Facts About Thermoplastic Pavement Markings

If you are a business owner with a brick-and-mortar location, thermoplastic pavement markings should be something on your priority list. Your surrounding paved lot is more than an investment; it is also potential liability if not properly maintained. Furthermore, it must be kept in adherence to all local and state regulations, including ADA compliancy codes.

Continue reading to learn more about thermoplastic pavement markings, and what you can do to ensure your commercial or industrial lot is up to code and well-preserved for years to come.

Indianapolis Indiana Line Striping and Pavement Marking
Indianapolis Indiana Line Striping and Pavement Marking 317-549-1833

What are Thermoplastic Pavement Markings?

Thermoplastic pavement markings are a specially formulated type of polymer that turns into liquid form when exposed to high levels of heat; 392 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact! Once cooled, or cured as we pavement contractors say in the industry, thermoplastic pavement markings turn back into a solid. For this reason, they are used in a wide range of industries all across the world, including in applications for machinery parts and hardware, consumer goods, packaging, medical instruments and devices, stored materials, and of course, road safety and paving.

Hot Melt Marking Paint

In terms of road safety and paving applications, thermoplastic pavement markings are used as paint, also known as hot melt marking paint. As mentioned, this paint is heated to the high level of 392°F, which is the necessary temperature in order for thermoplastic marking paint to turn into a liquid. Once in liquid form, it can be applied to all sorts of flat, grounded surfaces in parking lots, roads, streets, and more.

For many pavement markings, templates, cut-outs, and stencils are used to create the needed symbol, marking, sign, or directive. Once the paint is poured, it is allowed to completely cool and hardened. At that point, the stencil is removed and what’s left is thick, wear-resistant markings that will last for years with good pavement care.

The most common types of markings made with thermoplastic pavement paint include:

▻ Handicap Spaces
▻ Parking Spaces
▻ Reserved Parking Spaces
▻ Arrows for Directing Traffic
▻ STOP Markings
▻ Emergency/Fire Lanes
▻ Crosswalks
▻ NO PARKING Zones
▻ Bus Lanes
▻ SLOW Zones
▻ Bollard Posts
▻ Loading Docks
▻ Mobility Ramps
▻ Bike Lanes
▻ Curbs and Steps

Aside from their longevity and resistance to wear and tear, many proprietors are pleased with thermoplastic markings because they are bright, reflective, and deliver a higher level of aesthetic compared to regular pavement paint. Best of all, hot melt marking paint dries quickly, and can even be walked on or driven on after only a few minutes!

Are your pavement markings looking a little dull, or non-existent altogether? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for top-quality, cost-effective line striping and road marking services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

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Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833

How Thermoplastics are Used For Road Safety Pavement Markings

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.

Indianapolis Road Marking
Indianapolis Road Marking and Line Striping Service 317-549-1833

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.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company
Indianapolis Pavement Repair Company 317-549-1833