Specialist thermoplastic, playground and road marking removal, by controlled UHP hydro blasting and vapour blasting.
Removing old, damaged or unwanted playground markings requires more than simply taking the colour off the surface. The right playground marking removal method needs to remove the existing material effectively while taking into consideration the condition of the substrate beneath it.
At Uniplay, we provide specialist playground marking removal, thermoplastic marking removal and surface marking removal services for schools, local authorities, playgrounds, parks and public spaces across the UK.
Our experienced teams use professional, specialist removal equipment, including Ultra High Pressure (UHP) hydro blasting and vapour blasting, allowing us to select the most appropriate removal process for each individual project.
No two removal projects are exactly the same.
The type and age of the existing playground markings, the material being removed, the condition of the underlying surface, site access and the proposed use of the area afterwards can all influence the removal method we recommend.
This is why, wherever possible, we prefer to survey the area before agreeing a course of action.
Our team can assess the existing markings and surface, discuss what needs to be achieved and explain the removal process we believe will provide the most appropriate solution for that particular setting.
Rather than using one removal method for every project, we have invested in different specialist technologies so that we can select the equipment to suit the job.
Searches for burn off, burning off and burn-off marking removal often refer to the use of heat to treat existing lines or markings. However, burning off is not a true removal method because it can leave the original material on the surface while merely charring or turning it black.
This can create an unsightly finish and may make it difficult to determine how much of the marking has actually been removed. Heat-based burning off can also produce smoke and fumes, making it unsuitable for many playgrounds, schools, public spaces and other occupied areas.
For these reasons, Uniplay does not offer 'burn off' removal and would not recommend it as good practice for removing playground markings, thermoplastic lines or other surface-applied materials.
Instead, we use controlled mechanical processes, including UHP hydro blasting and vapour blasting, to remove unwanted markings rather than simply burning or discolouring them. The most suitable method will depend on the existing marking, the substrate, site conditions and the required result.
Uniplay's marking removal methods offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to older removal techniques.
Our specialist removal processes are designed to fully remove the unwanted material. This helps to provide a cleaner and more controlled finish while avoiding the smoke, charring and potentially harmful emissions associated with heat-based burning methods.
The most suitable method will depend on the existing marking, the substrate, site conditions and the required result. Our team will assess these factors before recommending an appropriate approach.
Our UHP water blasting equipment uses ultra high pressure water to remove existing surface markings and coatings.
This powerful specialist equipment can be used for projects requiring the removal of playground markings, thermoplastic markings, road markings, line markings and other surface-applied materials.
UHP water or hydro blasting does not rely on heat to char the existing markings. It provides a controlled removal process without creating the smoke and fumes associated with burning methods.
UHP removal requires access to a suitable water supply, and our team will consider site access, the existing surface and the material requiring removal before recommending this process.
Our second specialist removal system uses a vapour blasting process, combining water with an aggregate to create a controlled abrasive removal method.
Vapour blasting can provide an effective alternative where the surface, existing material or site conditions make this the more appropriate option.
As with UHP water blasting, access to a suitable water source is required. This process can be gentler to the surface condition and a similar method is used to restore old historical buildings.
Our operatives are trained and experienced in using this specialist equipment and will determine the appropriate approach based on the individual requirements of the project.
We also provide specialist road marking removal for roads, car parks, access routes, industrial sites and other hard-surfaced areas.
Existing road markings may need to be removed because they are worn, redundant, incorrectly positioned or being replaced as part of a wider resurfacing, traffic management or line-marking project. Depending on the type of marking, the condition of the surface and the required finish, we can assess whether UHP hydro blasting or vapour blasting is the most suitable removal method.
Road marking removal requires careful consideration of the underlying asphalt, concrete or other surface. Our team will assess the existing markings, site access, working conditions and any requirements for traffic or pedestrian management before recommending an appropriate approach.
Using water blasting or vapour blasting can provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to burning off road markings, helping to avoid the charring, smoke and toxins associated with heat-based removal methods, important factors to consider particularly in local authority contracting where environmentally safe practices are key.
Our road marking removal service can be used for:
Where required, we can work with clients and contractors to help prepare the area for new markings or subsequent surface works. The aim is to remove the unwanted material effectively while taking the condition and future use of the surface into account.
Removing markings without properly considering the substrate can potentially leave a poor finish or cause unnecessary damage to the surface beneath. This is why professional playground marking removal starts with understanding both what needs to come off and what it is being removed from.
Our removal service can be used for:
Our specialist machinery represents a significant investment in professional removal technology, but the equipment itself is only part of the process. Knowing which removal system to use, how to operate it and how the underlying surface is likely to respond is equally important.
That experience allows us to approach each playground marking removal project individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Real removal work: line and playground markings blasted off, leaving the cleared surface ready for what comes next.
If you have old thermoplastic markings, playground graphics, sports markings, road markings or surface coatings that need to be removed, speak to the Uniplay team.
Where appropriate, we can survey the site, assess the existing surface and markings, consider access requirements and recommend a suitable removal method. We can then explain how the process will work for your individual setting before work begins.
Whether you require UHP hydro blasting, vapour blasting, thermoplastic removal, road marking removal or general surface marking removal, our team can help you identify the right approach for your site.
Contact Uniplay to arrange a site survey or discuss your marking removal requirements.
Or call 0333 321 6699
The people who design, price and stand behind every Uniplay installation.
Operations Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with over 16 years' experience in the playground markings industry and masses of industry knowledge. There is very rarely a thermoplastic query he cannot resolve.
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Sales and Marketing Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with a wealth of experience across all things thermoplastic, leading sales and marketing at Uniplay.
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