Resources

Guides for commercial buyers and setting teams.

Practical guidance covering VTF-ABS macros, hold selection, care, installation, wall paint and trade ordering — written for commercial gyms, route setters and wall builders.

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In-depth guides

Product guide

VTF-ABS macros explained

What VTF-ABS macros are, how dual texture works, and their Olympic track record at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

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Buyer's guide

Choosing climbing holds for a commercial gym

How to select holds, macros and volumes for a new or growing facility. Hold categories, buying ratios and setting programme considerations.

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Operational guide

Hold care and maintenance

Cleaning procedure, frequency, what to avoid, and storage practice for PU holds and VTF-ABS macros in a commercial setting.

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Technical guide

Fixing and installation guide

Substrate requirements, bolt specification, T-nut installation, torque settings and the inspection schedule for a commercial wall.

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Operational guide

Climbing wall paint guide

The Rockcity Prowall range developed with Coo-Var, surface preparation, texture coat options, colour selection and when to contact Rockcity for project-specific advice.

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Quick reference

Colour and finish guidance

Understanding the colour options across VTF-ABS macros and plywood volumes before building a larger order.

VTF-ABS holds are available in Rockcity's standard competition palette — around 20 colours covering the full range from light neutrals to strong competition primaries.
Plywood volumes are supplied in birch ply and available in a range of painted finishes matched to the hold palette.
Dual texture is standard on all competition-grade macros; single texture is available across the full range on request.
Custom colour matching is available for larger orders or full wall builds — contact the team with your RAL or Pantone reference.
The B2B portal catalogue includes current colour availability per product; check the variant list before ordering.

Care and cleaning

Maintaining holds and macros in good condition extends their life and keeps texture performance consistent.

Brush regularly with a firm nylon-bristle brush — weekly in busy gyms, after every significant reset.
Wash with a citric acid solution (a few percent citric acid powder in warm water) — citric acid dissolves chalk deposits and is safe for both PU and ABS surfaces.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully before re-use; citric acid rinses cleanly without leaving a friction-reducing film.
Avoid wire brushes or abrasive pads on textured surfaces — they remove the texture coating over time.
Avoid pressure washers on dual-texture macros; a low-pressure hose rinse is fine for large holds and volumes.
Store holds off the floor in a dry environment; stacking in crates is fine but avoid sharp impacts to textured faces.

Fixing and installation

Correct fixing practice keeps holds secure and wall structures safe under repeated load.

Use M10 stainless steel cap-head bolts for all permanent competition and commercial installations.
Minimum recommended wall substrate is 18 mm birch ply for training walls; 21 mm or above for competition panels.
T-nuts should be installed with a backing plate or through-bolt for panels that will be reset repeatedly.
Torque bolts to 20–25 Nm for standard holds; do not overtighten smaller holds as this can crack the moulding.
For volumes and large macros, use appropriate washer sizes and verify fixing depth through the full panel stack.
Schedule periodic visual inspections and re-torque checks as part of your wall maintenance programme.

Wall paint and texture

Rockcity's collaborated paint system with Coo-Var is designed specifically for climbing wall surfaces.

The system uses a purpose-formulated climbing wall paint and texture coat developed with Coo-Var, a Hull-based industrial paint manufacturer.
Surface preparation: sand down any nibs or rough patches, then apply a Coo-Var primer coat to new ply before painting.
Two finish coats are standard; coverage is approximately 8–10 m² per litre per coat on new ply.
Allow full cure of 24–48 hours before setting holds on freshly painted panels.
Texture coat is available for operators who want consistent friction across repainted areas.
Custom colour matching is available — contact Rockcity with your colour reference for a quote.

Trade ordering checklist

How trade accounts and the B2B portal ordering process works from first contact to confirmed dispatch.

Register for a trade account instantly via the B2B portal — no approval required, you can start building orders as soon as you sign up.
Orders placed through the portal are provisional until Rockcity confirms stock, production availability and delivery timeline.
Standard payment is bank transfer; net-30 terms are available for established trade accounts on application.
Lead times are typically 2–4 weeks for in-stock product; custom colours and large volume orders take longer.
For large or complex orders, contact the team before placing to discuss production capacity and agree a timeline.
Dispatch confirmation and tracking details are sent by email once the order leaves the facility.

Project enquiry checklist

What to include when enquiring about a new wall build, major reset or competition supply.

Wall dimensions and a basic layout drawing or floor plan — even a rough sketch helps scope the project.
Intended use: training wall, competition stage, commercial gym reset or home board.
Target completion date or event date — the earlier the enquiry, the more options are available.
Approximate quantities by hold type if known: jugs, slopers, pinches, macros, volumes.
Colour preferences or any existing palette you want to match or extend.
Budget range for the hold and macro package — helps scope realistic options without wasting time.

Quick reference

Colour and finish guidance

Understanding the colour options across VTF-ABS macros and plywood volumes before building a larger order.

VTF-ABS holds are available in Rockcity's standard competition palette — around 20 colours covering the full range from light neutrals to strong competition primaries.
Plywood volumes are supplied in birch ply and available in a range of painted finishes matched to the hold palette.
Dual texture is standard on all competition-grade macros; single texture is available across the full range on request.
Custom colour matching is available for larger orders or full wall builds — contact the team with your RAL or Pantone reference.
The B2B portal catalogue includes current colour availability per product; check the variant list before ordering.

Care and cleaning

Maintaining holds and macros in good condition extends their life and keeps texture performance consistent.

Brush regularly with a firm nylon-bristle brush — weekly in busy gyms, after every significant reset.
Wash with a citric acid solution (a few percent citric acid powder in warm water) — citric acid dissolves chalk deposits and is safe for both PU and ABS surfaces.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully before re-use; citric acid rinses cleanly without leaving a friction-reducing film.
Avoid wire brushes or abrasive pads on textured surfaces — they remove the texture coating over time.
Avoid pressure washers on dual-texture macros; a low-pressure hose rinse is fine for large holds and volumes.
Store holds off the floor in a dry environment; stacking in crates is fine but avoid sharp impacts to textured faces.

Fixing and installation

Correct fixing practice keeps holds secure and wall structures safe under repeated load.

Use M10 stainless steel cap-head bolts for all permanent competition and commercial installations.
Minimum recommended wall substrate is 18 mm birch ply for training walls; 21 mm or above for competition panels.
T-nuts should be installed with a backing plate or through-bolt for panels that will be reset repeatedly.
Torque bolts to 20–25 Nm for standard holds; do not overtighten smaller holds as this can crack the moulding.
For volumes and large macros, use appropriate washer sizes and verify fixing depth through the full panel stack.
Schedule periodic visual inspections and re-torque checks as part of your wall maintenance programme.

Wall paint and texture

Rockcity's collaborated paint system with Coo-Var is designed specifically for climbing wall surfaces.

The system uses a purpose-formulated climbing wall paint and texture coat developed with Coo-Var, a Hull-based industrial paint manufacturer.
Surface preparation: sand down any nibs or rough patches, then apply a Coo-Var primer coat to new ply before painting.
Two finish coats are standard; coverage is approximately 8–10 m² per litre per coat on new ply.
Allow full cure of 24–48 hours before setting holds on freshly painted panels.
Texture coat is available for operators who want consistent friction across repainted areas.
Custom colour matching is available — contact Rockcity with your colour reference for a quote.

Trade ordering checklist

How trade accounts and the B2B portal ordering process works from first contact to confirmed dispatch.

Register for a trade account instantly via the B2B portal — no approval required, you can start building orders as soon as you sign up.
Orders placed through the portal are provisional until Rockcity confirms stock, production availability and delivery timeline.
Standard payment is bank transfer; net-30 terms are available for established trade accounts on application.
Lead times are typically 2–4 weeks for in-stock product; custom colours and large volume orders take longer.
For large or complex orders, contact the team before placing to discuss production capacity and agree a timeline.
Dispatch confirmation and tracking details are sent by email once the order leaves the facility.

Project enquiry checklist

What to include when enquiring about a new wall build, major reset or competition supply.

Wall dimensions and a basic layout drawing or floor plan — even a rough sketch helps scope the project.
Intended use: training wall, competition stage, commercial gym reset or home board.
Target completion date or event date — the earlier the enquiry, the more options are available.
Approximate quantities by hold type if known: jugs, slopers, pinches, macros, volumes.
Colour preferences or any existing palette you want to match or extend.
Budget range for the hold and macro package — helps scope realistic options without wasting time.