Amanda Knapp
Basketball courts have evolved from simple wooden floors to vibrant, branded surfaces. The process of changing the logo on a basketball court involves a team of specialists who work together to sand, stain, paint, and seal the floor, applying decals for logos and lanes. This process can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day. In some cases, entire sections of the flooring or the whole court may need to be replaced. These new floors are designed to be durable, with cast vinyl and anti-skid laminate coatings, ensuring the safety of the players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to change the floor | 90 minutes to a whole day |
| Frequency of changing the floor | Once every ten years |
| Maintenance | Every offseason, a fresh coat of oil- or water-based finish is applied |
| Installation process | Laying down the new surface, painting, and putting down decals for logos |
| Decal material | Cast vinyl with an anti-skid laminate coating and a strong adhesive layer |
| Decal safety | Use a squeegee to prevent air pockets from forming |
| Decal placement | Center of the court, around the baskets, between the three-point line and half-court |
| Court composition | Multiple pieces that are put together like a puzzle |
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What You'll Learn
Logos are decals placed on basketball floors
The decals are typically made of cast vinyl with an anti-skid laminate coating and a strong adhesive layer. This material is compatible with hardwood and durable enough to withstand the pressures of basketball games. The decals are often branded with team colours, imagery, and designs to improve the appearance of the space and market the team.
In professional arenas, the entire court may be replaced to change the logo, or just sections of the flooring may be swapped out. The courts are made up of multiple pieces that fit together like a puzzle, allowing for quick changes. This is especially important in dual-use arenas, where the basketball court may be placed on top of ice or another surface and needs to be removed or replaced frequently.
The process of changing the floor in a professional arena is complex and requires a team of experts. It can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the court. The floor must be carefully prepared, with the wood sanded and screened, and tape laid down to mark the lines and circles. After the decals are applied, a final coat of sealant is added to protect the floor and ensure a smooth, shiny finish.
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Decals are applied after pigmenting and buffing
Decals are a popular way to decorate basketball courts. They are often used to display branded images, text, and designs, and can be placed anywhere on the court. Decals can be used to temporarily cover up old logos or advertisements, or to add new branding to a court.
When applying decals, it is important to first clean and dry the installation area. This is because a dirty surface may result in an uneven application, damaging the decal. It is also important to avoid placing decals on floor end joints, as this can cause the decal to pucker and create a trip hazard.
After pigmenting and buffing the court, decals can be applied. Decals are usually made from vinyl, and can be applied by hand. Vinyl decals are compatible with hardwood and are durable enough to withstand basketball games. They are also versatile and capable of stunning visual impact.
Once the decal has been applied, a protective coating can be applied over the top. This is often a liquid clear coat, which is applied using a synthetic pad applicator. The protective coating dries quickly and is ready to play on after 6-8 hours.
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Floors are made of multiple pieces, like a puzzle
Basketball courts are made of multiple pieces of wood that fit together like a puzzle. This is done for several reasons, including the ability to replace sections of the flooring or the entire court efficiently. The multiple-piece design also allows for the creation of specific looks, such as a multi-grade look or a parquet pattern.
The process of creating an NBA or WNBA basketball court involves several steps. First, design plans and architectural drawings are sent to the installing contractor. Then, a sub-floor system is installed, providing a foundation for the court and ensuring safety and performance characteristics for the players. After the sub-floor is in place, maple hardwood planks are secured to the sub-floor. The court is then sanded down to create a smooth and even surface.
The use of maple wood for basketball courts is preferred due to its density, hardness, and light colour. The tight grain of the wood ensures durability, and the light colour provides contrast against the ball, making it easier for players to track its movement. Additionally, the lighter colour reflects light better, helping to brighten arenas.
After the initial installation and sanding, the court is painted with lines and markings according to regulations. In some cases, the wood is pigmented, and logos and lettering are applied and buffed before a final coat is added. The large logos in the middle of the court can be up to 300 square feet in size!
The multiple-piece design of basketball courts allows for efficient replacement and customization. The process of changing the court can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of crew members involved.
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Decals are designed to be durable and safe
Basketball courts have evolved from simple chalked lines on existing floors to today's courts, which feature complex designs, team logos, and interactive elements. Logos on basketball courts are often huge, covering 300 square feet of space. To facilitate the quick change of logos and overall appearance of basketball courts, decals are used.
Decal kits, such as COURTDECAL, are safe and easy to apply. They are non-slip and meet the NCAA basketball committee rules for a "consistent surface." These decals can be used anywhere on the playing court and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The application process involves cleaning the existing floor surface with a cleaning solution like COURTDECAL PREP to ensure proper adhesion. This solution is safe for both waterborne and oil-modified coatings. After cleaning, the decal is applied, followed by a coat of COURTDECAL GUARD, a glossy, slip-resistant, protective coating that dries within 6-8 hours.
For those seeking a more permanent solution, painting the logo directly onto the court surface is recommended. This process involves sanding and screening the floor, taping down lines and shapes, applying stains and sealers, and buffing the final product.
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Logos are changed by specialist crews
Logos on basketball floors are changed by specialist crews. These crews work like well-oiled machines, with each person having a designated role in the process. The process of changing basketball floors involves a lot of work and requires speed and efficiency.
The first step is to lay down a new surface, followed by painting and applying decals for the logos. The decals are large, measuring around 300 square feet. They are applied to the floor using a squeegee to prevent air pockets from forming, as this can cause premature peeling and pose safety risks. The decals are then sealed with a laminate coating to protect them from wear and tear and to reduce slipperiness for the players.
In some cases, the entire basketball floor may need to be replaced. This usually occurs every ten years for NBA floors, but it can be done more frequently if needed. The new floor is constructed from multiple pieces that are fitted together like a puzzle. This process can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day.
Specialist crews are also involved in creating unique and complex designs for basketball courts. These crews consist of wood floor specialists who work with clients to develop custom designs that incorporate specific logos, colours, and graphics. They may create samples for customer approval and experiment with new techniques to perfect the final product.
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Frequently asked questions
Logos on basketball floors are decals that are placed on the floors. The decals are made of cast vinyl with an anti-skid laminate coating and a strong adhesive layer. They are installed using a squeegee to prevent air pockets from forming.
Changing the logo on a basketball floor can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a whole day.
Basketball floors are replaced once every ten years. However, every offseason, a fresh coat of oil- or water-based finish is applied to keep the floors in good shape.
