Over the past 5 years several paint manufacturers have developed field paint formulations for synthetic turf application, permanent and removable. Along with the removable field marking paint these companies have developed removal agents to help with cleaning of the paint from these turf fibers. The challenge comes on the paint removal process which includes labor and tools to make this as cost effective as possible.

We've identified some equipment that is being used as well as a typical process, i.e., spray on removal agent, agitate the turf, and rinse with water, repeating this process as necessary. With more and more multipurpose turf fields being installed and users wanting to utilize these fields for different sporting events there is an increase in paint application and removing maintenance operations. Unless you operate a professional facility your resources are limited. Volunteers don't necessarily like to be out brushing the turf to remove paint.

Some customers want a very quick removal product without much cleaning activity. Right now the lowest cost product with the least manpower cleanup expenditure is aerosol chalk. You apply this material just like aerosol field marking paint using an inverted can and an aerosol striper. Once the product dries in performs like traditional field marking chalk (calcium carbonate or marble dust). Removal involves dragging the line with your feet or brushing with a short bristle brush and rinsing with water to remove the dust residue.

For turf paint removable and permanent products you have several options depending on the longevity and traffic requirements along with the cleaning agents that are developed for the particular paint manufactured.

The challenge is to use a cost effective piece of equipment that reduces manpower and still does a good job. Most field maintenance operations already have a utility vehicle so a tow behind cleaning unit would seem to be a good solution. The product will have a sprayer to apply the removal agent with a storage tank, a turf brush that has a rotary motion, and a sprayer to apply a rinse with a storage tank, with a power unit to support these operations. What is your idea and solution?