6 Mistakes To Avoid When Line Striping Your Parking Lot

No one enjoys having to park their car in a spot that’s been hastily marked off with some pieces of tape or a few spray cans. It can be tough to find a good parking spot, and it’s even tougher to figure out how to get out of the spot without scratching your car. So why do so many people do it wrong? Let’s discover this and more with these six common mistakes people make when line striping their parking lot.

1. Striping the lines too thin or too thick

There’s no problem in taking on a DIY parking lot striping job, but you have to know a few things. Striping the lines too thick or too thin can drastically affect the quality of work. The best way to avoid this blunder is by doing a patch test of multiple consistencies.

2. Not using the correct type of paint

The high gloss emulsions you use for painting your walls are not meant for a line striping job. A commonly committed error in a striping job is not choosing the perfect paint. We suggest going with water-based acrylic paint for striping your parking lot. You should be able to find it at a hardware store nearby, but make sure you pick the bright shades needed for striping. Or you can always ask a striping professional for more information.

3. Failing to prep the surface properly

The dirt and debris stuck to your asphalt affect your overall striping job. To begin with, it can prove to be a hindrance to the paint from adhering properly to the surface. On the other hand, the uncleanliness of your pavement can also cause the striping to look haggard and untidy. What you get as a result is an inferior job that lacks precision.

4. Applying the paint in the wrong weather conditions

You might be thinking that as long as the surface is dry, you can go ahead and start painting. However, that isn’t always the case. The ideal temperature for applying paint on asphalt pavement is 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold, humid, and hot temperatures can cause the paint to dry or get runny.

5. Messing up traffic patterns

You could cause cars to be directed in the wrong direction or incorrect location because you failed to measure the lines correctly. This can cause a lot of trouble for the drivers and can be dangerous at times. So, a neatly done line striping also involves not messing up the traffic patterns.

6. Not hiring a professional

Not hiring a professional can cost you big in the long run. A professional line striping company will have the right equipment and know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They’ll also be able to recommend the best type of paint and place accurate markings that cater to your specific needs.

If you have a parking lot and are looking for professional help in Washington for line striping, 309 Paving Services can be of help. We have been providing our clients with top-quality services in parking lot striping and other pavement solutions for more than 15 years. 

Get a free estimate today!

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