SWARCO PREFORMED Insights from On-Site Training in Germany
Experts reveal tips and tricks -
SWARCO PREFORMED expertise
In spring 2025, SWARCO Road Marking Systems opened its doors for a special event at its site in Recklinghausen (Germany): interested customers were given a hands-on insight into the diverse world of SWARCO PREFORMED. The preformed thermoplastics, which are produced in Recklinghausen as well as elsewhere, were discussed in detail and applied on site. Professionals from marking companies and construction yards who had already gained some experience with SWARCO PREFORMED took the opportunity to benefit from the hands-on technical expertise.
Application Training of Preformed Thermoplastics on site.
SWARCO PREFORMED - a versatile product
The great interest in preformed thermoplastics is probably also due to its versatility: Whether on roads, schoolyards, playgrounds, parking lots or bike lanes - SWARCO PREFORMED can be used creatively and functionally anywhere. The training participants in Recklinghausen also applied various markings to different surfaces. The SWARCO product experts also explained the advantages of the formulations available, which have an effect on the hardness of the thermoplastic, among other things. The participants were able to take a close look at how this is implemented during a tour of the production site - An exciting look behind the scenes!
Preformed Thermoplastics
Symbols on the Road
Preformed Thermoplastics
on Playgrounds
Preformed Thermoplastics
on Parking Lots
Preformed Thermoplastics
on Bike Lanes
Tips for optimal use
A major advantage of SWARCO PREFORMED is the quick, easy, and clean application. Only a few steps and no special equipment are required—only a gas burner, a broom, and chalk. Nevertheless, there are ways to optimize the application process. The SWARCO experts explained exactly what is needed to ensure that the prefabricated markings can be burned onto the road surface flawlessly.
Specific answers on the use of primers
Special attention was paid to surface preparation, as product expert Laurens Meurer explains: "Our primers are used to pre-treat the substrate so that the material adheres better to the surface. Hands-on training like this gives us the opportunity to answer exactly these questions: Which primer should I use? When and how should I use the primer? How long should I let the primer flash off under these or those conditions?"
Another added value of the event is the direct exchange between the participants themselves. As they come from different areas of expertise, they were able to share insights "from the street". It doesn't get much more practical than that!
Preformed Thermoplastics Bespoke
Preformed Thermoplastics Bespoke
From club crests to company logos
The participants were also able to put the know-how they had gained into practice. Among other things, a large SWARCO logo was applied. Such logos are part of the SWARCO PREFORMED Bespoke range, where many things are possible: from simple special characters to colorful company logos. Such floor markings attract a lot of attention.
Laurens Meurer,
SWARCO PREFORMED Product Expert
"Together with our in-house design team, a wide variety of designs can be realized on asphalt or concrete. In the past, we have already implemented the crests of soccer teams, individual symbols for electric vehicle charging stations or a wide variety of company logos. Perhaps we can apply such a company logo directly at a company's premises at one of the next training courses."
Positive feedback and a clear perspective
This gives Meurer a positive outlook, as the event was not only a complete success for the participants – SWARCO Road Marking Systems was also able to gain valuable feedback through the personal contact. "We are always happy to support our customers at short notice with advice and assistance - a phone call or email is often all it takes. Nevertheless, events like this are incredibly valuable. We will definitely continue with this," emphasizes product expert Meurer. The successful format will therefore be continued in order to reach even more customers in a practical and personal way.
In a nutshell
At an application training course on site in Recklinghausen, interested customers received valuable first-hand knowledge and know-how about SWARCO PREFORMED. In addition to the practical application, they were also able to ask the SWARCO experts specific questions. An insight into the production of preformed thermoplastics completed the experience of the successful event.
FAQs
SWARCO PREFORMED are prefabricated road and floor markings based on thermoplastic. These markings can be individually designed and cut to size in the factory. Application is quick and easy: after a brief preparation, the material simply needs to be heated.
SWARCO PREFORMED is suitable for a wide range of applications on roads, schoolyards, playgrounds, parking lots, cycle paths and industrial areas. The prefabricated markings are ideal for realizing traffic signs, creative play areas or completely individual designs.
There are currently five SWARCO PREFORMED areas that reflect different possibilities: SWARCO PREFORMED Symbols can be used to create different lines, arrows, letters, numbers and traffic signs of all kinds. SWARCO PREFORMED Bespoke stands for special characters and individual designs such as company logos. SWARCO PREFORMED Playground offers colorful ground markings for schoolyards and playgrounds. With the roll material from SWARCO PREFORMED ECO Rolls, lines can be applied easily and small areas can also be repaired. SWARCO PREFORMED ECO Sheets are designed for marking larger areas.
First, the outline of the marking is marked out with chalk on the cleaned surface. If the surface is wet or cold, it must be dried and preheated. A primer is applied for better adhesion. The SWARCO PREFORMED marking is then applied and heated with a gas burner. Optionally, reflective glass beads and grip agents can be sprinkled on afterwards. After a successful adhesion test, the marking is cleaned with a broom to remove any excess grit.
To apply SWARCO PREFORMED, all you need is a gas burner, a broom, chalk and, if required, grit. For optimum adhesion to the substrate, a primer can also be used, for which a roller or brush is usually also advantageous.
SWARCO PREFORMED markings can be applied all year round. Application is only not recommended at temperatures below 5°C. For optimum adhesion, wet and cold surfaces must be dried and preheated.
SWARCO PREFOMED elements are prefabricated in the production plant and are therefore ready for immediate use. This reduces preparation time, as no templates or masking work are required. This saves time and minimizes sources of error. Application is simple, clean and fast. In addition, the consistently high quality of the prefabricated symbols ensures a uniform, professional appearance. Other advantages include year-round usability, individual design options and suitability for various surfaces.
SWARCO PREFORMED markings are extremely resistant to frost, snow, ice, salt and oil. This increases their durability and reduces the amount of maintenance work required.
SWARCO PREFORMED elements are available in a wide range of colors - even in your favorite color on request. A minimum quantity must be observed.
With SWARCO PREFORMED Playground, there are no limits to creativity - from letter mazes to number snakes and from giant compasses to moon rockets, many things can be realized. The SWARCO portfolio includes numerous animal, play and course markings - and even your own play ideas can be realized on request.
Yes, prefabricated thermoplastics can be combined very well with surface markings made of cold plastics (e.g. rubbing and rolling plastics). They can be easily burned onto the marking. Thanks to their high abrasion resistance, prefabricated thermoplastics are particularly durable.
SWARCO PREFORMED is used on cycle paths to apply symbols, arrows and pictograms precisely, permanently and quickly. This improves the visibility of important signs and increases the safety of cyclists and other road users.
As with all applications, a logo or design realized with SWARCO PREFORMED is subject to the necessary rights of use.
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Thermoplastic Systems
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SWARCO PREFORMED
About SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.