Faded parking stalls and invisible fire lanes do not help your property curb appeal or liability. When you are looking at refreshing your pavement markings, you must choose between standard liquid traffic paint and thermoplastic. All Star Asphalt Company gets asked about the differences on almost every job site from Bradford Avenue down to Yorba Linda Boulevard.
All Star Asphalt Company looks at how these two options actually stack up under local conditions here in North Orange County. We deal with intense summer heat, baking UV rays, and very little rain until the winter months roll in. That climate plays a huge role in how long your striping lasts.
Standard Traffic Paint
Standard Traffic Paint is what most people picture when they think of striping. Standard Traffic Paint is a liquid, water-based or solvent-based coating that gets sprayed directly onto the clean asphalt.
- Upfront cost is very low, making it easy on the wallet for a quick refresh.
- Application is fast, and Standard Traffic Paint dries quickly so you are not blocking your lot for long.
- Durability is relatively short. In our harsh sun, Standard Traffic Paint tends to fade or chalk up within 1 to 2 years.
- Maintenance requires frequent restriping to keep lines looking crisp and sharp.
Thermoplastic Markings
Thermoplastic Markings are an entirely different type of material. Thermoplastic Markings are heavy-duty polymer materials that get heated up to high temperatures and either sprayed or laid down as a pre-formed sheet. As Thermoplastic Markings cool, they bond tightly to the asphalt surface.
- Initial investment is significantly higher because of the specialized equipment and materials needed for Thermoplastic Markings.
- Longevity is unmatched. Thermoplastic Markings can easily last 5 to 8 years or more, even under heavy daily traffic.
- Appearance stays bright and reflective much longer due to embedded glass beads and UV resistance.
- Removal or modification is tough if you ever need to completely change your parking layout.
Making the Call for Placentia Properties
If you are managing a tight budget on a residential multi-family property or a small commercial lot where layout changes happen often, Standard Traffic Paint works well without costing too much money. You will just need to plan on budgeting for a fresh coat of Standard Traffic Paint every couple of years.
On the other hand, if you have high-traffic areas, main entry lanes, ADA stalls, or stop bars that take a beating, Thermoplastic Markings are usually worth the higher upfront cost. Between the blistering summer heat index in our inland valley and the constant vehicle turning movements, Standard Traffic Paint simply burns off too fast in those high-wear zones.
Take a hard look at your traffic volume and your long-term plans for the property before you decide. Matching the right material to your specific layout prevents you from wasting cash on constant touch-ups while keeping your visitors safe and organized. All Star Asphalt Company provides Parking Lot Striping services for homes and businesses in Placentia.