MESHICE® ice-surface graphics for reusable branding, markings and event design
MESHICE® is AST’s reusable mesh-based system for integrating the white ice surface, sport markings, sponsor graphics and decorative elements into real ice without relying only on conventional painting. SPORTWAVE treats it as part of the ice-build and operating concept rather than as a decorative add-on.
What MESHICE® can replace
AST documentation describes MESHICE® for the entire white ice surface, lines and sponsor advertising. Depending on the graphic concept, this can eliminate painting one or more colours during ice preparation and make recurring layouts more repeatable.
The strongest benefit is not simply appearance. It is reducing manual layout, paint preparation and rework where the same rink identity returns across seasons or events.
Why choose mesh graphics instead of paint?
- repeatable positioning of logos and markings;
- cleaner reproduction of complex sponsor artwork;
- reusable elements for recurring seasons or events;
- less manual repainting;
- pre-approval of artwork before the installation window;
- quicker clean defrost and removal compared with dealing with paint residues;
- the possibility of reusing the same graphic elements several times when removed and stored correctly.
AST also highlights an environmental operating advantage: after defrosting, only clean meltwater is returned rather than water containing ice paint residues.
How MESHICE® is installed
- create and level a stable base layer of ice;
- set out rink reference points;
- position the white surface, lines and/or graphics accurately;
- wet-in and fix the mesh according to the installation method;
- apply controlled thin covering layers;
- continue ice build-up to the required operational thickness;
- verify visibility, flatness and edge condition before normal resurfacing.
The mesh must remain flat and fully embedded. Folds, trapped air or rushed flooding can distort the graphic or create a local surface defect.
Sport markings come before decoration
For hockey and other regulated competition use, federation markings and event rules take priority over sponsor or decorative graphics. Artwork should be checked against centre lines, goal lines, face-off positions, goal creases, camera sightlines and required contrast.
Reusable graphics change recurring-season economics
A painted layout disappears with the ice and must be recreated. A reusable MESHICE® element can become a stored rink asset for municipal logos, venue identity, club branding, long-term sponsors and standard sport markings. AST states that the material can be reused several times when removed correctly.
Removal and defrosting
One of the practical differences from painted ice appears at the end of the season. The mesh can be removed during controlled defrosting instead of leaving paint residues distributed through the meltwater. This is particularly relevant to recurring seasonal systems where dismantling time and clean site handback matter.
Ice thickness still has to be controlled
MESHICE® must be covered adequately, but graphics should not become a reason to build an unnecessarily thick ice sheet. IIHF guidance uses approximately 25–35 mm as a typical operating range. Excess thickness increases thermal resistance and refrigeration demand.
Resurfacing should protect the graphic layer
Once safely embedded, normal resurfacing can continue, but aggressive shaving must not expose the mesh. Operators should know where the graphic layer sits and include ice-thickness checks in the maintenance routine.
Where MESHICE® fits best
| Project | Why it can be useful |
|---|---|
| Recurring municipal rink | Reusable city identity and sponsor branding. |
| Professional event | Accurate pre-approved sport and sponsor layout. |
| Permanent club arena | Repeatable club and centre-ice identity. |
| Custom-shaped public rink | Graphics can be composed around the actual visitor and camera geometry. |
| One-off rink with very simple markings | Traditional paint may still be the simpler choice. |
What we need for a MESHICE® concept
- rink dimensions and geometry;
- sport, event or public-skating use;
- official markings where applicable;
- vector artwork and brand guidelines;
- logo dimensions and sponsor hierarchy;
- main spectator and camera directions;
- ice-build schedule and target operating thickness;
- whether graphics should be reused;
- storage plan for reusable elements.
From this information, SPORTWAVE can coordinate the graphic layout, production basis and installation sequence so that MESHICE® becomes part of the ice system rather than a last-minute decoration.
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