One of the most popular road marking materials used today is thermoplastic, largely due to its outstanding benefits, including that it’s quick to apply, quick-drying, hardwearing, and has a unique, reflective quality.

In this short blog post, we look into how thermoplastic is applied, including surface preparation, line marking preparation, and how the application needs to be looked after once it’s been applied.

  1. Surface Preparation

    Before applying thermoplastic road markings, the road surface must be thoroughly prepared, this means removing as much dirt, loose gravel, and debris as possible, as well as removing any existing road markings.

    Surface preparation is usually carried out using various tools, from a simple hard broom to a power sweeper, a pressure washer, or for existing road markings, hydro-blasting, shot-blasting, or thermal lancing etc.

  2. Thermoplastic Line Marking Preparation

    To get the best results with thermoplastic road marking application, preparation is essential and includes:

    • Choosing the material – Thermoplastic applications vary, and include EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or EAA (Ethylene Acrylic Acid), each of which provides different benefits, so the right material must be chosen for the job, considering things such as durability, skid resistance, or reflectivity etc.

    • Setting up the heating equipment – Thermoplastic is hot applied, so one of the most important preparation jobs is setting up the hot melt applicators capable of melting the thermoplastic to the optimal temperature, and the consistency, necessary for a successful application.

    • Marking out the lines – Before any application, the road markings will need to be temporarily marked out. This is often done with pre-marking tape which will act as a guide during the application process, to ensure the accurate placement and alignment of the new markings.

  3. Thermoplastic Application

    When it comes to applying thermoplastic road markings, the process usually involves:

    • Preheating the surface – To help ensure the thermoplastic road markings adhere successfully, the road surface where the markings are going to be applied will need to be heated to a sufficient temperature. This can be done either with a gas burner or in some cases, an infrared heater.

    • The application – With all the preparations mentioned above complete, the application of the thermoplastic road markings can begin. To ensure an even installation, the application will be done using the appropriate applicator, such as a screed box, or an extrusion machine.

    • Cooling and drying – Because thermoplastic line marking is hot applied, the new road markings will require a cooling off and drying period, which can be just five minutes. But, until they’re completely dry, it’s important to restrict traffic to help ensure the best adhesion.

  4. After application

    Once the thermoplastic road markings have been installed, they will require a thorough inspection to ensure they reach the required standard in uniformity, adhesion, reflectivity, and overall durability. And, like any road markings, thermoplastic road markings will need additional inspections, to check for any signs of major wear, fading, or damage, and if so, for the appropriate maintenance to be carried out.

Contact Us

If you’re looking for the installation of any type of road marking, including thermoplastic road marking, contact Newns Markings. Our experienced team of line marking specialists will be happy to help; we specialise in line markings for roads, warehouses, car parks, playgrounds and more.