Asphalt Contractor Tips & Local Guides

Asphalt Striping Methods Compared: Paint vs. Thermoplastic

Standard traffic paint and thermoplastic are two common choices for parking lots and driveways in Edmonds, WA. When Pacific Asphalt Co works on local properties, property owners often ask which option is better for their lines. Both materials have specific uses depending on traffic volume, budget, and weather conditions in Edmonds. Standard traffic paint is a liquid paint that is sprayed directly onto the asphalt surface. This option is very popular for parking lots and driveways because the installation is quick and the upfront cost is low. Pacific Asphalt Co uses standard traffic paint for smaller commercial lots and residential properties where budgets are tighter. However, standard traffic paint will wear down faster under heavy vehicle traffic and the wet Edmonds winter weather. Edmonds properties with high traffic volume will need standard traffic paint reapplied every year to maintain clear visibility. Thermoplastic is a thicker, more durable material made of synthetic resins, pigments, and glass beads. Thermoplastic is applied using heat, which melts the material so it bonds directly with the asphalt surface. Pacific Asphalt Co recommends thermoplastic for high-traffic commercial parking lots, schools, and shopping centers in Edmonds. Thermoplastic is much more expensive than standard traffic paint initially. The higher upfront cost is offset by the longevity of the material, because thermoplastic can last for 5 to 8 years or more even with heavy vehicle use. Thermoplastic also contains reflective glass beads that improve nighttime visibility during dark Edmonds winters. Pacific Asphalt Co provides Asphalt Contractor services for properties in Edmonds, WA.