Road Marking Paint is specially produced for use in traffic marking applications. Thanks to its special components, road marking paint is designed to remain on the applied surface for an extended period, offering high durability and excellent visibility. It is manufactured in various formulations, including rubber-modified alkyd-based, MMA acrylic-based, and water-based types. Road marking paint is used for horizontal and vertical traffic markings in both open and closed areas. There are different types available, including:

• Single-component road marking paints
• Two-component road marking paints
• Three-component road marking paints
• Thermoplastic road marking paints

Types of Road Marking Paint

  Single-Component Road Marking Paints Single-component road marking paints are categorized into rubber-modified alkyd-based, MMA acrylic-based, and water-based types. The term "single-component" refers to the paint containing only one component. It offers long-lasting durability once applied. Drying occurs through the evaporation of solvents contained within the paint. Also known as cold road marking paint, it adheres successfully to both concrete and asphalt surfaces. With the addition of glass beads, it gains reflective properties, enhancing nighttime visibility. When applied with a spray system, a film thickness of 350–800 microns can be achieved.
 

Two-Component Road Marking PaintsTwo-component paints include variants such as spread two-component, sprinkle two-component, and profiled two-component road marking paints. They are called "two-component" because they require a second component, known as a hardener, during application. These paints are used when a higher film thickness is desired. An additional hardener is mixed during application, causing rapid drying and curing, which requires a fast application process. They bond effectively to concrete and asphalt surfaces, with film thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5 mm. Film thickness can be increased by applying an additional layer of material.

 

Three-Component Road Marking Paints. Three-component road marking paints include types such as Liquid-Solid 1:1 Two-Component, Liquid-Liquid 1:1 Three-Component, and 98:2 Two-Component systems. This new-generation road marking paint combines: The easy application of cold road marking paints, The durability of two-component paints, The fast-drying properties of thermoplastic paints.

 Thermoplastic Road Marking Paints Thermoplastic paints are divided into spray thermoplastic, screed thermoplastic, and extrude thermoplastic types. They are applied by heating the material to 180–220°C and then applying it to the road surface using appropriate equipment. Since it involves heating, it is referred to as hot-applied road marking paint. One of its main advantages is the very short drying time—approximately 4 minutes—allowing for traffic to resume quickly without extended closures. Thermoplastic paints are environmentally friendly, as they do not release volatile components.
 

Glass Beads for Road Marking Glass beads are categorised into three types: silicone-coated, silan-coated, and premix-coated glass beads. They are essential complementary products for road marking paints. To ensure visibility of the markings in darkness, glass beads are added to the paint during production and are also sprinkled onto the paint before it dries during application. The application can be done manually or using suitable machine equipment. Depending on the type of road marking paint used, the coating type of the glass beads may vary. The roundness and brightness of the glass beads enhance their light-reflecting ability, significantly improving visibility and traffic safety.

 

How to Apply Road Marking Paint?

The application methods of road marking paints vary depending on their production types. The most commonly used cold road marking paints, also known as single-component line paints, are best applied with an airless or pneumatic spray machine. However, they can also be applied using a brush or roller as an alternative. Two-component road marking paints are applied using either a screed or scatter method, profile extrusion machines, or other suitable equipment. Thermoplastic paints are applied with specialised boiler-type machines that allow hot application.
 

How Much Road Marking Paint is Used?

One of the most frequently asked questions is the amount of paint needed for the application area. The type of paint is the primary factor affecting consumption. Single-component and two-component paints have different consumption rates. The second factor is the desired thickness of the application. As the required film thickness increases, the amount of paint used also increases. Paint consumption also varies based on the surface: For wall applications with cold road marking paint, the consumption is approximately 300-400 g/m² for a single coat. For vehicle parking area markings, it is approximately 500-600 g/m².

 

Parking Lot Paint and Road Marking Paint – Application Conditions

 

To ensure the long-lasting performance of road marking paints, several key conditions must be met:

• The surface must be dry and free of moisture.
• The surface should be free of sand, stones, mud, or any other debris that could prevent the paint from adhering correctly.
• There must be no presence of oil, tar, acids, or other solvents on the surface.
• Extreme wind conditions should be avoided during application.
• For concrete surfaces, it is necessary to determine whether a primer is required before painting.

Cold-applied road marking paints are usually packaged ready for direct use. If necessary, they can be thinned with their specific thinner.

They typically dry within 35–45 minutes, allowing the road or area to reopen to traffic shortly after application.

• Before application, the surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust, oil, and other contaminants.
• If an old layer of paint is present, it is recommended to remove it.
• However, if removal is not possible, new paint can be applied over old markings.
• The surface temperature must be above 5°c for the application to be successful.

For two-component paints:

• A hardener must be mixed into the paint at a ratio of 1–2%, depending on the ambient temperature.
• Ensure the paint and hardener are mixed homogeneously before application.
• The mixture must be applied within 7 minutes after adding the hardener.
• After application, glass beads can be spread over the paint to enhance reflective visibility.

  Even though the surface glass beads may wear away over time, the paint retains its reflective properties thanks to embedded beads within the paint structure.

• After application, the area can be reopened to traffic within 45 minutes.
• The paint can be applied seamlessly in thicknesses between 1 mm and 5 mm without any additional additives