Field Paint Only

Field Paint Only is a rule stating that players must exclusively use paintballs purchased from the facility or event host. This rule exists for several reasons: maintaining consistent quality, protecting field infrastructure, and supporting the business model of paintball operations.

Using field-approved paint ensures the paintball shell, fill, and diameter meet the venue’s standards. Paint that is too brittle can damage rental markers or cause barrel breaks, while poor-quality paint may shed shell fragments, clog hoppers, or leave residue that affects field conditions.

FPO systems also prevent players from bringing potentially unsafe paint sourced elsewhere. Old or improperly stored paint can harden, increasing injury risk, or become misshapen, causing internal marker failures.

From a business perspective, paint sales often represent a major portion of field revenue. The FPO rule ensures fields remain financially viable, supporting staff, maintenance, air fills, and safety infrastructure.

Enforcement varies. Recreational fields check pods and hoppers before games. Tournament fields may mark paint or use proprietary colors to ensure compliance. Violations can lead to ejection, penalties, or disqualification.