Parking lot striping goes beyond simple paint application. It’s about creating order, facilitating smooth traffic flow and ensuring safe access for everyone. Without designated lines, a commercial parking space becomes susceptible to accidents and traffic jams.
This guide answers useful questions and offers insights into the following:
- What Is Parking Lot Striping?
- Essential Tools and Materials for Parking Striping
- The Step-by-Step Striping Process
Discover why well-defined parking stripes matter and the value of thoughtfully marking your parking space.
But First, What Is Line Striping?
Line striping involves applying painted lines and markings on roads, pavements, parking lots, warehouses and other public areas. Visible pavement line striping helps designate lanes and ensures smooth vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow.
Surface markings also indicate turning signals, walkways and stop locations. When these markings are not visible, it can lead to potential hazards and confusion.
What Is Parking Lot Striping and Why Does It Matter?
Parking lot striping is essential to commercial property maintenance and management. Below are reasons why clear parking stripes are important:
- Increased Safety
Parking and pavement line striping creates a safe environment by providing visual cues for drivers and pedestrians. Well-defined lines and arrows guide drivers on the correct traffic flow, preventing collisions.
Line markings also create designated safe areas, such as crosswalks, reducing the chance of pedestrian accidents.
- Improved Curb Appeal
Clear, well-maintained markings create a neat and organized appearance, leaving a positive impression on visitors. Moreover, the attention to detail in parking lot aesthetics signals a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
- Reduced Liabilities
A fresh coat of paint is much more affordable than potential fines or legal expenses.
Maintaining a well-striped parking lot showcases compliance with safety standards. Visible and updated markings demonstrate due diligence in ensuring an accident-free environment. In the event of a collision, this proactive approach can reduce your liability.
- Efficient Use of Space
Parking lot lines allow businesses to maximize available vehicle spaces. Clear lines guide drivers to park within allocated spaces, preventing congestion. This systematic arrangement promotes smoother operations and easy access. Having organized parking facilities can also increase convenience and customer satisfaction.
Essential Tools and Materials for Parking Striping
Having these tools on hand ensures a seamless and precise parking lot striping process:
- Traffic cones
- Rolls of caution tape
- High-quality traffic paint
- A measuring tape
- A four-inch roller or a line striping equipment
- A chalk line
Blue, yellow and white paint are standard colors for parking lot and pavement line striping. Choose paints or thermoplastic materials that can endure frequent traffic and outdoor conditions. For best results, use resilient, fade-resistant resin paint that adheres well to concrete and asphalt surfaces. There are also reflective paints formulated to stay visible and luminous in the dark.
Choosing high-quality supplies reduces the need for frequent repainting, leading to greater cost savings in the long run.
A Step-by-Step Striping Process
Achieve professional striping results in four easy steps:
Step 1: Clear and Repair the Surface
Even with top-notch paints, you will only get the desired results if the surface is prepared correctly. If the paint doesn’t stick well to the asphalt, it can easily chip or wash away, making all your hard work go to waste.
Start any painting job by clearing the area of debris like dust, loose asphalt, and vegetation. Use a gas blower or power washer to eliminate dirt from the asphalt thoroughly. Cleaning also lets you spot and repair hidden cracks and crevices filled with dirt before striping. A clear and smooth surface can save you time, money and effort.
Step 2: Measure and Plot
Avoid inconsistent or crooked parking striping by carefully measuring out each space. Typical parking space dimensions should be 18 feet long and 9 feet wide, with a 24-foot wide driving lane between rows. However, these measurements may change depending on local regulations and guidelines.
Parking spaces commonly have angles ranging from 30º to 90º relative to the curb. Wider angles require broader aisles to ensure safe entry and exit for vehicles.
Don’t forget to consider the placement of symbols, such as directional arrows and handicap spaces, in your planning.
Step 3: Paint the Lines
While hand-painting is an option, it can be time-consuming, especially when you’re dealing with an entire parking lot. Using a line striping machine can speed up the task and produce significantly better results.
For flawless and long-lasting outcomes, consider professional line striping services. Skilled painters bring precision and efficiency no matter the size of the job. Not only do you get to save time, but you also guarantee a high-quality finish.
Step 4: Allow Paint to Dry
Freshly painted parking lot striping is susceptible to damage. Use cones and caution tape to signal drivers and pedestrians that certain areas are off-limits.
Drying times vary based on the temperature and type of paint used. Make sure to follow product labels to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state or local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations must provide accessible parking spaces. The design, number, and location of these spaces must comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Accessible parking spaces must be clearly marked and have a minimum width of 96 inches. The maximum slope in all directions should be 1:48. Property owners are required to mark the boundary of the access aisle to deter vehicles from parking in this designated area. Accessible parking spaces should be positioned on the most direct route to the entrance of a facility.
Investing in professional line striping services helps you ensure compliance, avoid potential fines and create a safe and inclusive environment.
Line Striping Services You Can Rely On
Keep your parking lot compliant, organized and accident-free with REDLEE/SCS. Whether it’s a complete layout parking project or a minor touch-up, our team has the tools, skills and experience to deliver top-notch results.
We recognize that every parking job is unique. That’s why our line striping services are tailored to meet each client’s specific requirements. Trust us to approach each project with precision and efficiency, no matter how big or small.
Reduce the risk of fender benders and pedestrian accidents. Call our friendly team at 972.813.7282 for a free quote.
