Why Is Surface Preparation Critical for Parking Lot and Road Striping?
Lot striping in Tampa looks deceivingly simple. As a result, many take a DIY approach to refreshes and new applications. However, they quickly realize that the finished results don’t last! In those cases, the issue is often inadequate surface prep. Road striping and pavement markings help maintain safety, traffic efficiency and accessibility. But when you don’t take time to prepare surfaces, paint can quickly fade, crack and flake away. Here’s what you need to know about proper surface preparation for pavement markings.
Why Is Surface Prep Necessary for Striping?
Whether you need parking lot striping or Tampa road striping, every project should begin with a thorough inspection and proper surface prep. The paint used for asphalt striping needs a clean and dry surface to form a bond. While the paint may dry and partially cure on ill-prepared pavement, it won’t last. The constant wear and tear from vehicles, harsh turns from tires and non-stop exposure to weather will cause many issues on the weak bond that forms. It doesn’t matter how much traffic your pavement receives. If the paint can’t bond tightly with the asphalt, there’s trouble ahead.
Reputable contractors will take all the time needed to prepare the pavement for asphalt striping, ensuring that Tampa road striping and parking lot stencils stick.
How Do Contractors Prepare Surfaces for Road Striping, Pavement Markings and Stencils?
Before road striping in Tampa can commence, experienced contractors will perform a comprehensive assessment. They take note of your pavement’s condition to understand what preparation they need to complete before proceeding with parking lot striping or road marking. Additionally, they ensure the asphalt doesn’t require additional repair or maintenance work.
Parking lot stencils and lot striping in Tampa should be the final step in asphalt maintenance. It’s important to perform all repairs and complete sealcoating before contractors apply any paint. During the inspection, they’ll identify any issues that need addressing and ensure any previous work is properly cured.
From there, teams can prepare the surface for road striping in Tampa. Depending on your pavement’s condition, preparation steps may include:
• Trash removal
• Sweeping
• Washing and cleaning
• Vegetation clean-up or weed removal
• Treatment of oil stains and chemicals
If some areas are riddled with stains caused by leaking vehicle fluids, contractors may apply a primer. The primer ensures that all parking lot and road striping bonds correctly.
Surfaces with existing asphalt striping or symbols applied with parking lot stencils may require additional prep. It all depends on the condition of the existing stripes and the paint used. Flaking or peeled paint must go. The same applies to older, lower-quality paint. If you upgrade to a more durable paint formula like thermoplastic, the degraded material underneath may interfere with the bonding process. Contractors will determine if existing markings and lot striping in Tampa require removal. If so, they’ll use solvents and heavy-duty removal machines to complete the job.
After your surfaces are clean and dry, they’re ready for pavement markings and road striping in Tampa.
Why Hire Reputable Contractors for Tampa Striping and Pavement Markings?
You want your striping and pavement markings to last, but they won’t unless you turn to a trusted contractor that prioritizes surface prep. Proper preparation is key to longevity. While less experienced individuals may try to cut corners to save time or money, you’ll pay more in the long run through frequent reapplications, possible safety issues and potential liability headaches.
Our team is ready to do the job correctly when you need road or parking lot striping. Line Striping of Tampa Bay is a premier pavement marking company with many years of experience working on surfaces big and small. We’ve seen it all, never cutting corners or neglecting surface preparations to save time. Our team works hard to do what’s necessary to ensure you get beautiful, long-lasting results. Line Striping of Tampa Bay can handle all your lot and road marking needs. Our services include parking lot striping, re-striping, stenciling, bollard installation, concrete stops and asphalt sealcoating.
Contact the Line Striping of Tampa Bay team today to learn more, discuss your needs and get a free project quote. We’re easy to reach via our online contact form below, but you can also email us at contact@paintmyparkinglot.com or call (727)800-5987.
