Is Parking Lot Striping Removal Effective For Existing Stripes?

High-quality parking lot striping is important for your business for many reasons. Not only does it make your parking lot more organized and efficient, but it can also boost safety, reduce exposure to legal liability issues, ensure compliance with all applicable codes, and more. Keeping your lot’s striping in prime condition should be a priority. However, there may be a time when you need to remove existing stripes to make way for new ones. When that time comes, parking lot striping removal can effectively clear existing stripes from asphalt paving and provide a clean slate for restriping. But when is it necessary?

When Should I Get Parking Lot Striping Removal Service?

Not all striping companies will recommend removal before refreshing your parking lot. It all depends on your needs and the condition of the previous paint.

Removing existing line striping is always recommended if you plan to revamp your layout design. While contractors could blackout the old lines with dark paint before sealcoating, that approach is only temporary. Furthermore, it can create texture issues and ghosting. For permanent redesigns, you must remove old paint.

Striping companies will also recommend removal if there’s a considerable buildup of old paint. When striping parking lots, contractors use paints of varying thicknesses. Lower-quality paint may not add much thickness. However, premium line striping paint options, like thermoplastic paint, are about three millimeters thick after application. That might not seem much, but it adds up with every reapplication.

The problem with paint buildup is that it is difficult to achieve crisp and precise lines with subsequent reapplications. Furthermore, the height difference between painted and non-painted asphalt could create a tripping hazard for pedestrians. Therefore, many contractors recommend removing old paint to maintain consistent surface texture before striping parking lots.

How Does Parking Lot Striping Removal Work?

There are several different methods for parking lot striping removal. Seasoned contractors will assess your pavement to determine the best approach, keeping the impact of parking lot striping cost in mind. Here are the most common techniques to remove line striping.

•Scarifier Machines: The most commonly used way to remove stripes is to utilize a scarifier. Also known as a surface planer or miller, these machines feature a rotating drum with cutting blades. They work similarly to larger milling machines used in resurfacing projects. Striping companies fine-tune the cutting depth and run the machine over the stripes, allowing it to shave off the paint without damaging the surrounding pavement.
•Blasting: Shot, soda, and water blasting can also eradicate line striping paint. Shot blasting is effective for concrete surfaces. However, striping companies stick to water and soda blasting for asphalt pavement to prevent damage. With blasting, high-pressure machines blast material at the pavement chip away at old parking lot striping.
•Solvent-Based Removal: Chemical solvents offer a quick and effective way to remove parking lot striping. Chemicals eat away at the old paint without harming the surrounding concrete. The tradeoff is environmental efficiency.
•Wire Brushing: Contractors can use wire brushes and good old-fashioned elbow grease to remove old paint. Of course, this method is time- and labor-intensive. Therefore, striping companies reserve it for more precise work and clean-ups.

What Should I Consider Before Removing Existing Line Striping?

Before removing existing lines, work with line striping contractors to determine if the service is necessary and how it could impact your pavement long-term.

Always consider your needs. The results of your parking lot striping should be a top priority. If removing the old lines will improve visibility, precision and safety, it’s worth the investment.

You should also consider the impact on your total parking lot striping costs. Because removal is an added service, it can increase parking lot striping costs.

Finally, consider how striping removal may harm your pavement. Using a scarifier is the safest and most efficient approach. However, more powerful methods may damage your pavement. Always work with reputable contractors who understand different removal methods and how they could affect your pavement long-term.

When you need professional help striping parking lots, turn to Second Line Striping. We bring over three decades of experience to your project. We know how to do things right, applying our expertise to develop solutions that suit your needs and budget. With the highest quality line striping paint and state-of-the-art application equipment, you can rest easy knowing the final product will turn heads. Our team is here to meet all your needs. We offer services like parking lot striping, restriping, cleaning, warehouse striping, thermoplastic pavement markings and more servicing the New Orleans area.

Call Second Line Striping today at (225)331-0062 to learn more and get a free quote. You can also reach the team by submitting your information through our online form or emailing mike@secondlinestriping.com.