When choosing silicone PU coatings for your sports court, you may notice a significant price gap between different suppliers. Some brands offer coatings at a much lower price point than others. But what drives these price differences, and why are some products cheaper? Are they really offering the same quality? As the pioneers of silicone PU coating technology, we want to shed light on why our products are priced higher but offer lower operating costs.
Higher Unit Price, Lower Operating Costs
One of the key questions we often hear from potential customers is: “Why is your silicone PU coating more expensive per unit, but lower in operating costs?” This is a very important question, and the answer lies in the material choices and long-term benefits of our product.
Cheap silicone PU coatings often contain fillers—substitute materials added to reduce production costs. These fillers may make the initial product cheaper, but they come with several drawbacks that increase the overall operating costs over time.
On the other hand, our reinforcement layer allows us to use higher-quality materials that last longer, perform better, and require less maintenance. While our unit price may be higher, our products save you money in the long run. Here’s why:
- Filler-Based Coatings Need More Weight: To achieve the same thickness as a premium silicone PU coating, fillers need to be added in large quantities, increasing the total weight of the product. This not only adds to shipping costs but also creates a more brittle coating that’s less durable.
- Lower Quality, Shorter Lifespan: Fillers are cheap and low-quality materials that wear out more quickly than the pure resins and high-grade materials we use in our coatings. Over time, you’ll find that courts coated with filler-heavy products require frequent resurfacing or even complete replacement, leading to higher long-term costs.
- More Frequent Maintenance: The wear and tear caused by fillers result in increased maintenance costs. Fillers break down more easily when exposed to UV rays, moisture, and mechanical stress. This can lead to discoloration, cracking, or even complete degradation of the coating, which will require frequent repairs or reapplication.
By using a reinforcement layer instead of fillers, our coatings reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, helping you save money over the life of the court.
1. Why Fillers Are Used and How They Affect Price
The primary reason why some silicone PU coatings are priced lower is the use of cheap fillers. Fillers, such as low-cost resins, paraffin wax oils, and other inexpensive materials, are added to bulk up the coating. These fillers provide a way to increase thickness without improving the actual performance or longevity of the product. The goal is simple: reduce production costs.
However, using fillers comes with a series of trade-offs. Fillers are not designed to improve the properties of the silicone PU coating. Instead, they are simply cost-cutting substitutes for quality materials. This means that while these coatings might be cheaper up front, they lack the resilience, elasticity, and long-term performance that you would expect from a professional-grade sports court surface.
Over time, fillers can cause a number of issues:
- Reduced durability: Fillers contribute to faster wear, especially under heavy use, meaning you’ll need to replace or resurface the court more often.
- Inconsistent bounce: Since fillers are not designed to enhance the elasticity of the coating, they can cause erratic ball rebounds, affecting the quality of gameplay.
- Discoloration: Cheap fillers often contain materials like paraffin oils that can leak into the surface and cause the court to darken or lose its aesthetic appeal. This is particularly true when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
2. The Critical Advantage of Our Reinforcement Layer
What sets MPU Coatings apart is our reinforcement layer. Instead of relying on cheap fillers, we’ve invested in a cutting-edge design that enhances both the functionality and safety of our silicone PU coatings. The reinforcement layer is integrated directly into the surface, providing critical benefits that fillers simply cannot match.
- Enhanced Ball Bounce: The reinforcement layer ensures a consistent and vertical ball rebound. This is crucial for maintaining a high-quality gameplay experience, as the ball reacts predictably when hit, allowing players to perform at their best.
- Cushioning for Player Safety: The reinforcement layer also provides additional cushioning, absorbing shock and reducing impact on players’ joints. Whether it’s for a professional adult court or a recreational youth court, this layer acts as a buffer, protecting athletes from stress on their knees and joints, especially during high-impact movements like running or jumping.
- Durability and Longevity: With the added reinforcement layer, our coatings maintain their appearance and performance for years. Unlike cheaper alternatives, which may degrade or lose color quickly, our coating stays intact, saving you money on frequent maintenance or resurfacing.
By incorporating the reinforcement layer, we offer a superior surface that meets professional standards, ensuring the longevity and safety of your sports facility.
3. Regional Price Differences and Their Implications
Silicone PU coatings are manufactured across different regions in China, with areas like Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guangdong leading production. The price difference between regions is often influenced by local manufacturing practices and material choices.
- Shandong and Jiangsu: These regions typically produce low-cost silicone PU coatings, often using fillers to cut down on material costs. While these products might be cheaper, they come with significant drawbacks in terms of performance and durability.
- Guangdong: At MPU Coatings, we are proud to be based in Guangdong, where we focus on innovation and high-quality manufacturing standards. While the cost of production here is higher, it reflects our commitment to using pure, high-grade materials and implementing advanced technologies that deliver superior results. Products from Guangdong generally feature better quality, longer lifespan, and enhanced performance.
Thus, while you may find cheaper alternatives from other regions, the quality, durability, and player safety offered by MPU Coatings provide long-term value that will pay off over time.
4. Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Court
Selecting the right thickness for your silicone PU coating is crucial to achieve the perfect balance of cushioning, ball bounce, and durability. At MPU Coatings, we offer several thickness options, including 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm. Here’s a breakdown of how to choose the best thickness for your court:
- For Adult Courts (6mm): The 6mm thickness is ideal for professional or recreational adult courts. It strikes a perfect balance between cushioning and ball rebound. The surface provides enough shock absorption to protect players’ joints without compromising the ball’s speed or bounce.
- For Children’s Courts (8mm): For children’s courts, we recommend a thicker 8mm coating. This extra cushioning helps protect young athletes from the strain of running and jumping. It also slows down the ball’s rebound speed, giving children more time to react and making the game safer and more enjoyable. This added protection helps mitigate injuries and allows for a more controlled, fun environment for young players.
- For Light-Use Courts (4-5mm): If you are installing a court for occasional use or in areas with lighter foot traffic, a thinner 4mm or 5mm coating might be sufficient. These coatings are more cost-effective but will not provide the same level of cushioning or long-term durability as the thicker options.
5. MPU Coatings: Innovation and Quality at the Core
At MPU Coatings, we don’t just manufacture silicone PU coatings—we innovate them. Our product is the result of years of research, testing, and development. As the pioneers of the reinforcement layer in silicone PU coatings, we have set a new standard for quality, durability, and performance.
Our coatings are developed with the latest technology, ensuring that each batch delivers superior results. We are committed to providing top-quality products that benefit both your players and your budget in the long run. Investing in our silicone PU coating means you’re investing in the future of your sports facility.
6. Conclusion: Invest in Lasting Quality with MPU Coatings
In conclusion, while cheaper silicone PU coatings may seem attractive at first due to their lower unit price, they come with hidden costs in terms of quality, performance, and maintenance. By choosing MPU Coatings, you are making an investment in the long-term durability and safety of your sports facility. Our innovative reinforcement layer, combined with premium materials and advanced technology, ensures that your court will perform at its best for years to come.
Contact MPU Coatings today to learn more about how our silicone PU coatings can benefit your sports facility. We’ll work with you to create the perfect court that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.