Line Marking Guide

What is line marking?

Line marking is the process of applying lines and symbols to concrete or asphalt surfaces by spraying, painting, or drawing. The main purpose of the lines being to identify points of interest, warn of potential hazards and to indicate traffic flow and direction. Line marking solutions are used in a variety of applications across many businesses and industries such as car parks in retail or public spaces and factories and warehouses.

What line marking tools are used?

Most line marking is done with a line marking machine to create smooth and consistently even lines. Simple line marking machines are often a hand-guided trolley design that you push to mark out your lines. More complex machines can include ride-on designs that make it simple and easy to line mark large areas. In some cases, a range of stencils are used to create more complex or specific shapes and symbols. Further, where you require a unique shape or message, custom stencils can be created for anything outside the standard range.

What kind of line marking paint is used?

Line marking paint is often a fast-drying acrylic or water-based paint, generally specially formulated to provide long-lasting and durable lines. Using a quality line marking paint is important given the lines will often be in high pedestrian or vehicle traffic areas and a lower-quality paint may wear away more quickly resulting in expensive reapplication.

A high-quality line marking paint, in conjunction with a professional line marking machine, will also generate cleaner, crisp lines and reduce the chance of an uneven distribution of paint.

To further enhance and protect the quality of recently applied line marking, floor coatings can be considered. These include additional coverings such as epoxy coatings or concrete sealing.

How to prepare your site for new line marking

Best line marking results are achieved on exceptionally clean work areas. This can be achieved by, scraping, pressure washing, grit blasting, or concrete grinding the area where new line marking will be applied. By removing old paint, oils, floor coatings, and any other stains both on and within the surface it allows for the best adhesion of the new paint.

We suggest that deep cleaning of the area takes place a minimum of 24 hours prior to a professional line marking team arriving. This generally allows enough time for the surface to be completely clean, dry, and ready for fresh line or floor marking to be applied.

How much does line marking cost?

The cost of line marking can vary based on the amount of area to be covered, the type of paint used, and the complexity of the line marking. To ensure that you are being quoted correctly always provide as much detail upfront as possible.

How to quote Line Marking:

• Provide an overhead floor plan, or map, of the area(s) requiring line marking
• Provide accurate measurements of the size of each area to be painted
• Sketch out, in detail, where lines or text need to be positioned
• Advise upfront of accessibility to areas requiring new line marking. If these areas are only available outside of standard operating hours, be aware it will affect the overall cost of your quotation
• If new line marking is being quoted for outdoor application, have alternative dates scheduled to account for unsuitable weather

Barrier Group can assist you with line marking in car parks, find out more here.