Pavement paint that stays put without fading or peeling is important to anyone who is marking parking lot lines. After all the work you put into line striping, the last thing you want is to see those lines deteriorate within weeks. In the long run, you need to make sure you get the right product for the job.
Which Is The Right Paint?
Carefully reading labels is always your best bet. The key term to look for is ‘traffic paint’. That should be front and center on the packaging. This is very important as pavement paint is designed to last on hard surfaces. If you try to use another kind of product for parking lot lines, you’ll end up with fading, peeling, and early wear. In short, it’s a complete waste of time and money.
Not all traffic paint is the same, though. In fact, there are 3 types of traffic paint that will give you long-lasting results. What you will need depends on a few things, so let’s take a look at each one.
1. Canned Aerosal Line Striping Paint
When combined with the right machine, these are absolutely hands-down the easiest and simplest to use. Anyone can get a professional result with these canisters! For someone like a property manager looking to maintain their own parking lot, this is the perfect solution.
Before you run out and buy it, calculate how much you’ll need of each color. Yes, colors. At the very least you’ll need a yellow or white for the parking lot lines, and blue to mark your handicap stalls.
2. Water Based Paint
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, there has been a movement against oil based traffic paint. If you live in a state that has banned the use of oil based products, then you must use water based instead.
It is absolutely crucial to get a good quality product from a reputable company. You need this to be sure your parking lot lines will last as long as possible. Remember: look for the words ‘traffic paint’ on the package. This product is perfect for applying with a roller, or a line striping machine built for this style of container.
3. Oil Based Pavement Paint
If you live in an area with no restrictions against the oil based product, this is an excellent and durable choice. It too can be applied by a roller or a line striper built for this type of packaging. The same rules apply as with other types of paint: look for a reputable company, and make absolutely certain that it is labelled as traffic paint.
Tips For Long-Lasting Parking Lot Lines:
Preparation is always your key to success. For the most durable and professional results make sure to:
- Clean the surface – especially when repainting existing lines; scrub or power wash first to remove any loose pavement paint
- Make sure the surface is dry as well as clean – check the weather forecast to plan for 24-hours free of rain
- Confirm that the temperature is warm enough – i.e. our oil-based needs 50°F and our water-based requires 60°F, always check the product label for details
- Allow the paint to dry – all that hard work will be for nothing if someone or something drives over the wet markings
- Add glass beads for visibility (optional) – these must be applied while the traffic paint is still wet; plan ahead
In summary
When you’re marking parking lot lines, quality matters. Look for a reputable company selling a product specifically labelled ‘traffic paint’ for a durable and long-lasting result. Decide whether to use canisters, or if you want use pails of water-based or oil-based. Follow the tips for long-lasting results, and you’ll be the pro at using pavement paint in no time at all.
Use Our Handy Paint Calculator To Know How Much Paint You’ll Need.
