Deciding on Pavement Marking Equipment

Road signs are not the only way drivers read traffic control messages. Pavement marking such as "stop" and "slow down," as well as crosswalks and handicap slots, can be just as effective at directing driver behavior. Here is some information to keep in mind as you decide whether to invest in pavement marking equipment for your property:

Types of Pavement Marking Equipment

• Compressed air spray
• High-pressure airless pump paint spray
• Thermoplastic paint pre-heaters
• Pre-markers for sketches
• Road marking removers

Additional pavement marking equipment items include pylons or other barriers to block off traffic, removable tape for temporary markings, stencils, and paint. Stencils can be used multiple times in projects such as parking lot stalls and handicap slots.

Common Types of Pavement Markings

• School black top games
• Double or single solid or broken yellow lines
• Solid or broken white lines
• Striping for parking lots
• Pedestrian crosswalks
• Arrows
• Speed limits
• Bicycle lanes

Deciding on Appropriate Pavement Marking Equipment

Choosing the correct pavement marking equipment requires understanding many factors, including the type of pavement you are marking, the climate the pavement is located in, and what type of marking materials you will be using. Because paint marking equipment can be a costly investment, some organizations outsource the work to experienced professionals who already have the necessary equipment on hand.

Some important tools used to mark pavement include paint striping machines, paint devices with one or two spray guns, and turf machines for athletic fields. Some pavement markers add glass beads to painted surfaces to enhance their reflectivity, a process which requires a hand-held bead dispenser.

Paint Types

Along with determining which pavement marking equipment meets your needs, you will also have to decide which type of paint you want to use. The first step is to find out what local regulations are in place. Some cities ban the use of solvent-based paints due to environmental concerns, though these paints offer an advantage in cold climates because the liquid does not freeze.

Acetone-based paints can also be applied at low temperatures and are commonly used in parking lots and garages. This product, however, raises some environmental issues. A more eco-friendly and affordable option is water-based paint, which dries quickly and allows for easy clean-up.

Epoxy paints are favored for their strong resistance to impact, which is useful for concrete surfaces. Both thermoplastic and epoxy paints are suitable long-term choices for high traffic highways.

When considering pavement marking equipment, it's best to consult experienced paving professionals who know the pros and cons of various supplies. For more information about pavement marking equipment contact Zumar at their Arizona, California or Washington location.