How Long Does Line Striping Last?

Line striping is an essential part of maintaining a safe and effective parking lot and road. While line striping is meant to last, nothing lasts forever, especially not in areas that see a lot of traffic, even if they’re exceptionally well-maintained. In order to ensure that your parking lot and road look their best and that the lines are clear to see to ensure a safer and more efficient environment, you will need to have line striping redone every few years.

Here is what you need to know about how long line striping lasts, what can cause it to fade faster, and whether or not there is anything you can do to help it last longer. Let’s dive into it!

How Long Can You Expect Line Striping To Last? 

Generally, line striping can last you about 2 years before you need to have it redone. However, this can vary depending on the weather in your area, how much traffic it’s subjected to, and more. As such, it’s a good idea to check on your striping regularly. If a year has passed and it still looks good, you may be able to wait another 6 months before checking it again. However, if it looks faded, you’ll want to have it redone. 

You don’t want to wait until the lines are very faded before having the striping redone. You want them to still be distinct enough for people to distinguish parking spots and the like. That way, your business’s curb appeal won’t be too impacted and you won’t have to worry about clients making their own parking spots because they’re no longer obvious.

What Causes Line Striping To Fade Faster?

As mentioned before, the ballpark number of 2 years before needing to get new lines done is just that – a general number. Depending on the conditions your line striping is subjected to, it may last longer or less time than this. 

Here are some of the factors that can influence the lifespan of your line striping.

• The time of year it’s applied. Temperature can impact how well the paint adheres to the asphalt. If you have your line striping redone in the colder months, you may find that it doesn’t last as long as it could if it were applied in the warmer months. This is because it is easier for the paint to adhere to the asphalt when it is warmer and drier.
• The condition of your asphalt. If your asphalt is deteriorating with cracks spreading across it and some parts higher than the others, even if you have brand new striping put down, it likely won’t last as long due to the condition of your concrete. For the best results, you want to ensure that your asphalt is in good condition and that any necessary repairs are done before you redo your striping. This is why companies often reseal their pavement and then have the line striping redone a few days later, to ensure that everything looks and works as it should. 
• How much traffic the asphalt is subjected to. The more traffic that your lot experiences, the more wear and tear your striping is subjected to, and the sooner you’ll need to have it redone. If you have a lot that doesn’t get much use, your striping will likely last longer than it would otherwise. 

There are other factors that can impact how long it lasts, such as the weather where you live, the type of paint that the contractor used, and what techniques were used in order to do the line striping. In order to keep your line striping in good condition for as long as possible, you’ll want to ensure that you’re properly maintaining your pavement.

How Long Does Line Striping Take To Dry?

So, you need to have your striping redone. How long will it take before it’s dry and can you use your parking lot while it’s drying, so long as you’re careful?

In general, it’s best to wait at least an hour before allowing cars back onto the lot after having your line striping redone. It may feel dry to the touch within half an hour, but you want to ensure that it’s fully cured before it gets driven on. Of course, this is a general approximation. Depending on the methods used, the type of paint used, and more, the time it takes for your line striping to dry may vary. It’s best to consult with your contractor in order to know the specifics for your specific project. 

Precision Asphalt Maintenance provides professional line striping services. If you need new line striping done or have any questions about it, such as how long our line striping takes to dry, please don’t hesitate to contact us.