Here’s the scenario: You pull into a parking lot and the parking lot has a mess of cars parked here, there and everywhere. The reason? The lot striping is almost non-existent, it’s so weathered and worn. Trying to navigate into a parking spot when the stripes are so faded is a job in and of itself. For as silly as it may sound to worry about the stripes on your concrete or asphalt parking lot, it is crucial that you keep them bright and visible to prevent accidents from happening.

Lot striping should be done every two years or when remaining coating is visibly reduced to 75% of its original brightness. In colder climates, weather can take a toll more quickly not only on the asphalt or concrete of the parking lot, but also on the striping. An acrylic waterborne paint is the best for lot striping but it must be done in temperatures over 45 degrees. Keep that in mind when planning your re-striping, particularly in areas with cold winters. Generally, two thin coats are applied rather than one thick coat. This is easier on the pavement as too much acrylic at one time can damage it. It generally takes about a half hour for the paint to dry but it is advised that cars and trucks remain off the lot for one hour.

Lot striping is not only important from a safety standpoint, it’s also important from visual aesthetics as well. The appeal of a fresh black asphalt lot with bright stripes will trump that cracked lot with peeling lot stripes you can barely see. Your lot will scream CLASS and not TRASH with the proper striping and as a result, your business will boom, your curb appeal will be fantastic and most importantly, your asphalt or concrete parking lot will be safe from cars parked here, there and everywhere!