Blog

How Long Does It Take For Parking Lot Striping Paint To Dry?

Richmond parking lot striping is a service you can’t neglect. Striping helps maintain safety, keeps traffic moving smoothly and ensures your property is code-compliant. Whether striping a brand-new surface or refreshing existing lines, understanding how long it takes for parking lot striping paint to dry is crucial. Like any other pavement maintenance service, lot striping can create downtime and disruptions. Knowing what to expect and working with a great parking lot striping company can help you plan for this essential service while minimizing the impact on your business. Here’s what you need to know.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for Parking Lot Striping Paint to Dry?

Lot striping looks straightforward, but there are some complex logistics involved. First, a reputable local parking lot striping contractor must adequately prepare the surface to ensure the paint bonds to your asphalt. Depending on your pavement’s condition, preparations may involve cleaning, stain treatments, sealcoating, etc.

After applying the paint, your parking lot striping company will cordon off the area until the lines cure fully. The exact curing timeline varies based on many factors, which we’ll get to soon. However, most parking lot striping companies recommend staying off the pavement for at least an hour.

Parking lot striping paint can feel dry to the touch after 30 minutes, but it requires more time to bond to paved surfaces. Driving onto the striped pavement too soon could ruin the finish and create an unsightly mess!

What Factors Affect Lot Striping Drying Times?

Parking lot striping contractors typically give paint at least an hour of drying time. However, that’s a baseline. Several factors can lengthen the curing period.

•Weather Conditions: Most paint formulas rely on mechanisms of evaporation to cure. As the lot striping paint sits on the pavement, its moisture content evaporates slowly, leaving behind the pigment. Evaporation occurs quickly in warm, dry climates with decent wind. Therefore, parking lot striping contractors prefer to provide this service on warm days above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures, high humidity levels and overcast skies could slow evaporation, causing stripes to dry much slower.
•Multiple Coats: The best way to handle parking lot striping is to apply at least two thin coats. In some cases, your striping may require even more. Thicker applications can cause irregular curing, peeling, flaking and cracking. Expect longer dry times if your pavement requires several thin coats to achieve optimal vibrancy.
•Sealcoating: If your parking lot striping company applies paint on freshly sealed pavement, drying could take longer. The deep black color of cured sealer gives your paving a blank slate. However, it often requires multiple coats to get the desired results.

Do All Parking Lot Striping Paint Formulas Have Lengthy Drying Times?

Another factor influencing Richmond parking lot striping dry times is the paint used. The most commonly used paints are water-based or solvent-based. They’re cost-effective and provide good results. However, more premium alternatives like methyl methacrylate and thermoplastic paint are becoming more prevalent. You may enjoy faster dry times if your parking lot striping company offers higher-quality paint formulas.

When applied by an experienced local parking lot striping service provider, thermoplastic paint can cure in as little as five minutes! Meanwhile, MMA paint takes about 15 minutes. These parking lot striping products don’t need evaporation to bond with pavement, paving the way to faster curing.

Additionally, these paints are more durable, offering better longevity. Ask your local parking lot striping contractor about these options if you need minimal downtime. Otherwise, most contractors will work closely with you to develop a service approach that reduces disruptions to your property.

When you need Richmond parking lot striping service, turn to CVA Striping. We’re a striping company that aims to redefine quality standards in the pavement maintenance industry. Our team works hard to deliver outstanding results while creating a customer service experience that exceeds your expectations. CVA Striping is available for many services, including lot striping, restriping, curb painting, fire lane striping, ADA-compliant markings, pothole repair, sealcoating and more.

Call CVA Striping today to discuss your need, learn why we’re among Richmond’s best parking lot striping contractors and get a free quote. You can reach us at (804)432-3255, email cvastriping@gmail.com or use our online contact form to submit your information.