Synthetic Ice

In plain terms, D1 Synthetic Ice is a plastic material. The density and rigidity of the Synthetic Ice and its textured surface, when coupled with lubricants, creates a surface akin to real ice for skating purposes.

The D1 Glide Infused Self Lubricated Pro Synthetic Ice is an exceptionally fast and smooth skating surface that is 100% maintenance free. The glide solution is infused into and throughout the Synthetic Ice panel, which results in great glide properties without the need for additional topical lubricants. The Pro Ice is dry to the touch, but we recommend it be used with skates only to ensure the best performance possible.

D1 High Performance Synthetic Ice is our best-value Synthetic Ice. D1 High Performance Synthetic Ice offers the same great skating experience as the D1 Pro Ice, but does require an occasional light application of our D1 Glide Solution (like Windex® on glass). The High Performance Synthetic Ice also offers you the opportunity to use your rink with either skates or shoes & socks, which is a common use with indoor rinks.

The sensation of skating on D1 Synthetic Ice is the same as natural ice. The strides, stops, turns, etc. use the same technique. However, skating on Synthetic Ice requires about 10-15% extra effort, which makes it a great tool for training and developing an explosive skating stride.

Yes, a hockey puck slides and moves very well across D1 Synthetic Ice. The expected feel of the puck on the stick is about 95% of natural ice.

Any Synthetic Ice available will dull skates more quickly than natural ice. D1 Synthetic Ice will NOT damage your skates.

A hard, flat surface is required. A cement slab, wood platform, asphalt, patio pavers, crushed rock are each viable sub surfaces on which to directly install D1 Synthetic Ice.

It is recommended the sub surface be oversized by at least 12” (for outdoor rinks) and 3” (for indoor rinks”) on all 4 sides of the rink. This will accommodate any expansion that may occur with the Synthetic Ice, as well as the Board Supports.

No, D1 Synthetic Ice cannot be installed directly on grass. At a minimum, a cement slab or wood platform will need to be built to provide the adequate sub surface above the grass.

It is recommended the sub surface be oversized by at least 12” (for outdoor rinks) and 3” (for indoor rinks”) on all 4 sides of the rink. This will accommodate any expansion that may occur with the Synthetic Ice, as well as the Board Supports.

A 4 pound rubber mallet is required to pound the interlocking dovetails together to lock panels into place. If cutting is required, a circular saw will be needed.

Yes, absolutely. D1 Synthetic Ice may be used year long in the extreme heat and sun of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter.

D1 Synthetic Ice requires very little cleaning. Simply keep the ice free and clear of debris. D1 Synthetic Ice will require cleaning with “green” agents after numerable skating sessions. Cleaning intervals may increase if there is heavy usage.

D1 Synthetic Ice doesn’t require resurfacing per se. Should the ice become dirty or full of debris, simply broom sweep the surface and mop it with regular soap and water. A floor scrubber may also be used, but is not required.

No. D1 Synthetic Ice possesses a UV Stabilizer additive, which protects the ice from the sun. Rain water or snow will not affect the performance of the ice. In fact, water helps to clean the ice.

D1 Synthetic Ice is expected to last a long time. For extended life, simply flip over the D1 Synthetic Ice panels.

D1 offers a 1 Year Warranty on our Synthetic Ice.

Effective May 1, 2018

There is no particular time of year better than others for installing a synthetic ice rink.

Yes, additional panels may be purchased and easily connected with an existing rink system.