Airport Markings
Choosing the correct material to apply the markings for the pavement of a parking area, should you have an unlimited budget, is simple. Thermoplastics and manufactured marking tapes are prohibitively expensive, although the former will last up to ten years, and the latter may be applied strategically in small quantities, and also provide enhanced reflectivity and consistency in quality. However, since most of us don't have thousands of dollars to throw away, a reasonable compromise will be the utilization of pavement paint. Even though not quite as durable as other marking materials, paint is far cheaper, and should not require re-touching for at least over a year if it is of high quality. Pavement paint also lasts longer in parking lots, because of reduced wear and tear coming from vehicles, which usually move a lot more slowly in them, and also are not therefore quite as abrasive. Even though solvent-based paints were once used for these markings, they proved to be unsafe for the environment and raised issues about health concerns, so today, water-based paints tend to be more commonly used. On the contrary, water-based paints are generally not as sturdy as their solvent-based ancestors, so repaints have a tendency to occur with increased frequency.
Pavement paint comes in a range of different formulations, based on the surface of the area where the markings will be going to be applied. Conventional concrete surfaces, for example parking lots, warehouses and sports courts, all of that have been around for some time, don't need more than the standard pavement paint application to make the markings stick. Once coated on, the paint should expect to handle the heavy tires of parking vehicles and also the frenzied bouncing of rubber shoes within 60 minutes. Other paint formulas has to be purchased, on the contrary, when working with hot asphalt, or with freshly laid concrete and hardtop, as the regular paint may not adhere properly, and also the markings could come out distorted or splotchy. Companies like Seymour have released lines of traffic marker paints that will be geared towards certain types of surfaces, professional striping and may be applied without losing color intensity or sheen.
Marking up a parking area also requires one to select paints in several colors. The usual colors are yellow and white, and also you are usually given free rein to ascertain your color scheme, however there can be statutes or regulations in your area that require certain signs to be certain colors for the sake of uniformity. Check your local ordinances and state laws to see what applies to you.
Lastly, you want to pick a pavement paint that withstands all kinds of weather conditions, particularly if you live in a territory that experiences the worst kinds of seasonal climate changes, and functions as it should whatever the circumstances. You would be prudent to select a paint with all-weather performance to withstand the ravages of the summer sun and winter blizzards, and the daily treading of vehicles on the paint job. It would additionally be smart to pick one with decent wet/dry reflectivity, to ensure that the signs can be seen, and followed, even if visibility is low.
