Why Do My Playground Tiles Leave Black Marks On Skin & Clothes?
Related Product: Sterling Playground Tile 95% Premium Colors 2.25 Inch x 2x2 Ft.
Why Playground Recycled Rubber Surfacing Leaves Black Marks on Clothes and Skin
Many playground tiles are made of recycled rubber, which consists of rubber buffings or crumb rubber that comes from reground automotive tires. When kids are playing on these recycled rubber tiles, some of the black color from the rubber can rub off. Factors like the wear and tear the flooring receives, as well as its exposure to harsh weather and high amounts of foot traffic, can increase the amount of material that rubs off during play.The black marks are often caused by carbon black, which is a pigment used in manufacturing vehicle tires. When the rubber surface is exposed to UV rays, it can experience color fading, which is typical for outdoor tiles.
If you’re dealing with existing playground flooring that leaves black marks on skin and clothes, you can reduce that residue by sweeping the flooring and even pressure washing it on a low setting to remove any residue from the surface. If your flooring consists of a pour-in rubber, you can apply a new sealant to replace the worn wear layer. The sealant will act as a barrier between the flooring and the children, which can help prevent black transfer.
How to Choose Rubber Flooring That Won’t Rub Off
Some types of tiles, including the playground recycled rubber surfacing option described above, are prone to rubbing off and leaving black marks. Carefully choosing your playground flooring can help prevent this issue.Choose a Rubber Tile with an EPDM Rubber Wear Layer
At Greatmats, we recommend that you choose an EPDM tile. EPDM tiles consist of rubber buffings or crumb rubber from reground automotive tires. They also feature 100% recycled SBR rubber backing, and they’re topped with an EPDM rubber wear layer, which is a synthetic rubber.
The Sterling Playground Tile 95% Premium Colors is an excellent choice, especially for high-traffic playgrounds, daycares, and playgrounds for younger children. These tiles feature an EPDM wear layer that’s highly durable and that prevents black rub-off. It’s ideal for playgrounds where children will be crawling and walking on the surface. Its enhanced durability also means that the tiles can withstand a demanding installation in spaces like schools and public parks. The EPDM wear layer also makes this playground tile easier to clean than other outdoor rubber tiles.
Choose a Playground Turf
While rubber playground surfaces are highly durable and offer important shock absorption, playground turf is an attractive alternative. A product like the Play Time Playground Green can create a welcoming, comfortable place while helping to maximize safety. This turf features an ASTM-certified 8-foot fall height rating to help protect kids from injuries. It features a 2.25-inch foam base layer for shock absorption and cushion, and it creates a safe and resilient surface.
Playground turf is an attractive alternative because it creates a natural-looking surface that is visually appealing. It feels great underfoot and doesn’t tend to get as hot as solid black rubber surfaces do, so it’s a great choice for playgrounds exposed to direct sunlight. It also requires minimal maintenance.
Choose a Plastic Tile
If you’re looking for a flooring product for a baby and toddler play area, consider choosing a plastic tile instead of a rubber one. Plastic tiles still offer shock absorption and a comfortable surface, but they don’t have the issues with color transfer that rubber tiles do.
The StayLock Tile Perforated Colors is a great choice for play areas. These highly durable tiles are suitable for outdoor use, and they can be used as a fall height flooring solution for child safety. They’re crafted from a waterproof PVC and are slip-resistant even when they’re damp. Plus, with their interlocking design, they allow for an easy DIY installation.
The Ergo Matta Perforated Outdoor Tile is another excellent choice. They feature a 20-inch ASTM fall height rating and a diamond shield tread to maximize traction for enhanced safety. The tiles are perforated for excellent drainage, and the lug connection system makes the installation easy.
Wear Shoes
We recommend that all playground users wear shoes, which will help prevent any black transfer to socks or to bare feet. Requiring shoes is a good safety tip, too, and it may help prevent scrapes, burns, and other potential injuries.