Why Are My Pitch Lines Fading? 7 Causes and Fixes
Pitch lines usually fade fast for one of seven reasons: the paint grade is too low for how often the pitch is used, the paint is over-diluted, the grass is long or wet when you mark, the nozzle is wrong or worn, the machine is partly blocked, or the paint has been stored badly. Most are quick to fix. Here's how to work out which one is yours.
1. The paint isn't up to the job
An everyday paint on a match pitch marked two or three times a week will always look tired. Step up a grade:
- Concentrates: move from Clubline to Lumen or Extreme. Both are brighter, last longer, and cost less per pitch because each 10L marks more pitches.
- Ready-to-use: move from Edge to Direct. Direct gives longer-lasting lines, works in the same pedestrian and robotic markers with the same nozzles, and costs €1 less per container.
| Paint | Grade | Pitches per 10L | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubline White | Everyday concentrate | 4 | €65 |
| Lumen White | Brighter, longer-lasting concentrate | 5 | €72 |
| Extreme White | Our longest-lasting concentrate | 6 | €85 |
| Edge | Ready to use, bag-in-box | 4 | €65 |
| Direct | Longer-lasting ready to use | 4 | €64 |
Pitch counts are for full-size football pitches.
2. The paint is over-diluted
Adding extra water to stretch a drum is the most common cause of weak lines. Stick to the mix per full-size pitch:
- Clubline: 2.5L paint + 4L water
- Lumen: 2L paint + 4.5L water
- Extreme: 1.5L paint + 5L water
Never add water to ready-to-use paints such as Direct, Edge or Ecoline+.
3. The grass is too long, or full of clippings
Paint sits on the tips of long grass and is mown off within days. Loose clippings take the paint with them when they blow away. Mow first, clear the cuttings, then mark.
4. The grass is wet, or rain comes too soon
Paint on wet grass runs and doesn't bond. Mark in dry conditions where you can and give the lines time to dry before rain or watering. On wet, exposed pitches, Lumen and Extreme hold their colour better.
5. The wrong nozzle, or a worn one
A nozzle that's too small for the paint lays a thin line; a worn one sprays unevenly.
- Clubline and Lumen: Green Flat Fan
- Extreme: Yellow Flat Fan
- Direct and Edge: Pitchmark stainless steel or Green Misting nozzle, never flat fan
If you mark two or three times a week, replace nozzles every season. See the nozzle guide.
6. The machine is partly blocked
Clogged filters or a tired pump reduce the flow, so less paint reaches the grass even when the line looks even. Flush with clean water or EcoClean after every use, check the filters, and replace them when they look worn. Browse spare parts.
7. The paint has been stored badly
Paint that has been frozen, or kept past its 12-month shelf life, won't perform. Store it upright between 10°C and 25°C, away from frost, and shake it well before use.
Frequently asked questions
How long should pitch lines last?
It depends on the paint, the weather, mowing and how much the pitch is played on. If your lines are fading noticeably faster than they used to, work through the seven causes above.
What is the longest-lasting pitch marking paint?
Extreme White is our longest-lasting concentrate. For ready-to-use paint, Direct lasts longer than Edge.
Can I add more paint to the mix to make lines last longer?
A slightly stronger mix helps on heavily used pitches, but moving up a grade is usually cheaper per pitch than over-strengthening an everyday paint.
Does rain wash pitch lines away?
Rain before the paint has dried will. Once dry, good pitch marking paint is weather-resistant.
Still fading? WhatsApp John on 086 817 4112 with a photo and we'll tell you what's going wrong. Free next-day delivery to all 32 counties.