Striping asphalt is a task that looks straightforward but can quickly become frustrating if done incorrectly. Whether you’re a DIY property owner tackling your first parking lot striping project or a professional contractor working on a large commercial site, knowing the right steps before you start makes all the difference. Before you pick up a can or fire up a machine, here are five essential things you should know about striping asphalt.
Before applying any paint to pavement, the surface must be completely clean. Start by thoroughly sweeping the entire area to remove dirt, small rocks, and loose debris. Any rocks or debris left on the pavement will get covered in paint and eventually blow away, leaving blank gaps and incomplete lines. Rolling over even a small rock with your striping machine can create an unwanted bump or break in an otherwise clean, professional line. A clean surface is the single most important foundation for long-lasting asphalt striping results.
Accurate measurement before painting is just as critical as the paint itself. Fox Valley Paint’s 18oz inverted spray paint cans are designed for easy, precise application across a wide range of surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, pavement, dirt, and gravel. The inverted can design makes it simple to apply clean, consistent lines whether you’re a DIY enthusiast working on a small lot or a professional contractor handling a large-scale striping project. Taking time to measure and mark your layout correctly before you paint ensures straight, evenly spaced lines every single time.
Accurate measurement before painting is just as critical as the paint itself. Fox Valley Paint’s 18oz inverted spray paint cans are designed for easy, precise application across a wide range of surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, pavement, dirt, and gravel. The inverted can design makes it simple to apply clean, consistent lines whether you’re a DIY enthusiast working on a small lot or a professional contractor handling a large-scale striping project. Taking time to measure and mark your layout correctly before you paint ensures straight, evenly spaced lines every single time.
Line width and color compliance matter more than most people realize. Using the correct APWA-approved construction marker colors ensures your markings are fully visible and meet all required regulatory guidelines. Fox Valley Paint’s vibrant utility marking spray paint colors are designed specifically for property markers and utility marking, making them the reliable choice for city workers, contractors, and property managers who need markings that are both accurate and fully compliant with local and federal standards.
Proper preparation of your paint can before striping is a step that should never be skipped. Before inserting the can of road paint into your striping machine, shake it vigorously for at least one full minute. This loosens the paint and ensures it dispenses evenly and consistently throughout the entire striping process. Once shaken, insert the can securely into the striping machine and make sure it is firmly locked in place before you begin. A can that shifts or loosens mid-job can cause uneven lines and inconsistent paint flow, both of which are difficult and costly to fix after the fact.
When painting on asphalt, patience is everything. Fox Valley Paint’s asphalt striping paint is permanent, which means you won’t need to restripe your parking lot every six months like you might with lower-quality brands. However, that permanence also means you need to be extra careful and deliberate while applying it. Move at a slow, steady pace with your striping machine to ensure clean, even coverage from start to finish. Rushing the job is the most common cause of uneven lines, missed spots, and costly do-overs.
Striping asphalt the right way comes down to five fundamentals, cleaning the surface thoroughly, measuring your layout accurately, using the correct line width and compliant colors, preparing your paint can properly, and applying paint at a slow and steady pace. Each step builds on the last, and skipping even one of them can compromise the quality, durability, and professionalism of your finished lines.
Whether you are a first-time DIY property owner refreshing faded parking lot lines or an experienced professional contractor working on a large commercial site, following these five steps consistently will deliver clean, long-lasting results every single time.
Fox Valley Paint has been trusted by contractors, property managers, municipalities, and DIY enthusiasts across the United States for professional-grade asphalt striping paint, line striping machines, and complete starter kits that make the job easier and the results better. From permanent asphalt striping paint that outlasts competing brands to easy-to-use striping machines built for both beginners and professionals, Fox Valley Paint provides everything you need to get the job done right the first time.
Ready to get started? Explore Fox Valley Paint’s full range of traffic marking paints, striping machines, and Traffic Starter Kits, or call our striping and marking professionals today at (844) 627-5255 for expert guidance tailored to your specific project needs.
Clean the surface thoroughly, measure your layout accurately, use the correct APWA-compliant colors and line width, shake and secure your paint can properly, and apply paint at a slow and steady pace. Following all five steps consistently delivers professional, long-lasting results.
Sweep the entire surface to remove dirt, rocks, and debris. Power wash to remove oil stains and embedded grime, then allow it to dry completely. Fill and repair all cracks and potholes before striping. A clean, dry, repaired surface ensures proper paint bonding and long-lasting lines.
Fox Valley Paint's asphalt striping paint is permanent and lasts significantly longer than standard brands. The exact lifespan depends on traffic volume, climate conditions, and surface preparation quality, but properly applied Fox Valley Paint won't need restriping every six months like lower-quality alternatives.
Shake the can vigorously for at least one full minute before inserting it into the striping machine. Secure it firmly in place before you begin. A can that shifts during application causes uneven paint flow and inconsistent lines.
White marks general parking spaces, blue marks accessible handicap zones, yellow marks fire lanes and no-parking areas, and red marks curbs. Using correct APWA colors ensures your markings are visible, compliant, and meet all local and federal regulatory requirements.
