Playground relining
Most playgrounds already have markings; the question is whether they still work. Faded courts, half a hopscotch and a map with Scotland missing do more harm than blank tarmac, because nobody can play the game properly.
Relining means either painting over existing lines to bring them back, or taking worn markings off and laying new ones, often with a better layout than the first time.
- £500 to £4,000remove and replace worn markings
- Allowedrepainting lines from the PE and sport premium
- Up to 10 yearshow long new thermoplastic lasts
Signs it is time to reline
- Court lines are hard to see in wet weather or low winter light.
- Games are cracked, lifting at the edges or missing pieces.
- Markings no longer match how the playground is used, or the age groups have moved.
- The tarmac has been patched and markings cut through.
- Painted markings have faded within a year of the last repaint.
- A new PE lead or curriculum plan wants different markings.
What relining costs
| Item | Guide, before VAT |
|---|---|
| Removing and replacing worn markings From a few games to a whole playground | £500 to £4,000 |
| Repaint lines, one basketball court Over existing lines on a sound surface | £400 to £500 |
| Netball court lines New lines after the old are removed | £850 to £1,200 |
| Traditional games (hopscotch, snakes and ladders, compass, targets) New games once old ones are off | £250 to £1,800 |
Where these figures come from
Removal and replacement ranges are from published UK contractor price guides (autumn 2026). Court repainting is from Basketball England’s outdoor project costs. Before VAT. A guide, not a quote.
Removal done properly
Right method for the material
Old paint, cold plastic and thermoplastic come off differently: mechanical abrasion, surface grinding or a controlled chemical treatment, chosen so the tarmac is not damaged.
Ghost lines
Removal can leave a faint outline. Lay the new layout so old ghosts do not confuse children, or cover the area with a colour coat.
New over old, carefully
Firmly bonded thermoplastic can take a new layer on top; loose or flaking material must come off first.
Fix the surface first
If the tarmac is breaking up, new markings will not last. Patch or resurface before relining.
Repaint, overlay or replace
Repainting is the cheapest refresh and suits court lines in good condition. Overlaying new thermoplastic on old works when the old layer is sound. Full removal and replacement is the right call when markings are breaking up, when the layout needs changing, or when paint has to come off before thermoplastic can go down.
Funding a relining job
Relining is one of the clearest uses of the PE and sport premium: the conditions of grant for 2026 to 2027 say repainting lines on a playground is allowable maintenance. The premium has to be spent by 31 July 2027, and cannot be carried forward, which makes a summer-term relining job a sensible line in the spending plan.
Markings faded or breaking up? Send the brief and we find a contractor near you to reline them.
Get marking quotesHow a relining job runs
Condition check
Which markings can be painted over, which overlaid, and which must come off, with any tarmac repairs flagged.
Remove
Worn markings are ground or abraded off and the surface swept.
Clean, prime, lay
The surface is swept and dried, primed where the tarmac is old, then each marking is set out and heated or sprayed into place. Most schemes take one to three days.
Handover
Markings are ready to walk on once cool or dry. Keep the layout drawing and the contractor’s guarantee terms with your site records.
Questions schools ask about markings
How much does playground relining cost?
Removing and replacing worn markings typically costs £500 to £4,000, before VAT, depending on how much comes off. Repainting the lines on one court is about £400 to £500.
Can the PE and sport premium pay for relining?
Yes. The conditions of grant name repainting lines on a playground as allowable. The money must be spent by 31 July 2027.
Can new markings go over old ones?
New thermoplastic can go over old thermoplastic that is still firmly bonded. Paint and cold plastic must be removed first.
How are old playground markings removed?
By mechanical abrasion, surface grinding or a controlled chemical treatment, depending on the material and the tarmac underneath.
How often should playground lines be repainted?
Painted lines on a busy playground often need it every year or two; thermoplastic markings typically last five to ten years before they need replacing.
Get quotes for relining
Three short steps: where the school is, what you want marked, and how to reach you. It takes about two minutes.
We are a free matching service, not a marking firm. You get the contractor’s name from us first, and the brief only goes to them once you say yes.
Thanks, your enquiry is in.
- We look for a marking contractor who covers your area, then email or phone you with their name.
- Nothing is passed on until you tell us to go ahead.
- The contractor looks at the tarmac, draws a layout and prices it. We never send marketing.