Surface first, line second
A line is only as good as the grass beneath it. Worn goalmouths, damp turf and uneven growth all affect how markings appear from the stand.
Modern marking materials
Today, grounds teams can choose dedicated grass line marking paint and equipment designed for sports surfaces, giving more consistent results than older chalk-heavy methods.
Why it matters for reconstructions
When an old ground is reconstructed visually, line softness, grass colour and surface wear can make the difference between a generic stadium image and a believable matchday scene.