chocolate
Coffee
Cola
Dye
Food Coloring
Juice/Sports Drink
Glue
Ice Cream
Ketchup
Latex Paint
Margarine
Milk
Mustard
Tea
Energy Drinks
Urine
Water Colors
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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In the second group of cleaners, where agents must be
applied sparingly, care must be taken to avoid penetra-
tion into the turf bers. Cleaners will eat away at the
turf backing, are as follows:
1) Sponge with Perchlorethylene (Dry cleaning solution).
Blot with absorbent towels. Mineral spirits or a grease
spot-remover will also work. This will be effective with
stains listed below:
Caution
Do not use high-pressure water spray with stream force
in excess of 500 psi (pounds per square inch) as this
can severely damage the turf or redistribute the inll and
create a safety hazard for players. Mineral Spirits and
other petroleum-based solvents are ammable, therefore
do not smoke or permit open ames near where these
are being used. Be sure the area is well ventilated where
solvent cleaners are used. For more difcult stains, it may
be necessary to clean with both the detergent solution
and the dry-cleaning uid. For such stains as paint, shoe
dye and model airplane glue – a commercial carpet
cleaner should be consulted.
Avoid the use of any solution containing bleach, highly
caustic detergent cleaners (pH above 9), high acid clean-
ers (pH below 5) on any Act Global surface, as they can
cause damage or discoloration to its components.
Important Reminder
When trying any type of cleaning solution on your surface
always try it on a scrap piece of turf or a small area on
the outside of the eld, not a highly visible area. Let the
cleaner sit for a day to make certain that it doesn’t dam-
age the surface.
*Chewing gum is a common hazard and can be removed
by freezing. Spray with refrigerant aerosol and scrape to
remove residue. Aerosol packs of refrigerant are available
from carpet cleaning suppliers for this purpose.
2) A mixture of white distilled vinegar in an equal amount
of water, to neutralize animal waste. Flush thoroughly
with water after application.
3) A one- percent solution of hydrogen peroxide in water,
to treat fungus or mold spots. Apply with a sponge Flush
thoroughly with water after application.
4) Sponge with acetone to remove nail polish.
5) To remove oil paints, blot immediately. Sponge with tur-
pentine or paint remover (apply sparingly). Blot with deter-
gent and water. Re-Sponge with cold water to remove
detergent. Scrape excess. Sponge with perchloroethylene
(dry cleaning solvent). Repeat steps as necessary.
Asphalt
Ball-point Ink
Crayon
Cooking Oil
Chewing Gum*
Floor Wax
Lipstick
Motor Grease
Motor oil
Parafn wax
Rubber Cleat Mark’s
Shoe Polish
Suntan Oil
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
15
FIELD MARKING, LOGO’S,
ADVERTISING AND DECORATION
PAINTED LINE AND MARKING SYSTEM
Note
Inlaid Line and Marking System are preferred for opti-
mum performance. Inlaid Line and Marking Systems are
constructed utilizing the same material specications,
and are to be inset in such a manner to ensure a good
bond, an even nished surface and physical strength
equal to the material prior to introduction of the line and
marking system. Permanent inlaid line and marking sys-
tems are more attractive than painted systems because
of the reduction in maintenance and quality of image.
Alternative painting of line and marking systems and their
care is explained below.
Many facility owners like to use elaborate line and
marking systems, including facility logos, league logos,
sponsor logos, mid-eld and end-zone designs in assort-
ed colors. Others prefer the simpler approach of sharp,
well-dened game markings with no extraneous mark-
ings. In either instance, the materials and techniques
used in applying paints will determine the life of the
markings and the ease of removal when these need to be
changed. In marking, do not apply paint too heavily. Light
applications give good visibility and adequate life and are
less abrasive than excessive layers of caked-on paint.
Dry Markings
Temporary markings can be applied by using the same
chalk dust used for natural turf elds. In some uses,
the chalk dust is slurred with water for wet application.
Chalk dust markings, however, tend to be picked up and
spread by the feet of players on the eld, leaving tracks in
unmarked areas.
Chalk markings are easily washed away or spread by
water. They may be obliterated by a hard rain-shower.
The only advantage for chalk markings is low cost. Chalk
markings are not recommended for inlled systems!
Paints
Regardless of the type of paint used and design required,
best results will be obtained when paint is applied to
a clean, dry, dust-and-grease-free base. It is extremely
important that old, degraded paint and dirt be washed off
any area that is to be repainted if the best appearance
and trafc resistance are to be obtained.
Your local Act Global representative has special devel-
oped tools and methods for painting, paint removal and
cleaning of synthetic surfaces. If your eld needs this
type of attention, contact an Act Global certied repre-
sentative for quotations and scheduling. If, however, you
elect to perform these operations yourself, the following
guidelines will assist you.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
16
Temporary Paint
The recommended paints in this category are designed
to be easily removable after usage in a limited number of
sports events. Usually, the removal can be achieved by
brushing the painted area with a solution of mild deter-
gent and ushing thoroughly with water afterwards.
Top quality acrylic latex water-based exterior paint such
as Sherwin Williams White and Yellow paint. One day
curing of these paints, at moderate temperature, is suf-
cient. Prolonged curing has no major effect on durability.
The above- mentioned paint should be diluted in the ratio
of one gallon of paint to one gallon of water prior to use.
Top Quality Resin Based Permanent
Paint
Resin based permanent paint is highly durable, once
applied and cured, this paint is more difcult to remove
than temporary paint and thus it is imperative that use
be restricted to carefully chosen areas. For each of the
above paints, it is recommended that 24-48 hours be
allowed for complete cure. Paint should always be applied
to dry turf at moderate temperatures
Striping and Painting
The application procedure for applying temporary & per-
manent paint is as follows.
Remove excess paint existing on eld. Test application
procedure before going on the eld. (Use a scrap of turf
fastened to asphalt, plywood or use a corner of the eld.)
Use no more paint than absolutely necessary.
Keep on hand and readily available 8% solution of am-
monia to clean up spills before they solidify. Directions
for preparing this ammonia solution are given later in the
section that covers paint removal.
The paint should be applied lightly to the tips of the turf
bers – not the entire length of every ber. Applying the
paint too heavily makes for a very rough, abrasive surface
and will make the removal job very difcult.
An air-spray system is recommended over an airless
one because it gives closer control, especially if intricate
designs are involved.
Approved Air-spray guns include the following:
• DeVilbiss with 505E uid tip, an ES needle and a #53
air cap.
• A Grayco assembly with 161-188 uid tip, a 164-870
needle and a 161-192 air cap.
When applying paint, use large templates and cardboard
or wood windshields to minimize paint over-spray.
For logos and other markings, always us a guide such
as templates or straight edges. Do not lay out emblems
whose design encourages double coverage. For example,
for red letters with a white border, do not paint a solid
white letter and then paint a small red letter on top.
Instead, paint the red letter and then add a narrow white
border. Double coverage’s are unnecessary as well as
difcult to remove.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
17
Painting an Act Global surfacing systems with brushes
or rollers is not recommended. Spraying equipment is rec-
ommended for the following four reasons:
1. Spraying can make a more uniform paint application.
2. A more intricate template can be used if the paint is
sprayed.
3. Paint can be applied more rapidly with spray tech-
niques.
4. Paint can be removed more easily from areas that
have been correctly sprayed than from areas on
which the paint has been rolled.
Paint removal
The main key to efcient removal of temporary paint
from surfaces is the initial control in the application. The
use of excessive amounts of paints is wasteful, presents
abrasion hazards to players and requires extra work in
removal.
Equipment needed for Paint Removal
Use a street broom, deck brush, small sprayer or watering
can, water hose, medium sized tank or bucket for mixing,
and a couple of wet vacuums.
Materials Needed
Paint removal method requires the use of 8% ammonia.
The solution should be prepared in advance and access
to water outlets provided. The 8% ammonia solution is
prepared from aqua ammonia (33% ammonia) by diluting
with three parts water to one part aqua ammonia.
Caution
Aqua ammonia is a strong chemical. Follow the seller’s
instruction for handling – including eye protection, avoid-
ing skin contact, etc. Ammonia is very corrosive to copper
alloys do not use brass nozzles or ttings. For mixing, use
galvanized watering cans and a sprayer tank at all times.
Procedures
Hose down the painted area with water until the surface
is saturated. Using a sprayer or a watering can, apply the
ammonia solution on the painted area. It is important
that the ammonia solution be metered out uniformly at
the rate of one gallon per 45 to 50 square feet. Scrub the
wet area with a street broom until the ammonia solution
turns to foam. A sweeping motion similar to sweeping a
oor is sufcient. During this step, the paint will start to
loosen and the pigment will begin to run. However, do not
shorten the sweeping at this point.
Wait about 10 minutes to allow the foamed ammonia to
work. Apply the same amount of ammonia solution on
the area a second time. Thoroughly scrub the area with a
street broom. This scrubbing is not intended to be a light
scrub, scrub vigorously.
Hose down the area with water and simultaneously pick
up the water and dislodged paint residue with the wet
vacuum. Do not let the water and paint residue seep
across the eld. If the residue and water start to spread,
stop the hosing and let the wet vacuum catch up. Repeat
the process if necessary. However, if the paint was ap-
plied lightly and uniformly, repeating the process should
not be necessary.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
18
If the paint stubbornly adheres to the turf, take the follow-
ing additional steps:
Repeat steps as above. Blast or fracture the paint loose
with hot water from an industrial high pressure hot water
sprayer. Set the water temperature at 150 degrees F. Do
not spray the water at “point blank” range – keep the
wand at least 30cm from the turf. Use 10 gallons of hot
water per minute and a water pressure of no more than
21 kg/cm squared. No solvent is required.
Wet vacuum the residue and water or immediately ood
the eld.
Rinse the area thoroughly with lots of water and pick
up rinse water rapidly to avoid unsightly spots or paint
residue.
LOAD LIMITS
If proper steps are taken, almost any requirement can be
accommodated, but certain precautions are necessary.
Protection of the shock-absorbing underpad of the playing
surface is especially important. Underpads are composite
materials that contain nitrogen gas in numerous closed
cells. Over extended periods of excessive compression,
some of the nitrogen can diffuse through the cell walls,
resulting in a marginal loss of volume. The cell walls
themselves are not affected unless the overload is severe
enough to cause separation or rupture.
As a general rule, no long term static load of more than 3
psi (300 lbs./sq.ft), nor any transient rolling load of more
than 30 psi be applied to any Act Global surface (foam
pad or elastic layer underpad). Rolling loads of up to 30
psi are acceptable on an occasional basis. (The loading
of a pneumatic-tired vehicle is approximately equal to the
air pressure in its tires.)
It is good practice to eliminate any unnecessary long-term
static loads. Sheets of ¾ inch exterior plywood or pieces
of 2 x 10 lumber may be used to spread major static
loads and thus minimize the risk of damage to the turf
system. NOTE: Under static loads, the surface should rst
be covered with a load spreader such as polyethylene
sheeting to keep it clean. New plywood may contain mate-
rials that will leach out and stain the turf if it is exposed
to water therefore a polypropylene barrier should be used
under the plywood to prevent this from happening.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
19
SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT
Snow and ice are not harmful to Act Global sports sur-
facing systems and can generally be left to melt and run
off on their own accord. Sometimes, however, it becomes
essential to clear away snow and ice to permit sched-
uled use of the surface. When this happens, the working
principle for snow is to leave it in place until as near to
time of use as possible. Doing so will minimize the risk of
ice build up from cold wind blowing across a damp snow-
cleared surface. Ice removal is more difcult, especially
if a heavy layer has built up following freezing rains (see
below). Two methods are used for snow removal:
Snow Blowers
If the snow is dry and powdery, it can be swept or blown
from the eld using a rotary brush or snow blower. Be
sure that any machinery used is set so as not to dig into
the turf or gouge the surface.
If using a blower:
1. The rst pass of the blower should be down the cen-
ter of the eld.
2. Second pass should be made at the edge of either
side of the rst pass and the blower must be adjust-
ed so that the snow is deposited in the truck.
3. The blower continues down one side and up the oth-
er accompanied by the truck.
4. Clean off remaining snow with a mechanical broom.
Snow Plows
Snow that is wet and sticky may be more easily pushed
off the eld by using a snow blade with a 4 to 6 inch wide
rubber tip mounted on a Jeep or light tractor. If such a
blade is used, extreme care should be taken to avoid dig-
ging into the surface. The best blade setting is one that
barely “kisses” the top of the surface and rolls the snow
ahead of the blade. In this procedure, the snow itself will
maintain contact with the surface. Wood, metal or other
rigid surface blades should not be used. Adjust the blade
to proper height taking care that it will not gouge or dig
into the surface. Act Global recommends wheels on each
side of the blade to ensure the blade cannot possibly dig
into the surface.
If using a Plow:
1. Push snow into piles.
2. Scoop into truck using front-end-loader., also with
rubber tipped blade. Use extreme caution.
3. Use a rotary mechanical broom to clean off the
remaining snow.
Severe cases of ice can be removed by using a small lawn
roller to break up the ice and then proceed as above.
It is recommended that all of the equipment used as
described above be moved on pneumatic tires. LUGS,
STUDS AND CHAINS ARE DAMAGING AND SHOULD
NOT BE USED. Snow removal equipment may be stopped
momentarily on the surface, but DO NOT PARK SUCH
EQUIPMENT ON THE FIELD OVERNIGHT OR FOR SEVER-
AL HOURS. Tire pressure should be below 35 psi.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
20
Important
Keep tarps or eld covers off the eld in freezing weather.
They are difcult to remove when frozen to the surface.
Avoid using a tarp on the eld during freezing weather.
Tarps can freeze to the turf by means of condensation
and thus can be very difcult to remove for a scheduled
event.
ICE REMOVAL
In some cases it will be desirable to go over the surface
with a lawn roller or rotary street broom to break up and
sweep away frost or ice. If the day is sunny and the frost
or ice not excessive, it tends to melt readily over synthetic
surfaces, especially with player foot trafc to aid in the
process.
In the event of extreme cold weather and a heavy layer
of ice, there is little choice but to use chemicals to assist
in getting rid of it. It should be remembered that any
ice-melting chemical put on the eld will leave residues,
which may leave the surface slippery or sticky. Such res-
idues should be washed off the turf as soon as weather
permits.
Many chemicals commonly used for ice melting are
irritating to human skin, corrosive to equipment and/
or harmful to your Act Global sports surfacing system.
Among these are such old standbys as rock salt, ammoni-
um nitrate and calcium chloride. These chemicals should
NOT be used on Act Global sports surfacing systems be-
cause they might irritate players’ skin, corrode equipment
or damage the surface. The only ice melter found to date
that is safe, inexpensive and non-corrosive is fertilizer
grade urea.
When a surface has been subjected to a freezing rain
or is heavily frost-coated, thawing can be hastened by
broadcast application of prilled, fertilizer grade urea. The
spread rate will be determined in some measure by the
amount of ice present, but 100 pounds per 3000 square
feet is a good starting point. After spreading, the urea
should be allowed to remain in place for half an hour or
more to melt the ice. It should then be removed from the
eld (along with the water it has picked up) with a squee-
gee. Urea will be less effective as the temperature drops
below 10 degrees to 12 degrees Fahrenheit. (-9 degrees
to -11 degrees C) and it is ineffective below 0 degrees
Fahrenheit (18 degrees C).
A thick residue of urea will be left behind after the eld
is squeegeed or swept. In wet weather this lm will make
the eld somewhat slippery. As soon as danger of a hard
freeze is past, the eld should be washed down with liber-
al amounts of water to remove traces of the urea.
Warning
DO NOT USE COMMON SALT, ROCK SALT, CALCIUM
CHLORIDE, AMMONIUM NITRATE or other corrosive or
irritating chemicals to melt ice on your Act Global sports
surfacing system. Their presence can damage equip-
ment, be harmful to Personnel and your Act Global sports
surfacing system itself.
Urea may be a mild eye irritant. If it gets into a player’s
eyes, it should be washed out with liberal amounts of
water.
Warning
Act Global does not recommend snow removal from any
surface that utilize an impregnated layer. Snow remov-
al is strictly at the owner’s risk.
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