Road marking paints play a vital role in ensuring road safety. They are used to make lines, directions, symbols and words on roads to provide guidance to motorists and pedestrians. Conventionally, solvent-based paints were used for road markings. However, with advancements in material science and nanotechnology, new types of paints like thermal plastic, polyurea and epoxy-based paints have entered the market. These modern paints have better durability and visibility compared to traditional paints.
Thermoplastic Road Marking Paints And Coatings
Thermoplastic road marking paints are one of the most advanced types of paints used for road markings today. They contain resin binders that are heated and then applied to the road surface in a molten liquid state. Once applied and cooled, they emit a strong bond with the road surface.
Thermoplastic paints have superior durability compared to other paints. They can last for over 3 years on major roads withstanding heavy traffic and weather conditions. Road Marking Paints And Coatings Their reflective glass beads also ensure high visibility even at night or low light conditions. Further, they can be applied at lower thickness of only 2-3 mm which reduces material usage. Being non-volatile, they have lower VOC emissions comply with environmental norms.
However, thermoplastic paints require specialized application machines for heating and spraying. This makes their initial installation cost higher compared to typical paints. The application process also leads to road closures temporarily affecting traffic.
Polyurea Road Marking Paints
Polyurea road marking paints are another highly durable alternative for roads. They are two-component products consisting of resin and hardener. During application, both the components are rapidly sprayed where they chemically react and cure almost instantly on the road surface.
Polyurea forms an extremely tough, seamless and elastomeric coating. It provides outstanding adhesion and can flex with the road surface despite expansions, contractions and underlying cracks. Polyurea markings maintain their visibility and durability for over 5 years in heavy traffic zones. The quick cure time allows re-opening roads rapidly for traffic after application with minimal disruption.
However, the high-pressure plural spray equipment required for polyurea increases costs. Its reactive two-part composition also needs to be applied carefully by skilled professionals.
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