Road Marking Materials What We Use and Why (Roadmarking Materials Explained)

At Paul’s Projects we specify and apply the right road marking materials for each surface, traffic load and budget. Whether it’s a busy arterial, a retail car park, or an industrial yard, using the correct material prevents premature failure, maximises visibility and keeps you compliant with SABS and SADC guidelines. Below is a clear breakdown of the materials we use, their strengths, weaknesses and recommended applications.

Quick Overview

We primarily use:

  • SABS-approved polyurethane paints (cold-applied)
  • Thermoplastic (hot-applied and preformed)
  • Solvent-based and water-based paints
  • MMA (methyl methacrylate) and epoxy systems for specialist requirements
  • Tape & vinyl solutions for temporary or internal demarcation
  • Reflective glass beads and additives to enhance night visibility
  • Primers and surface-preparation compounds to ensure adhesion

Polyurethane (Cold-Applied) Paint

What it is: A durable, two-component or single-component paint formulated for road surfaces.
Best for: Cement and asphalt surfaces with medium to high traffic. Parking bays, road edges, cycle lanes.
Pros: Good adhesion, flexible, resists weathering; typically SABS-approved.
Cons: Moderate lifespan vs thermoplastic; needs proper surface prep.
Typical lifespan: 13 years in heavy traffic; longer in lighter traffic.
Notes: Often combined with glass beads for retroreflectivity.

Thermoplastic (Hot-Applied & Preformed)

What it is: A molten compound applied hot (or factory-preformed shapes adhered with heat). Contains binders, pigments and reflective elements.
Best for: High wear locations pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, centre lines, arterial roads.
Pros: Extremely durable, highly reflective when beads are added, excellent wear resistance.
Cons: Higher installation cost; requires specialist equipment and trained crews.
Typical lifespan: 38+ years depending on traffic and climate.

Solvent-Based & Water-Based Road Paints

What they are: Traditional single-component paints used for lower-cost or low-traffic applications. Water-based options are more environmentally friendly.
Best for: Indoor demarcation, warehouse lanes, low-traffic local roads.
Pros: Cost-effective, easier and quicker to apply. Water-based versions have lower VOCs.
Cons: Lower durability; more frequent repainting required.
Typical lifespan: 6 months to 2 years depending on traffic.

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) & Epoxy Systems

What they are: High-performance polymers used where extreme durability, chemical resistance or fast curing is required. MMA cures very quickly and can be installed in low temperatures. Epoxy offers excellent bonding and durability.
Best for: Industrial sites, chemical plants, areas needing quick return-to-service or anti-skid properties.
Pros: Extremely durable, chemical resistant, fast curing (MMA).
Cons: Higher cost; specialist handling and PPE required.
Typical lifespan: Several years often comparable to thermoplastic under similar conditions.

Tape & Vinyl Solutions

What they are: Pre-cut tapes or roll vinyl applied to cleaned surfaces for temporary or internal markings.
Best for: Warehouses, indoor lanes, temporary works, events.
Pros: Rapid deployment, minimal cure time, no hot works.
Cons: Not suitable for heavy outdoor traffic; can peel in harsh conditions.
Typical lifespan: Months to a couple of years depending on environment.

Reflective Glass Beads & Additives

What they are: Spherical glass beads embedded into wet paint or thermoplastic to create retroreflectivity. Titanium dioxide (TiO) is used in white pigments to increase brightness.
Purpose: Return headlight beams to drivers at night, dramatically improving night-time visibility.
Notes: Bead quality and correct embedment depth are critical improperly applied beads reduce effectiveness.

Primers & Surface Preparation Compounds

Why they matter: Adhesion is the foundation of durability. Primers, degreasers and suitable tack coats improve life expectancy of any material.
Typical prep steps: Cleaning, degreasing, crack repair, priming, and in some cases, abrading or milling prior to application.

Application Methods & Equipment

  • Airless spray & striping machines for paints.
  • Hot-applied melters and kettles for thermoplastic.
  • Preformed thermoplastic heat-adhered with propane torches or induction heaters.
  • Graco line laser machines and stencil systems for precision.
  • Road traffic management and off-peak shifts for busy sites to minimise disruption.

Durability & Lifespan (Quick Reference)

  • Thermoplastic (hot/applied): 38+ years (high durability)
  • MMA/Epoxy (specialist): 38+ years (site dependent)
  • Polyurethane paint: 13 years (medium traffic)
  • Solvent/Water-based paint: 6 months2 years (low to medium traffic)
  • Tape/Vinyl: Months2 years (internal or temporary)

How We Choose the Right Material

We evaluate:

  1. Surface type: asphalt vs cement vs concrete.
  2. Traffic load & vehicle type: light vehicles, heavy truck routes, forklifts.
  3. Climate & UV exposure: Gauteng’s sun and seasonal rains.
  4. Visibility needs: daytime contrast, night retroreflectivity, skid resistance.
  5. Budget & maintenance plans: short-term vs long-term lifecycle cost.
  6. Regulatory compliance: SABS, SADC, municipal requirements.

After assessment we deliver a clear material specification, installation plan and maintenance schedule documented in your quote.

Environmental & Safety Considerations

  • We use SABS-approved materials and follow manufacturer safety data sheets (MSDS).
  • For solvent or hot works we implement PPE, ventilation, and traffic safety.
  • We can specify lower-VOC water-based paints where appropriate to reduce environmental impact.

Maintenance & Repair

  • Regular inspections determine when touch-ups or full replacement are needed.
  • Small repairs (patching and spot repainting) extend life and improve safety.
  • We provide scheduled maintenance plans so lines remain compliant and visible.
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