Different types of line marking paints and where they are used

When completing a line marking project it is important to know the pros and cons of each type of paint. Also, you need to make sure you are using the material which is best suited for your requirements. We take a look at the different types of line marking paints and where they are used here:

What are the different types of paints used for road and car park markings?

Traffic Paint:

There are a variety of types of traffic paint, the most common being epoxy paint and water-based acrylic paint. They are both traditional paints, inexpensive and easily applied with powered equipment, a roller or even a brush. It is important to consider that acrylic paint is slow drying in humid conditions. Furthermore, epoxy has organic chemicals which evaporate easily. Another less common, high-quality traffic paint is MMA paint. It is well-suited to frequently used locations such as warehouses and depots as it is very hard-wearing. However, it is more expensive than other paints and smells strongly of ammonia. This, in turn, can be uncomfortable for those applying it. All of these traffic paints can be used for marking parking lots and loading zones. They are also used on block paving, concrete and indoor surfaces. 

Pre-formed Thermoplastic:

Pre-formed thermoplastic is one of the most useful and effective forms of line marking. It is long-lasting, cost-effective, and even comes pre-cut and ready to use. The pieces are created in the factory and designed to suit what you need for the project. Then the line marking experts apply them onto the road with a propane torch. However, this sort of line marking material has one requirement: it must be applied to a dry and clean surface, which means it has to be used in specific conditions. Pre-formed thermoplastic is a good choice for prestigious locations or customers who have requested complex designs. 

Tape:

This is an easy line marking solution, and is affordable, easy and simple to apply and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces. Tape is purchased in rolls, and comes in almost any colour you need. There are some negatives to this option as well, as it can be easily pulled off by vandals, and does not stick well to textured surfaces such as asphalt. When purchasing line marking tape, there are a couple of varieties with different wear characteristics. There is a thick, multi-layer tape, which is more expensive, but easy to use, and foil tape, which is affordable but extremely thin, so it wears easily.

Hot Applied Thermoplastic:

Hot applied thermoplastic is the most common method of line marking used in the UK, and since the 1950s it has been used for 95% of the public roads in the country. The reason for its popularity is that this material is affordable, long-lasting and can easily be used on a large scale. It comes in two main colours, white and yellow, but can also be sourced in red, blue and green if needed. This line marking material is bonded to the road with heat transfer, by using specialist equipment. The white version often has glass beads added to give reflectivity for the nighttime. Hot applied thermoplastic is only used on bitumen-based surfaces such as roads, and although it can stick to concrete and block paving, it won’t be quite as effective. 

Contact Us

Hopefully, this has helped to answer the question of, “Different types of line marking paints and where they are used”. Here at Road Marking Services, we complete a variety of line marking projects, including car park marking, safety markings, warehouse markings, and more. We only use the best, most affordable materials for our line marking, and with 25 years of experience, you can trust our experts with your project. Why don’t you contact us today?