How to Stripe a Pickleball Court for Under $200

Striping a pickleball court may appear to be a challenging task, but with the proper materials and a little guidance. Alpha Grip Anti-Slip Paint is an excellent solution for your pickleball court, especially if you're interested in creating one in your backyard. It is incredibly affordable, offering numerous key benefits for less than $200, and you can easily apply it yourself. It offers unparalleled safety, exceptional durability, and enhances the overall playing experience. The paint spreads smoothly and evenly, and its quick-drying properties allow for the application of multiple coats in a single day. This ease of use makes it accessible for anyone looking to stripe their own pickleball court without professional help.

Alpha Grip Anti-Slip Paint provides a textured surface that reduces the risk of slips and falls. Pickleball involves quick movements, sudden stops, and changes in direction, making an anti-slip surface crucial for player safety. The textured finish of Alpha Grip ensures that players can maintain better traction, even in damp conditions.

Watch the video of this project, created in collaboration with our client. 

Follow this step-by-step guide to transform your court efficiently and effectively.

Materials Needed:

• SlipDoctors Primer – 1 gallon
• Alpha Grip – 1 gallon (Pickleball Blue)
• Razor blades
• 2 rolls of 2” Scotch Masking Tape (contractor grade)
• Douglas Striping Machine (contact us for striping options)

Now that you have all the essential materials, you can begin the transformation process.

Step 1: Ensure Concrete is Ready

• Make sure the concrete has cured for at least 30 days.
• Verify that there is no rain in the forecast.

Proper preparation of the concrete surface is crucial. The 30-day curing period ensures the concrete has settled and hardened adequately, preventing issues like paint peeling or surface irregularities. Checking the weather forecast avoids unnecessary delays and ensures the paint and primer adhere properly without interference from rain.

Step 2: Outline Your Area

• Start by outlining your court area as per the standard pickleball court dimensions.
• Begin outlining from the center of the court.

Accurate outlining is the foundation of a well-striped court. Starting from the center helps in maintaining symmetry and ensures that the lines are straight and evenly distributed. Using the correct dimensions guarantees that your court meets official standards, enhancing the playing experience.

Step 3: Apply Masking Tape

• Roll out the masking tape through the middle of your outline.
• Use a razor blade to make precise cuts around turns.

Applying masking tape with precision is essential for crisp, clean lines. The tape acts as a barrier, preventing the paint from bleeding over the edges. Cutting the tape carefully around turns ensures that the lines remain sharp and professional-looking.

Step 4: Apply Primer

• Stir the SlipDoctors primer well before applying.
• Apply one coat of primer, ensuring it goes on top of the tape for straighter edges.
• Wait for the primer to set for about 10 minutes.

Priming the surface helps the paint adhere better and increases its durability. Ensuring the primer goes on top of the tape creates straighter edges and a more polished final appearance. Waiting for the primer to set is crucial for the paint to bond properly.

Step 5: Paint the First Coat

• Stir the Alpha Grip paint thoroughly.
• Apply the first coat of paint over the primed area, starting from where you began applying the primer.

Stirring the paint ensures an even consistency, preventing streaks and uneven coverage. Applying the first coat meticulously sets the stage for a vibrant and durable court surface.

Step 6: Apply the Second Coat

• Wait 15 minutes after the first coat, then apply the second coat of Alpha Grip.

The second coat enhances the color’s vibrancy and ensures uniform coverage. Waiting between coats allows the paint to dry sufficiently, preventing smudging and ensuring a smooth finish.

Step 7: Remove Tape

• After the final coat has cured for about 15 minutes, start removing the tape slowly and carefully.
• Dispose of all used tape properly.

Removing the tape while the paint is still tacky ensures cleaner edges. Doing this step carefully avoids damaging the freshly painted lines and maintains the professional look of the court.

Step 8: Touch-Ups

• If any touch-ups are needed, apply a small strip of tape and paint over it with Alpha Grip.

Touch-ups ensure that any minor imperfections are corrected, resulting in a flawless finish. This step ensures that your court looks as good as possible and meets your expectations for quality.

Step 9: Allow Time to Cure

• Let the paint cure for 24-48 hours without any foot traffic or exposure to rain.

Allowing sufficient cure time is crucial for the paint to set properly, ensuring its longevity and durability. Avoiding foot traffic and rain during this period prevents any damage to the fresh paint.

Final Tips:

• Store any leftover paint for future touch-ups.

Alpha Grip Anti-Slip Paint offers superior adhesion to various surfaces, including concrete, making it ideal for outdoor courts. Its high-quality coverage ensures that fewer coats are needed to achieve a vibrant and consistent finish. This not only reduces the amount of paint required but also speeds up the application process.

Outdoor courts are exposed to harsh weather conditions and UV rays, which can degrade standard paints over time. Alpha Grip resists these elements, maintaining its color and integrity even under prolonged sun exposure and varying weather conditions. This resistance helps keep the court looking fresh and professional over the years.

Available in vibrant colors like Pickleball Blue, Alpha Grip enhances the visual appeal of the court. Alpha Grip offers excellent value for money. The paint lasts a long time, so you don't have to touch up or repaint the court often. This saves money and helps maintain a high-quality surface.

Have any additional tips or tricks?

Send your experiences to support@slipdoctors.com!