How Long Does It Take For Parking Lot Striping Paint To Dry?
Fresh parking lot striping greatly impacts your property’s safety and efficiency. Parking lots need visible lines to maintain traffic flow, keep everyone safe and make features like crosswalks, ADA-compliant spaces and fire lanes easy to identify. Generally, experts recommend restriping services every 12 to 18 months. But how long does parking lot striping paint take to dry?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Types of Lot Striping Paint is Available?
Lot striping looks straightforward, but there are many complex logistics involved. Not only do you need to develop a highly efficient layout, but you must also choose the right parking lot striping paint. Different paint formulas offer varying benefits, including cost-effectiveness, overall durability, etc. However, the paint you choose also affects how long the paint takes to dry when investing in parking lot striping in Tampa.
Water- and solvent-based paints are the most common and typically take around 30 minutes to dry, depending on the conditions. Water-based parking lot paint often dries a bit faster than oil- or solvent-based alternatives.
You can opt for thermoplastic or methyl methacrylate (MMA) paints for the speediest lot striping projects. These two options can dry in as little as five to ten minutes. They also offer greater visibility and longevity. However, they can increase total parking lot striping costs.
How Does Asphalt Sealcoating Impact Parking Lot Painting?
Sealcoating is a service that protects your pavement from the elements and excessive wear. Tampa parking lot striping must follow sealcoating because the sealer covers existing lot striping. Therefore, lot striping that follows fresh sealcoating will have higher parking lot striping costs and lengthier dry times.
In most cases, parking lot painting takes longer to dry on freshly cured sealer. Furthermore, contractors must usually apply at least two coats of paint to obtain maximum visibility.
Contrary to popular belief, applying one thick coat is not the right approach for parking lot painting. Thicker coats will dry unevenly, resulting in cracking. As a result, contractors must do at least two thin coats, allowing each to dry independently. This approach increases total parking lot striping cost and overall drying timeframes.
Will Weather Influence How Long It Takes for Parking Lot Striping Paint to Last?
The weather will also affect parking lot striping in Tampa. The effect is biggest for water- and oil-based paints. Water-based paints, in particular, rely on the mechanics of evaporation to dry and cure. If contractors attempt to do parking lot striping when it rains, there’s a huge risk of washing away paint before it dries.
Even drizzles and high relative humidity levels will cause trouble because the moisture in the air interferes with evaporation.
Cold temperatures can also cause issues. Formula specifics vary, but most standard parking lot striping paints require ambient temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to dry. Paint in colder temperatures; the product may not properly set, dry and cure.
Is Striping Something I Can DIY?
No matter how simple parking lot striping looks, leaving these projects with the professionals is best. Most Tampa parking lot striping issues occur due to a lack of inexperience. Experienced contractors know how to avoid drying issues. Furthermore, they can work with property owners like you to minimize property downtime.
If painting will interfere with your business, you can work with a contractor to get the job done in a way that doesn’t negatively affect your bottom line.
At Line Striping of Tampa, we understand that parking lot painting projects can be disruptive. That’s why we work hard to complete projects quickly and efficiently. We offer numerous paint options for your project, ensuring optimal drying times without major disruptions.
Let us show you what we can do. We’re available for parking lot striping in Tampa, sealcoating, restriping, stencils, bollard installation, concrete stops, signs and more. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re eager to deliver the results you deserve.
Call Line Striping of Tampa at (727)800-5987 for a free quote. We’re also available through email at contact@paintmyparkinglot.com or our online contact form. Reach out today to discuss your needs and learn more.
