What Is a Screen & Coat For Gym Floors? A Quick Guide For Facility Managers

The Key Benefits Of Maintaining Gym Floors With The Screen & Coat Process

As a facility manager, keeping your gym floor in top condition is crucial for athlete safety and maintaining a professional appearance. Over time, wear and tear from foot traffic and sports equipment can dull your floor’s shine. One of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to maintain the longevity of your gym floor is through the screen and coat process. But what exactly does this process involve, and how can it benefit your facility? Let’s dive into the details.

What Is Screen & Coat? A Cost-Effective Solution For Gym Floors

The screen and coat process is a gym floor maintenance technique that lightly abrades the top layer of the finish to remove surface scuffs and scratches. After that, a fresh layer of protective finish is applied. This process restores the floor’s shine, enhances its durability, and improves its overall appearance.

Why Is Screening & Coating Important For Gym Floor Maintenance?

Gym floors, especially those used for basketball or other high-impact activities, experience constant foot traffic, which can cause damage over time. From scuffs and scratches to general wear from sports equipment, your floor can start looking worn out. Screen and coat helps address these issues by creating a smooth and protected surface, ready for another season of use.

One of the biggest advantages of the screen and coat process is that it can extend the lifespan of your gym floor, saving you from costly repairs or premature replacement. Regular maintenance, such as screening and recoating, prevents minor issues from escalating into more significant problems that could require extensive repairs.

How Does The Screen & Coat Process Restores Gym Floors?

Step 1: Screening

The first step in the process is screening the floor. This involves using a special sanding screen to lightly abrade the top layer of the wood. Unlike traditional sanding, screening doesn’t remove a significant amount of wood but instead focuses on removing the old finish, dirt, and surface-level imperfections. This step helps prepare the surface for the new coat of finish.

Step 2: Cleaning

Once the floor has been screened, the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust, debris, and residue left behind. A clean surface is essential to ensure proper adhesion of the new finish and prevent any imperfections from showing up after the process is completed.

Step 3: Applying The New Finish

After the cleaning, a fresh layer of finish is applied to the floor. This is where the real magic happens. The new finish restores the floor’s shine and provides a protective barrier that helps resist future damage. Depending on the type of finish you choose, such as a polyurethane hardwood floor finish, the process may require multiple coats to achieve the desired look and protection.

How Often Should You Screen & Coat Your Gym Floor?

The frequency with which you should perform the screen and coat process depends on how much your gym floor is used. In general, most hardwood gym floors should undergo this maintenance once a year. However, if your facility hosts frequent events or high-traffic sports like basketball, volleyball, or fitness training, you may need to screen and coat the floor twice a year.

For less frequently used facilities or gyms with lower foot traffic, you might be able to extend the interval between screenings to every other year. Consulting with a professional gym floor contractor can help you determine the ideal maintenance schedule based on the type of floor finish and the level of activity in your space.

Choosing The Right Finish For Your Gym Floor

The type of finish you select for your gym floor plays a significant role in its durability and overall performance. The two main types of finishes are oil-based and water-based:

• Oil-Based Finish: Known for its superior gloss, an oil-based finish provides a high-shine look that can enhance the natural beauty of the wood. However, it takes longer to dry, and you’ll need to wait several days before the floor is ready for use.
• Water-Based Finish: A faster-drying option, water-based finishes allow you to use the gym sooner, typically within 48 hours. They are also less odorous and more environmentally friendly than oil-based finishes.

Your choice of finish will depend on factors like the type of use the floor gets and how quickly you need to return the facility to service.

Benefits Of Screen & Coat For Gym Floors

1. Extends The Life Of The Floor

A well-maintained floor will last longer, saving you money on costly repairs or premature replacements. Regular screening and recoating keep the floor in excellent condition, allowing it to withstand the rigors of daily use.

2. Enhances Safety

A smooth, clean, and well-maintained gym floor surface is much safer for athletes. The screen and coat process restores the floor’s grip and minimizes the risk of slips and falls, ensuring the safety of everyone using your sports facility.

3. Improves Appearance

Nothing says “well-maintained” like a shiny, beautiful gym floor. Whether it’s for a professional basketball court installation or a general sports facility, a freshly coated floor instantly gives your gym a polished, professional look.

4. Cost-Effective Maintenance

Compared to the cost of gym floor repairs or full floor replacements, screening and recoating is an affordable maintenance option that provides excellent value. Regular floor maintenance helps keep your sports flooring in excellent shape without breaking the bank.

Why Professional Screen & Coat Services Are Best For Gym Floors

Professional screen and coat services for gym floors ensure that the job is done with expertise and precision. While the process may seem straightforward, professionals have the proper tools, techniques, and knowledge to handle various floor types and finishes, ensuring a smooth, durable result. They can also identify issues early, preventing future problems and saving you from costly repairs.

Additionally, hiring experts for floor refinishing minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency. These specialists are equipped to complete the task quickly without compromising quality. They also offer a range of additional services, such as floor repairs, installation, and custom designs, which help extend the lifespan of your gym floor while maintaining its appearance and safety.

Ready To Renew Your Gym Floor? Contact Excalibur Hardwood Floors For Expert Service

If you’re ready to give your gym floor the attention it deserves, contact us at Excalibur Hardwood Floors LLC. Our expert team specializes in gym floor installation, refinishing, and repair, ensuring your facility stays in top shape year-round. 

Let us help you extend the life of your gym floor in Phoenix and keep it looking great for years to come. Contact Excalibur Hardwood Floors LLC today to schedule your screen and coat service!