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How Long Does It Take For Parking Lot Striping Paint To Dry?

No parking lot is complete without vibrant and precisely applied striping! Parking lot striping paint is what turns expansive paved surfaces into safe, efficient, and functional parking areas. Keeping your striping in Wilmington looking its best should be a top priority. Contractors recommend striping parking lots every 18 to 24 months, on average, to maintain visibility and safety. But how long does the process take? In addition to physical paint application, you must also consider drying times.

How Long Does Standard Parking Lot Striping Paint Take to Dry?

There are many ways to approach parking lot striping. However, the standard for most commercial lots is to utilize affordable water-borne or solvent-based paints. These paint formulas are cost-effective and relatively easy to maintain.

Standard parking lot painting products are dry to the touch in about 30 minutes. However, striping companies recommend waiting at least an hour before opening your pavement up to vehicle traffic for the best results.

What Factors Impact Parking Lot Striping Paint Drying Times?

Striping companies in Wilmington typically tell clients to allow paint to dry for at least an hour before removing blockages and resuming parking lot use. However, that’s the standard for parking lot painting done in ideal conditions. Many factors can impact drying times. Let’s look at some of the most significant.

•Weather Conditions: Weather is always something contractors must consider when striping parking lots. Not only can striping in Wilmington wash away in inclement weather, but details like temperature and humidity can also affect drying times. Parking lot painting should never occur in temperatures below 50 degrees. In colder conditions, the paint can freeze or fail to bond with your pavement. The same applies to high humidity levels. Anything above 50 percent can slow evaporation, causing the paint to dry much more slowly. The best conditions for parking lot striping are warm, dry and slightly windy. Depending on the forecast, striping companies in Wilmington may advise you to wait longer before opening your pavement up for traffic.
•Paint Formulas: Water- and solvent-based paints are the most common formulas applied by striping companies. However, there are other alternatives. More premium options can dry much quicker. For example, thermoplastic striping in Wilmington cools and hardens in as little as five minutes. If low drying times are crucial to you, consult with striping companies to determine what options are available for your property.
•Additional Maintenance Services: Striping in Wilmington may take longer to dry if you’re pairing parking lot painting with other maintenance services. For example, asphalt sealcoating requires up to 48 hours of curing time before striping companies can apply paint. Additionally, sealcoating may change how contractors work. Freshly sealed surfaces often require multiple coats when striping parking lots. A single coat may not provide good visibility against fresh sealcoating. Applying multiple layers of paint will double or triple drying times.

Can the Age of My Pavement Affect How Long Parking Lot Painting Takes to Dry?

Like fresh sealcoating, newer pavement often requires a more involved parking lot striping process. New asphalt is notorious for absorbing paint, leaving behind a thinner and less visible appearance. To remedy that problem, striping companies in Wilmington will apply a second coat. Seasoned striping companies will allow the first coat to dry fully before proceeding with a second, resulting in an extended drying period.

At Apex Asphalt Services, we take great pride in providing transparent service and good communication. We’ll assess the situation and guide you in the right direction after striping parking lots on your property. Our team is always ready to answer your questions and help you get the most out of your investment. Apex Asphalt Services is a family-owned and -operated company offering services like parking lot striping, sealcoating, repairs, crack repair, pavement markings, parking lot maintenance, and more.

Let’s talk shop! Call Apex Asphalt Services today at (410)538-1812, email hunterwiggins@apexasphaltservices.com, or use our online form to get in touch and receive a free quote for striping in Wilmington.