Here is all you need to know about getting original markings onto your playground surface, in a way that will make your kids feel they have all had a say in the design and the games they'll play on the markings.

Questions, questions, questions!

How do I get my class to work with me to get an idea for a science playground painting, that can be used for playtime but they'll get some science learning from? What are the stages?

Start by brainstorming ideas for designs with the whole class, based on what children want to be able to do with the markings. (Do they want a game, a generic set of marks they can do all sorts with, or an interesting way for you to teach a science lesson for example?)

As a group pick out a few science topics as favourites.

Then allow pupils to design the markings, possibly in groups. This will keep the process transparent and ensure that as many children as possible feel involved in the process.

How do I make sure none of the class are disappointed I don't used their ideas?

See above, but also, try chalking out designs on the playground so that children get to try out their friends’ designs. It’s useful to have simple written instructions at this stage to allow this to happen more easily.

How do I finalise the design?

Once the final design has been chosen, get the whole class to once again have input in confirming different details of it. That is to say, the first process gets the general design decided on, and the second allows for thoughts and contribution on details. This process helps reduce disappointment amongst children whose designs have not been chosen.

What are the tips for designing that make painting it easier at the end of the process?

Keep the design relatively simple! Be aware of the intended location for the markings before you start, as well as any effects this design based element will have on the use and management of the site. Keep the effect on playground supervision in mind (see below!).

Lines are simplest to paint. Big blocks of colour are fine, but once the paint starts to wear and fade in time, look messier.

How do I know how big to make the final thing. (Chalk it out?? YES!!)

The most effective way would be to measure out the space you’d like to put the design, (or get the class to do it) then work out a scale that would enable the class to build a model inside or a chalk mock up outside. (see below)

How do I know the game will work?  (try it out!? Yes again!!)

Good question. It’s a good idea to build a smaller version of the game and to teach the pupils how to play it. Also it can really help if there is a simple book of instructions (see above) available for the lunch time supervisors and relevant teachers, so they can help the children to learn as well.

What sort of paint should I use?  where do I get it from? What sort of brushes? (One for each colour?) how do I clean them?

Chalk out the design first! If you have in mind lines of a certain thickness chalk both edges of the line, for the painter to fill in.

Emulsion or gloss (preferably exterior grade) or road paint can be used.  The latter will last the longest, and can be applied with aerosol sprays. 

Paint should be applied to a reasonably smooth and grit-free surface, so sweep the playground really well before applying paint. 

The older and rougher your surface, the shorter lifespan your markings will have, and the trickier to keep to a smooth line. 

Check the paint cans for health and safety information - particularly consider whether fumes whilst painting and the toxicity of the paint itself. 

Paint should not be applied in very cold or very hot weather or on damp surfaces, so check the weather report before you start.

Also check the paint cans for how to clean the brushes, if you are using them.

Finding out what cleans the brushes will help you if a line goes really wrong to remove it before it fries like that!

If you get a brush for each colour this will minimise the amount of brush washing you'll have to do.

Have some cling film handy too, so you can wrap the brush to stop it drying in between uses, and have plenty of small cans (like soup cans) to put either water or white spirit in – again one for each colour, so you can keep the brush in tip top shape over night. 

Your brushes will have rough treatment – so finest quality sable isn't necessary! Medium sized and medium length bristles and tough! And get a couple of smaller brushes (two cm or so) if you have any details or lots of corners.

Finally some tough rags are a good thing to have around to wipe paint from your hands.

Make sure no-one in your painting party is wearing anything that matters! They will get dirty.

Who should paint it? (Should the kids be involved or is this a recipe for disaster?)

Involving staff and pupils in the development of the markings will ensure they are well used for both play and curriculum activities, will give pupils and staff a positive attitude towards and  ownership of the markings, and will help ensure that they are kept in good condition

Though pupil involvement might seem daunting at first, with good supervision involvement in the actual painting will help to reinforce those positive attitudes. If there are pupils who might feel their ideas weren't used at all, perhaps they could be the ones trusted to be in your painting team!

How long will it take?

That depends very much on how big the markings are, and how many children are involved in the preparation.

Using rough guidelines, Set aside an afternoon session for the consultation and design process (including scaling the designs up so they fit the available space) and a day for chalking out the designs onto the playground, and then painting over the chalk.

Because of the work involved, it’s a good idea to recruit some willing parents for the painting time to provide supervision.

If you are painting by hand a couple or three coats might look necessary. Make sure you leave enough time between coats for the under-layer to dry.

How long will it last once it's there?

This, unsurprisingly, depends on the type of paint used, and the absorbency and quality of the surface. Exterior emulsion or gloss should last a couple of years, and road paint applied with an aerosol should last up to five years.

Can I get rid of it if I need to?

Yes you can. Fleet line markers (01684 573 535 www.fleetlinemarkers.com) produce a graffiti removing gel which will work on playground markings too.

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