If you are a commercial proprietor looking to improve your parking lot’s appearance, safety, and performance, then thermoplastic technology might be the right choice to meet all of these objectives and more. Continue reading to learn the real facts about thermoplastic pavement applications, including how thermoplastics are used in road safety pavement marking applications.
What are Thermoplastics?
Basically, thermoplastics are polymers. They are heated until transformed into a liquid, and then once in liquid form, they are cooled down, which transforms them back into a solid. This type of thermoplastic process is used in various industries and applications all across the globe, including the manufacturing of medical equipment, machine parts, shipping and packaging, and many consumer goods. As for road safety pavement markings, such thermoplastic technology is applied for the purpose of improving lot safety and function, as well as, supporting aesthetic longevity of all markings.
Hot Melt Marking Paint
When it comes to using thermoplastics for the purpose of applying road markings, a very specific type of paint is used called hot melt marking paint. This road marking paint is specially formulated to render a particular finish that both reflects and withstands natural wear and tear. For application, the hot melt marking paint is heated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point it is poured over a road marking stencil and quickly adheres to the pavement. Common road marking stencils used in hot melt marking paint applications include handicap signs, fire lanes, lane striping, and safety words like STOP, YIELD, SLOW, or NO TURN. They are also commonly used to mark pedestrian cross walks, walkways, bollard posts, culverts, and ADA ramps.
Once the thermoplastic marking paint is poured over a stencil, the finished product cures quickly into a thick layer of bright, high-quality paint that is both reflective to light and resistant to many damaging conditions, including inclement weather, chemical spills, temperature fluctuations, and natural wear from traffic. This paint is proven to last up to 8 years longer than standard road paint, and can be professionally laid and cured in as little as 36 hours. For these reasons, thermoplastic technology is often the go-to solution for parking lots in need of a quality road marking renovation or new paint marking applications.
Thermoplastic Markings for Walkways
In addition to parking lots and commercial pavements, it is common for thermoplastic markings to be used for pedestrian walkways too. Glass beads are added to the thermoplastic hot melt marking paint to aid those on foot with traction, thus improving safety and protecting proprietors against certain legal liability. Not only does this glass bead strategy render walkways anti-skid, but they are also highly-reflective against headlights, which provides better navigation for pedestrians during dusk and evening hours.
Professional Road Marking Services for Parking Lots in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for line striping and road marking services for parking lots and roadways in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.
