Thermoplastic games are a proven way to bring outdoor space to life in schools, parks, and children centres, including primary schools and other schools, across the country. At Promain, we specialise in supplying high quality thermoplastic playground markings that combine durability, colour, and learning into one successful environment. Whether you’re refreshing old lines or planning a new playground project, our team is here to support every step.
What Are Thermoplastic Games?
These games use thermoplastic material that is pre-cut and applied to concrete, tarmac, or similar ground surfaces using heat. Once fixed in place, the markings stay bright and sharp, even in high traffic areas. Unlike standard paint, thermoplastic markings are much more durable and offer anti slip properties, making them suitable for school playground surfaces and outdoor play areas where safety is a concern. The installation process and material performance are designed to withstand rain and wet conditions, ensuring durability and reliable application even when weather is unpredictable.
Benefits of Thermoplastic Games for Schools and Parks
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Durable: Thermoplastic markings outlast painted markings by years, even with regular use.
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Slip resistant: Designed with anti slip finishes to improve safety across outdoor space creating environments.
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Supports outdoor learning: Use numbers, letters, or world maps to support classroom topics like maths skills.
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Custom designs: All our markings can be developed in house with input from our dedicated design team.
Why Choose Thermoplastic Over Traditional Playground Paint?
Playground paint may be cheaper upfront, but it tends to wear away quickly—especially on high traffic areas. Thermoplastic games need no second coat and maintain stimulating colours over the years. With thermoplastic playground markings, you’re investing in a long-lasting solution that reduces maintenance, keeps children safe, and offers a more eye catching finish. The shape of your design does not affect the price; instead, pricing is determined by the amount of thermoplastic material required for your project.
Understanding Playground Painting Techniques
Thermoplastic application is a straightforward process:
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Clean and dry the surface to remove dirt and brush away debris
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Position the design on the tarmac or concrete
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Apply heat until the markings bond with the ground
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Let it cool and you're left with a finished, ready-to-use final product
Our markings can be applied with a roller or torch, depending on the product and surface type.
The Science Behind Thermoplastic Playground Markings
Thermoplastic material softens with heat and then solidifies on cooling, creating a hard-wearing layer with anti slip performance. It's non toxic and often contains reflective glass beads for better visibility. These markings are developed for tough outdoor use, resisting wear and weather, and keeping colours vibrant.
Playground Lines and Their Educational Role
Playground markings do more than organise space—they also support learning. Hopscotch, alphabet grids, or mazes can reinforce classroom concepts like numbers, letters, shapes, and direction. Painted markings that promote outdoor learning sports encourage teamwork, memory recall, and movement skills during break times.
Custom Playground Markings for Schools
Promain can help design playground markings for your primary school, children centre or outdoor play areas to match your educational goals. Choose from designs that support literacy, numeracy, world awareness, or physical activity. Everything is created with your space in mind and can include traditional games or something completely unique.
Thermoplastic Games for Early Childhood Development
For younger children, brightly coloured thermoplastic games like animal trails or simple mazes encourage movement, balance, and coordination. These games are more than fun—they're tools for development that also encourage social interaction. Children love the mix of colour, action, and imagination.
Types of Thermoplastic Games Available
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Traditional games: Snakes and ladders, hopscotch, four square
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Learning aids: Numbers, letters, phonics grids
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Sports zones: Courts for football, basketball, or outdoor learning sports
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Theme-based zones: Space, jungle, underwater, and more
Promain’s range of thermoplastic playground markings offers a flexible way to use space, stimulate creativity, and improve the quality of time outdoors.
Installation Process of Thermoplastic Playground Paint
Our process includes:
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Full site assessment to understand your surface
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Review of playground paint options and layout
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Cleaning and preparation of surfaces
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Thermoplastic application using heat
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Safety checks to ensure a successful environment
All markings are applied by trained professionals and made using high quality thermoplastic material that is made to last.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Thermoplastic Games
Thermoplastic markings need very little upkeep. A light wash with a soft brush and occasional check-ups are all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh. Unlike painted markings that need regular touch-ups or a second coat, thermoplastic stays bright for up to 10 years.
Safety Standards for Playground Markings
Safety is a top priority for any playground project. All Promain markings are:
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Made from non toxic, child-safe materials
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Fitted with anti slip properties
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Designed to handle high traffic areas without losing quality
These safety features help schools create a successful environment where children can learn, play and grow.
Design Considerations for Playground Painted Games
Promain works closely with schools and playground marking companies to make sure your design is:
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Age-appropriate for all year groups
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Accessible and inclusive for all abilities
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Tied into the learning themes of your school
From traditional games to educational designs, every plan is built to improve outdoor space and further youngsters enjoyment of learning.
Thermoplastic vs Epoxy Playground Paint
Thermoplastic is quicker to install, dries faster, and keeps its colour longer. Epoxy may be useful in warehouses or indoor settings, but it isn’t ideal for outdoor play areas. Thermoplastic also offers more vivid colours and flexibility in design, making it the first choice for school playgrounds.
Thermoplastic Games for Inclusive Playgrounds
Inclusive playgrounds allow every child to take part in play. With the right markings, outdoor space can include wheelchair-accessible paths, sensory routes, and group zones that welcome all. Promain offers designs that combine fun and inclusivity to suit every ability and encourage joint play.
Budgeting for Playground Marking Projects
The cost of your playground project depends on size, design and ground condition. Many schools find thermoplastic markings offer the best long-term value because they don’t fade, don’t need repainting, and require hardly any maintenance. Promain offers competitive prices and advice on how to get the most from your outdoor space.
Environmental Benefits of Thermoplastic Playground Paint
Thermoplastic products used by Promain are environmentally friendly and often made with recycled plastic. Since they don’t need frequent replacement, they also help reduce waste and ongoing maintenance. By investing in thermoplastic playground markings, schools are choosing a cleaner, more sustainable solution.
Successful Thermoplastic Installations
Many schools across the country helping children benefit from new markings that improve focus, social skills, and activity levels. Outdoor learning through play has proven results - especially when children enjoy the design, colour, and freedom to move. Promain has helped many schools transform empty tarmac into spaces children love.
Thermoplastic Games Near Me
Looking for an independent UK based company that specialises in thermoplastic playground markings? Searching “thermoplastic games near me” will lead you to Promain – the UK's leading experts in thermoplastic playground markings, offering long-lasting, anti slip playground paint and markings.
How to Choose the Right Playground Marking Contractor
Before you commit, make sure your contractor can:
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Offer design options developed in house
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Use anti slip, non toxic thermoplastic material
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Provide a clear quote and warranty
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Deliver a final product that meets both educational and safety standards
At Promain, our friendly team supports every stage, from planning through to installation.
Playground Marking Paint: What You Need to Know
Not all playground paint is made equal. While painted markings fade, thermoplastic games stay bright and safe without needing a second coat. They’re better suited for high use outdoor play areas and provide more colour choice, better grip, and a longer life on tarmac or concrete.
Thermoplastic Game Products by Promain
Promain offers a full range of colourful and durable games for school playgrounds:
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Centrecoat Solid Snakes and Ladders Game: Classic snakes and ladders in a bright, anti slip design that helps with number learning and social play.
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Centrecoat Thermoplastic Bubble Hopscotch Game: A bubbly take on traditional hopscotch, encouraging movement and balance in early years.
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Centrecoat Thermoplastic Activity Trail: A guided trail with a mix of challenges to support physical activity and outdoor learning.
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Centrecoat Thermoplastic Rocket Hopscotch Game: A fun space-themed version of hopscotch that children love to use during playtime.
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Centrecoat Thermoplastic Round Maze: A problem-solving maze to encourage focus, movement and creativity.
Why Thermoplastic Games Work
Thermoplastic playground markings from Promain help schools create fun, safe, and educational outdoor spaces. They’re made for learning, movement and enjoyment - while keeping costs low over time.
FAQs About Thermoplastic Games:
What outdoor games did kids play in the 60s?
Hopscotch, tag, marbles and skipping were all popular in primary school playgrounds during the 1960s.
Where is playground games located in the UK?
Playground games are found at many schools, parks and children centres throughout the UK.
How to install thermoplastic playground markings?
Clean the surface, lay out the markings, heat them with a gas torch, and let them cool - no roller or second coat needed.