Rink Liner Guide - Useful Information

Whether you are a beginner rink-builder or a seasoned pro, here are the key things you need to know about rink liners.

A rink liner has one main job: to hold water so it freezes into a solid block of ice.

Secondarily, it needs to contain melted ice during thaws, so it can refreeze when temperatures drop.

Sounds simple right? Here are a few important details to understand.

Mil vs Layer

  • Always use a 6 mil white rink liner.
  • Some competitors sell a 7 layer liner that is still only 5 mil thick — this is misleading.
  • Thickness (mil) matters far more than layers.
  • RinkMaster's extra 20% thickness (6 mil vs 5 mil) makes liners more durable.

What Does "Mil" Mean?

  • A mil is a unit of plastic thickness equal to one‑thousandth of an inch.
  • 6 mil liner = 0.006 inches thick. For reference, swimming pool liners are about 30 mil thick.
  • RinkMaster liners are always 6 mil.
  • Heavier gauges like 8 mil aren't worth the cost — skate blades, not thickness, are the real enemy of liners.

What Does "Layer" Mean?

  • Refers to the number of sheets in the plastic's construction.
  • Very different from "mil" (thickness).
  • More layers provide no advantage in rink liners.
  • In fact, some liners use low-grade filler materials between outer layers.
  • RinkMaster uses only virgin resin throughout — no fillers.

Key Terms and Definitions

  • Virgin Resin
    • Pure, unused plastic.
    • Stronger and more durable than recycled blends.
    • All RinkMaster liners are made with virgin resin.
  • Patch Tape
    • Heavy-duty adhesive for sealing holes or slices.
    • Prevents water loss that causes shell ice.
  • Seamed Liner
    • Made by fusing two sheets together.
    • Seam can become a weak point.
    • RinkMaster liners are always one continuous sheet, even at widths up to 60 feet.
  • Shell Ice
    • Occurs when water leaks through holes and forms a thin frozen layer over an air pocket.
    • Weak and crushes under weight.
  • UV Protection
    • Built-in additive that prevents liner breakdown from sunlight.
    • All RinkMaster liners are UV protected.
    • Store liners in a dark place if reusing.

Tips for Extending Liner Life

  • Choose a solid white liner, no patterns.
  • Keep the surface clear: remove sticks, leaves, and debris. Sunlight can burn holes where debris sits.
  • If reusing a liner:
    • Store in the dark during summer.
    • Patch holes carefully with quality patch tape.
  • Understand limitations:
    • Once rinks soften in spring, keep skates off.
    • Sharp blades will slice through the plastic easily, no matter the thickness.
  • Consider a new liner each year to avoid leaks and shell ice.