Pros and Cons of Different Striping Materials and Techniques

Once new asphalt sets after initial installation, the last step before putting it into regular use is generally lining it with patterns for vehicular traffic to follow, whether that means adding designated parking spaces, dividing lanes of traffic, or doing both at once in different areas of the lot. What many people undertaking projects like this do not realize at first, though, is that you have numerous options for how to line your pavement.

Understanding what options are available to you and the basic benefits and drawbacks of each can be key to making the right decision for your needs without delaying the project. Below is a general guide to the pros and cons of different striping materials and techniques, all of which our experienced paving experts at Integrity Paving & Coatings can help incorporate into your next paving project.

Water-Based Paint

Traditional water-based paint is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for striping asphalt and concrete pavement. It is generally a simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly option. That said, water-based paint typically does not stand up well to humid weather conditions or cold ones, and it tends to wear down much more quickly than some of the other options mentioned below—which can lead to increased maintenance and replacement costs over time.

Solvent-Based Paint

Compared to water-based paints, acetone-based and epoxy paints both stand up to lower temperatures and to consistent traffic better. They also can typically resist damage from materials like road salts. However, they can also require special—and more expensive—methods to remove and replace. They can sometimes be slippery when wet, which can be a problem for pavement with a mix of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Marking Tape

Lining roadways with colored marking lines is usually a temporary measure to redirect traffic during active construction, but it can also be a long-term strategy in some situations. Of course, tape is only as strong as the adhesive underneath it, so making it last for a significantly long time can require additional measures like carving grooves into existing pavement to lay the tape into.

Thermoplastic Striping

Thermoplastic paint is like a mix of all three methods listed above, taking the durability from solvent-based products and the flexibility and applicability from traditional paint. As durable as this option can be, it is also typically more expensive upfront than other options, even though it can ultimately save you money in the long term thanks to reduced maintenance and repair costs.

A Paving Professional Can Help Choose the Right Striping Material and Technique for Your Needs

Even if you know all the pros and cons of different striping materials and techniques, it can still be difficult to weigh them all against what you need from your lot and what your budget allows you to do with it. Fortunately, you have support available from seasoned paving professionals who are dedicated to honesty, transparency, and high-quality service with every single client.

At Integrity Paving & Coatings, we pride ourselves on doing business differently—and better—than the big companies in Austin and throughout Central Texas that will treat you like just another line on their balance sheet. Call today to learn how we can help with your project.