The colors of the asphalt dance floor carry a message. Road or line striping paint, depending on climate and usage, usually grace our pavements for three to six years.

Pavement markings convey important information to roadway users. Center lines, lane lines, and special markings like stop bars or crosswalks must meet minimum reflectivity standards. Read on for some ideas.

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic is a plastic material that can be heated and manipulated into a liquid form for application to flat, grounded surfaces like parking lots, roads, and streets. It is used for individual line striping, crosswalks, arrows, loading zones, handicap symbols, and custom lettering.

When applied, it is as thick as paint. However, it is far more durable and can withstand much heavier traffic than paint. Thermoplastic can also be re-applied a number of times, saving time and money over the life of a pavement marking project. It is also more reflective than paint, making it easier to see in inclement weather and darkness.

Paint

Aside from thermoplastic, paint is another commonly used method of pavement striping. It is applied in a similar fashion to thermoplastic, utilizing specialized equipment that melts the marking material and asphalt surface together. This creates a long-lasting, high-quality pavement marking that stands up to abrasion and friction better than other paints. Thermoplastic road paint can be preformed, extruded, or sprayed and comes in a range of colors. It can also be combined with glass beads for retro-reflectivity.

It’s important to note that not all road paints play well with every type of asphalt composition, so it’s vital to check the label before choosing a product. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to test a small patch of the paint in your parking lot to see how it adheres and dries.

When choosing a paint, it’s essential to check that it meets local and national regulations regarding color, reflectivity, and skid resistance. It is also crucial to choose a paint that will last, especially in high-traffic areas. For this reason, we recommend choosing a durable paint with a high-sheen finish that is resistant to fading and chipping. Additionally, it is often a good idea to add glass beads to any painting project in order to increase visibility and safety.

Reflective Tape

Designed to increase visibility in construction zones, reflective tape is a safe alternative to spray paint. It’s more visible in poor light conditions and won’t fade over time. It can also be used to mark hazard zones, divide spaces, and provide directions. In addition to being easier on the environment than traditional spray paint, reflective tape is more durable and cost-effective.

The reflective material in the tape consists of tiny prisms or glass beads that bounce light back to its source. This makes it visible in low-light conditions, day or night. The tape is available in several colors, including yellow, white, red, green, and blue. It is also easy to apply and can be applied to any surface, including concrete or asphalt pavements.

Before applying reflective tape, make sure the surface is clean and dry. It’s important to remove all dirt, debris, oil residue, and flaking paint from the surface. It’s also a good idea to prime the surface before applying the marking tape. For best results, use a clear rubber cement-type primer. The tape should be installed in temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and rising. It’s also a good idea not to overlap the tape seams, and on long runs, splice it every 12-18 inches. Browse the next article.