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How To Choose The Most Effective Striping Parking Lot Paint

Did you know that there are several types of paint formulas available to use on your Richmond parking lot striping project? While stripes and markings look nearly identical at first glance, different formulas offer different benefits. Effective striping parking lot projects are about choosing the right one for your property, needs, and budget. In this blog, we’ll cover a few paint formulas Richmond striping companies use and how to choose the right one.

What Types of Formulas Make Effective Striping Paints?

Before striping your parking lot, you should consult your contractor about what’s available. Not all striping companies in Richmond will offer different choices. Some formulas take greater skill and more experience to apply without issue.

The most common parking lot striping paint products available to property owners and managers in Richmond are as follows:

•Water-Based: Water-based formulas are the most economical choice. They’re similar to paints you can buy for an art project. They’re quick-drying and produce a smooth finish.
•Solvent-Based: Solvent-based paints usually contain pigments with acetone or oil. Striping companies in Richmond often use these paints in high-traffic areas because they bond well with pavement and hold up better over time.
•Thermoplastic: Thermoplastic Richmond parking lot striping products start as a dry powder. Contractors heat the powder to temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The powder becomes a molten liquid that experts can easily apply to asphalt. Once cured, thermoplastic parking lot striping is ultra-durable.
•MMA: Methyl methacrylate (MMA) paint is among the hardest-wearing options. It’s a two-part component. Before striping your parking lot, contractors combine the two parts to start a chemical reaction that hardens the paint in minutes.

How Do These Striping Paints Compare in Durability?

Durability should always be a priority when striping your parking lot. You want your lines and markings to last as long as possible, maintaining safety and traffic efficiency. However, no parking lot striping paint lasts forever.

Generally, water-based paints have the lowest longevity. The lifespan of paint varies based on numerous factors, but water-based formulas usually don’t last more than two years. They often require more touch-ups.

Solvent-based paints last a little longer. Richmond parking lot striping can last up to three years, with most surfaces needing reapplication after about 24 months.

Thermoplastic has a lifespan of three to seven years. It’s thicker and forms a much tighter bond with pavement, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic lots.

Finally, there’s MMA paint. This two-part formula can stay vibrant for up to a decade! Best of all, it maintains vibrancy throughout most of its lifespan.

How Do I Choose the Best and Most Effective Striping Parking Lot Paint?

Choosing the right paint product for your parking lot striping project isn’t easy. Here are a few things to think about.

•Budget: If you’re budget-conscious, cheaper water- and solvent-based paints are the standard. MMA and thermoplastic paint are premium products with prices to reflect it.
•Traffic Volume: Consider the amount of traffic your parking lot receives. Non-stop vehicles may warrant a more hard-wearing formula. If your budget prevents you from painting your entire parking lot with a more expensive paint, you can work with your contractor to use it on high-traffic areas.
•Exposure: Open parking lots in areas that receive regular inclement weather may need more durability.
•Maintenance Needs: Think about how often you want to pay Richmond striping companies to refresh your lines and markings. While premium formulas are more expensive upfront, you can save by reapplying less frequently.
•Logistical Needs: Some parking lot striping paints cure quicker than others, which could reduce downtime for your property.

Not sure what paint is right for your parking lot striping project? CVA Striping can help. We’re among the most experienced striping companies in Richmond. We offer many options to our clients and work closely with them to develop solutions that count. Our team is well-trained and committed to producing five-star results, no matter what paint you choose.

In addition to being one of the most trusted Richmond striping companies, we offer asphalt repairs, sealcoating, curb painting, fire lane striping, parking stop installation, and more. Give CVA Striping a call today at (804) 432-3255 to learn more and request a free quote. You can also email the team at cvastriping@gmail.com or submit our online contact form.