Painting a Pickleball Court: A Guide for Beginners
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. This paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. As pickleball’s popularity continues to rise, more and more people are looking to set up pickleball courts at their homes, communities, schools, or parks. A key part of setting up a pickleball court is painting a pickleball court. If you’re new to pickleball and wondering how to paint a court, this guide covers the basics.
One of the first things you’ll want to know is how much does it costs to paint a pickleball court. The cost depends on a few key factors:
- Court surface – Painting a court on asphalt is cheaper than painting one on concrete. Asphalt usually costs $2-$4 per square foot for painting while concrete runs $4-$6 per square foot.
- Court size – Regulation pickleball courts are 20′ x 44′ for doubles play. But you can make courts smaller if needed. Bigger courts cost more to paint.
- Paint type – Outdoor latex pavement paints cost $35-$50 per gallon. More heavy-duty epoxy sports court paints run $50-$100 per gallon.
- Painting method – Using paint rollers and brushes is cheaper than renting a painting machine.
- Contractor vs DIY – Hiring contractors costs more but saves you time and effort. DIY painting is more affordable.
Most basic pickleball court painting projects cost $400-$800 on average.
How to Paint a Pickleball Court on Concrete
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to paint a pickleball court on a concrete surface:
- Clean and prepare the concrete surface – Make sure the concrete is clean and dry first. Sweep away dirt and debris. Use a concrete degreaser to remove oil and grease stains. Rinse thoroughly.
- Repair cracks and holes – Fill in any cracks, holes, or uneven areas with concrete patch filler. Smooth it flush with the surface. Allow the filler to dry completely.
- Apply concrete etching solution – Etching opens up pores in concrete to help paint adhere better. Pour the etching solution on the surface and spread with a broom. Let it sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
- Paint base court lines – Use a chalk line to snap the baseline and sidelines. Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint using a roller and extension pole. Let dry.
- Paint inner court lines – Tape out inner lines including serving boxes and no-volley zone. Carefully paint over the tape with acrylic paint. Remove the tape immediately after painting.
- Apply court surface paint – Once all lines are painted, apply two coats of textured acrylic court surface paint using a roller. Let dry overnight.
- Install court hardware – Add any net posts, anchors, or other hardware as needed. The court is ready for play.
How to Paint a Pickleball Court on Asphalt
Painting a pickleball court on an asphalt surface follows a similar process:
- Clean and prepare asphalt – Sweep away debris. Use a degreaser to remove oil stains. Power wash if needed. Allow to dry completely.
- Repair cracks and holes – Fill any cracks or holes with asphalt filler. Allow to dry before painting.
- Apply court paint – Snap chalk lines for baselines and sidelines. Roll on two coats of acrylic latex paint made for asphalt. Let dry.
- Paint inner court lines – Tape out serving boxes, no-volley zone, and other lines. Paint over tape with acrylic paint. Remove tape after painting.
- Add surface paint – For texture, apply one or two coats of acrylic asphalt court surface paint. Allow proper drying time.
- Install court hardware – Add net posts, anchors, or other hardware as needed to complete the court.
Hiring Pickleball Court Painting Contractors
If you don’t want to tackle a DIY court painting project, consider hiring professional pickleball court painting contractors. Here are some benefits:
- Save time – Contractors will complete the project much faster than a DIY job. No need to rent equipment or buy all the supplies.
- Get professional results – Experienced contractors are skilled at properly preparing the surface, applying paint, taping lines, and more. This results in a higher quality court.
- Access specialized equipment – Contractors have the right tools for the job like line taping machines, commercial-grade paint sprayers, laser line systems, and more. This makes painting easier and more precise.
When hiring a contractor, look for the following:
- Specialization in pickleball or tennis court painting
- Examples of past courts completed
- Use of quality court paints like SportMaster or NovaSports
- Good reviews and references
- Competitive Pricing
- Offers warranty on work
Hiring a pro costs $1500-$3000 on average but guarantees your court is painted properly so you can enjoy pickleball for years to come.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
Here are the official dimensions for a regulation-size pickleball court:
- Length – 20′ wide
- Width – 44′ long for doubles play
- Total area – 880 square feet
- Baseline – Located 20′ from the net on each side
- Serving boxes – 15′ x 10′ on each side
- No-volley zone – 7′ back from the net on each side
For smaller areas, you can also paint mini pickleball courts that are 16′ x 34′. Having the right court dimensions painted ensures you can practice proper strategy and gameplay.
Using Acrylic Paint for Pickleball Courts
When choosing paint for a pickleball court, look for acrylic latex paints or multi-purpose acrylic sport court paints. Here’s why acrylic paint works best:
- Durability – Withstands weathering, foot traffic, and wear from pickleball play. Lasts 3-5 years typically.
- Textured finish – Acrylic paints can create a textured finish that provides traction for safer running and pivoting.
- Color options – Acrylic paint comes in most colors if you want to paint your court a specific hue.
- Fast drying – Important for keeping lines crisp and avoiding smudges when taping.
- Easy cleanup – Acrylic paint is cleaned up with soap and water before drying. Other paints require chemical thinners.
Always choose an exterior-grade acrylic paint rated for use on sports courts and concrete or asphalt surfaces.
Pickleball Court Surface Options
There are a few options when it comes to the pickleball court surface you paint:
Asphalt – Most affordable option. Provides a smooth surface for play. Cracks over time.
Concrete – More expensive but lasts longer than asphalt. Creates consistent ball bounce.
Sport court tiles – Interlocking modular tiles create a cushioned plastic or rubber surface. Easier on joints.
Resurfacer paint – Special paint contains rubber granules or sand for texture. Resurfaces old courts.
Cushioned acrylic – Layers of acrylic paint mixed with rubber particles make a cushioned surface.
Post-tension concrete – Advanced concrete slab reinforced with cables for maximum durability. Most expensive.
The surface you choose depends on your budget and needs. An asphalt or concrete court painted with acrylic paint makes a great option for most homes and communities.
Painting your own pickleball court allows you to get in the game and enjoy this fun paddle sport. Follow the tips above to ensure your DIY or contractor-painted court looks and performs like the pros.
FAQs
The time varies based on factors like court size and drying time. Generally, it takes a few days, allowing for proper preparation and drying intervals.
It’s not recommended. Opt for high-quality, outdoor sports paint specifically designed for pickleball courts to ensure durability and performance.
Yes, there are regulations regarding the size and placement of the non-volley zone. Consult official pickleball guidelines for accurate dimensions.
While outdoor courts benefit from sealants for weather protection, indoor courts may not require it. Evaluate your specific needs and consult with experts if necessary.