{"id":8907,"date":"2023-02-14T16:39:42","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T16:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truscomfg.com\/store\/?p=8907"},"modified":"2023-02-14T16:39:43","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T16:39:43","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-parking-lot-line-striping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truscomfg.com\/store\/2023\/02\/14\/the-ultimate-guide-to-parking-lot-line-striping\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Parking Lot Line Striping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As you go about your day\u2014driving to work, running errands, or picking up the kids from school\u2014you likely don\u2019t think twice about the lines marking the streets or designating the parking lots. However, these seemingly inconsequential lines are extremely important. They keep traffic flowing as it should instead of colliding with other vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The lines marking the parking lots are equally as important, silently instructing vehicles where to go and where to park. People who are not in the line striping industry have likely never thought twice about their importance or their upkeep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you\u2019re not like most people. If you\u2019re looking to get into the line striping industry, you\u2019ll need to master the basics before you can start taking clients. Our ultimate guide to parking lot striping will get you well on your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why It\u2019s Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We mentioned this briefly in the introduction, but parking lot lines really do help keep people and property safe. Arrows directing traffic flow help prevent parking lot collisions. Parking spot lines give people a visual guide that assists them as they park, making them less likely to accidentally ding another vehicle. Pedestrian crossings make it easier for people to walk in and out of stores safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that\u2019s not even the most important part. Accessible parking is often clearly indicated with blue line striping, making it possible for disabled individuals to shop, work, and move through the world safely. None of this would be possible without an element as simple as painted lines on concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prep Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you begin painting, it is extremely important to adequately prepare the parking lot you\u2019ll be working on. There are a few things you need to take care of first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before anything else, verify that the surface you will be painting is in sufficiently good condition. Painting over broken, cracked, or damaged concrete will result in rapid deterioration of the paint. This will result in a waste of time, money, and materials for both you and the client. If there is damage, it will need to be repaired first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the parking lot is clear while you are painting. If you plan to paint during business operating hours, block off the parking lot with traffic cones or tape to prevent cars from driving into the parking lot. This will protect both you and your hard work. Verify that other parking arrangements are available so that customers are still able to access the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, clean the entire area. Any dirt or debris must be cleared away before you begin painting. If you can avoid it, do not pressure wash the lot. This will wet the concrete and force you to wait to begin painting until after it has dried. Only pressure-wash if the dirt will not come off through other means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, use a broom to sweep the area clean. A large push broom is a good option for most loose items. Use a steel brush attachment to scrape free any stubborn debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mastering the Layout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Every lot is unique, so we can\u2019t give you a tried-and-true formula. However, we can give you the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will need to lay out the parking spots with plenty of clearance for vehicle traffic. You will also need to plan for ADA-accessible parking. This is really important to get right; if your client\u2019s parking lot is not ADA compliant<\/a>, they can be fined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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