Most of us encounter road line marking on a daily basis. They are used on roads, schools, car parks, playgrounds and airport runways. We can consider them as instructional features that are necessary to direct the activities of people in public places.
Road line marking is even more important in urban roads and areas with heavy traffic because they promote the safety of people by providing clear and specific instructions. They act to supplement the instructions provided by road signals and signs that may already be present.
Applications of road line marking
Directing traffic
The most common use of road line marking is to direct traffic according to the established road guidelines. The markings segregate traffic into their required lanes, making sure that vehicles don't head in the wrong direction. They also instruct motorists of when to stop, go, or yield.
Establishing parking zones
Any premises that host cars should have clearly marked parking zones. Road line marking is used to design car parks for school, hospitals, and businesses. Areas where parking is prohibited can also be marked appropriately.
Speed limits
Road line markings are a great supplement to regular road signs when emphasizing a speed limit. If a motorist misses the sign on the side of the road, he/she can see the required speed limit on the actual road surface.
Road marking paint
There are various types of paint used in road marking, the most common being thermoplastic. Thermoplastic consists of tough synthetic resins mixed with glass beads. The resins keep the markings durable and resilient while on the road, and the glass beads add reflection and visibility. While thermoplastic is the most durable option, other paint such as cold plastic, epoxy paint, and water-based paints are also used for various purposes.
A very useful feature of road marking paint is that it can be removed when the need arises. Using the right equipment, paint removal can proceed smoothly and in a short amount of time. Hydroblasting is a common technique used to remove markings by spraying them with powerful jets of water.
Applying the markings to the road is a quick and efficient process. The road surface is first prepared by clearing obstructive materials, and removing dirt, dust and litter. The desired markings are then outlined on the tarmac to act as a guide for the final process. Thermoplastic (hot or cold) can be laid out on the surface and allowed to dry. Thermoplastic dries quickly, needing only 5 minutes to completely solidify.