If you're repainting the same crosswalk and drive-thru arrows every spring, paint is the wrong material for that spot. Thermoplastic is heat-applied, bonds into the asphalt, and holds up to Michigan plows and salt for years. We install it on commercial properties across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb County.
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Traffic paint is a thin film that sits on top of the pavement. Tires, snowplows, and salt wear it away, which is why most painted markings need refreshing every one to two years.
Thermoplastic is a thick, solid material heated until it melts and fuses to the asphalt. It cures in minutes, stands up to heavy turning traffic, and commonly lasts several times longer than paint. Glass beads in the material reflect headlights, so markings stay visible at night and in rain.
It costs more per square foot than paint, so it rarely makes sense for every stall line. It pays for itself in the high-wear spots you'd otherwise repaint over and over.
Most of our thermoplastic work is part of a larger job. We stripe stalls with traffic paint during a regular restripe, then use thermoplastic only where wear is worst. You get long life where it matters without paying thermoplastic prices across the whole lot.
Thermoplastic needs a sound, dry surface to bond well. If your asphalt is cracked or crumbling where the markings go, crack filling or patching first protects the investment.
It depends on traffic and plowing, but thermoplastic markings commonly last several years, compared to one to two years for paint in the same spot.
Thermoplastic cools and hardens within minutes of application, so areas can usually reopen very quickly.
It bonds best to asphalt. Concrete surfaces need a primer or sealer first, and we'll tell you during the quote whether that's worth it for your spot.
Often yes, for just one or two areas. A single entrance crosswalk or drive-thru arrow set in thermoplastic can save years of repainting.
Striping, sealcoating, patching, ADA layouts: get a straight quote from a crew that handles all of it.
