Ways to Apply Thermoplastic Road Markings
Thermoplastic is one of the most innovative materials of the 21st century. Used to form plastic water bottles, shampoo bottles, toys, and much more, it has proven to be both durable and flexible. It is also the best type of road marking paint for rural roads and highways alike, giving roadways the bright, long-lasting line markings they need to promote traffic safety. Below is a description of the three ways to apply thermoplastic road markings.
Screed
One way to apply thermoplastic road markings is called “screed.” This method involves the use of a thermoplastic applicator machine consisting of a heated hopper on a pram. Underneath is a gate that dispenses the heated thermoplastic onto the pavement in a given thickness. Glass beads are added manually either by machine or by hand. The screed method is best for double yellow lines and other traffic markings like pedestrian crosswalks, stop lines, and arrows.
Extrusion
Extrusion is similar to screed, except that one operates a machine at a slow pace to drive the thermoplastic in the right direction. Hot thermoplastic paint is pumped out through the gate beneath the machine at the desired line thickness. The application of glass beads is simultaneous and automatic. The extrusion method may be the slowest, but it is the best for applying new lines on newly constructed roads.
Spray
One would apply thermoplastic markings with the spray method in order to restore old and fading lines. A nozzle attached to a container holding heated thermoplastic road marking paint accurately sprays the paint onto the faded lines or marks. With today’s technology, the spray can apply the paint faster than extrusion can, but is still best for fixing older lines without creating overly-thick markings.
Factors of Successful Application
While different thermoplastic road marking paint applications exist for different purposes, there are many other factors that determine its ultimate success. For instance, some surfaces will require a primer beforehand, particularly if adhesion between the paint and the pavement is questionable. One must also factor in the temperature and humidity of the pavement; cold and damp surfaces are not ideal for paint application. Therefore, the pavement’s condition and the paint’s temperature are both keys to successful road marking results.
Contact Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation for Asphalt Road and Parking Lot Services!
Teniseal Corporation specializes in the application, restoration and maintenance of all types of asphalt surfaces. It makes sense to trust your asphalt job to experts with the experience and technical know-how to do your project right from the start to provide a long-lasting result. Teniseal offers services for Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s, Harford, Carroll, and Montgomery counties in Maryland. For more information, email them at [email protected], or call them at 410-485-5660 or 410-485-0717. Keep in touch on social media through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
