What Is The Process For Thermoplastic Marking in Columbus?

What Is The Process For Thermoplastic Marking in Columbus?

If you want vibrant, hard-wearing pavement markings in Columbus, thermoplastic is the way to go. Thermoplastic marking in Columbus is a tougher alternative to standard striping. Great for roads and parking lots, thermoplastic is an entirely unique material compared to your garden-variety asphalt paint. Thus, it requires a unique application process. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Thermoplastic Marking?

Thermoplastic road marking is similar to standard striping. However, it uses a heat-reactive polymer plastic instead of traditional asphalt paint. Standard asphalt paint contains water or solvent as its base. Once applied, the paint needs time to dry and cure.

Thermoplastic striping uses a dry powder material. Before application, contractors heat the thermoplastic powder to extremely high temperatures. It then goes molten, allowing experts to apply it directly to the asphalt.

Is Thermoplastic Striping Quicker to Apply?

Preparing thermoplastic road marking paint is a little more involved than standard asphalt paint. The heating process adds some complexity. Even still, contractors can often work faster and more efficiently because of the dramatically quicker curing process.

You see, thermoplastic road marking paint hardens as it cools. Once it touches the asphalt, its temperature drops quickly, bonding the material to the pavement. How long does it take to dry and cure? It’s ready for action in as little as 3 minutes! For perspective, water-based striping paint can take over an hour to dry enough for traffic.

That rapid curing process makes thermoplastic striping in Columbus impressively quick and efficient. Less drying time means less downtime for your property.

On Average, How Long Does Thermoplastic Marking in Columbus Last?

Columbus thermoplastic markings also have a longer lifespan. As the thermoplastic road marking paint cools and cures, it adheres tightly to the pavement. Fully cured, it’s incredibly resilient. It resists abrasive damage, chemical corrosion, UV damage, and more. Thermoplastic markings even retain their vibrancy longer, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications.

When applied correctly, thermoplastic road markings can last up to 7 years! That’s significantly longer than the 18 to 24 months of basic water- or solvent-based paint.

While Columbus OH thermoplastic markings cost more to apply, they pay for themselves through longevity. Higher durability means fewer striping service appointments throughout your pavement’s lifespan.

How Do Contractors Apply Striping in Columbus?

Thermoplastic striping in Columbus is unlike any other traditional pavement marking process.

• Surface Prep: Like any other project, thermoplastic road marking requires some surface prep. The pavement needs to be clean and dry before application. Contractors may pick up trash, sweep the surface, and wash away grime a few days prior to your service appointment for the best results.
• Heating: On the day of your Columbus thermoplastic marking appointment, contractors will heat the material in a hot-melt kettle. These kettles heat the thermoplastic powder to temperatures of 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Application: Once the thermoplastic road marking paint is molten, contractors can apply it to the pavement in a few different ways. Most will use screed boxes or extrusion shoes, which push the material through a die to create crisp, consistently sized lines. Some will also use sprayers for longer, continuous lines, typically for large-scale thermoplastic road marking projects. For smaller projects, contractors may also use preformed sheets, which don’t require kettle heating. Instead, experts apply the cut sheets directly to the pavement and heat them with a torch.
• Drying: Regardless of application method, all thermoplastic striping needs time to cool and dry. Luckily, this only takes 3 to 5 minutes.

AMP Pavement Marking is proud to be the go-to provider of thermoplastic striping service in Columbus and the surrounding areas. We also offer other options, striping parking lots, garages, playgrounds, warehouses, sports courts, and other paved surfaces. We know how to apply Columbus thermoplastic markings flawlessly, providing beautiful results that last for many years to come.

When you’re ready to upgrade to a better, longer-lasting striping material, reach out to the AMP Pavement Marking team. You can learn more and get your free quote by calling us at (614) 398-0085, emailing info@amppavementmarking.com, or submitting your information through our online form.