Effective and visible line markings are imperative in the construction, landscaping, utilities, and surveying fields. The use of appropriate utility line marking paint guarantees safety and efficiency on a project. Incorrect paint usage can lead to faded markings, project delay, destruction caused by improper marks, and safety risks.
Fox Valley Paints has two highly reliable options:
- Easy Marker – a water-based and turf-friendly paint ideal for transient and eco-projects.
- Marks All – Solvent Based – A solvent-based paint suited for permanent and durable markings.
Below is an in-depth review and analysis of these two products, and it will enable you to make an educated decision based on your needs.
The Role and Importance of Utility Marking Paints
Marker paints for utility are not mere aesthetic tools but are very essential.
- Safety
Line strips are highly visible and help eliminate accidents associated with road and sidewalk construction, excavation, landscaping, and surveying. The strips enable people to see project area boundaries.
- Accuracy
Straight and consistent colors and lines improve accuracy and reduce mistakes, making it easier for teams to adhere to the plan and specifications set forth.
- Efficiency
Professional paints dry fast and have a smooth sprayer pattern, so work can be done fast.
- Compliance
Easy Marker and Marks All comply with the color codes as set by APWA, and this ensures that all marks made are recognized as per the guidelines provided.
Choosing the appropriate paint will improve productivity and lower risks associated with expensive error incidences and accidents.
Easy Marker: Waterborne, Turf-Friendly Utility Paint
- Easy Marker
Easy Marker is a water-based marking spray offered by Fox Valley Paint. It’s perfect for short-term line markings and any project involving turf-safe application. It’s made with ease of use, visibility, and safety as considerations.
- Features
- Water-based formula: Easy Marker’s formula dries fast and is earth-friendly, so it doesn’t affect grass, turf, and soil. It also creates colorful and vibrant lines that are highly visible but harmless to natural surfaces. That makes it very useful for landscaping, athletic fields, and even temporary construction projects.
- Up-side-down cans: These cans help prevent straining. You can easily spray with these cans without having to bend or position them in an awkward manner. These cans are usable with spray wands and pistols.
- APWA color compliance: Easy Marker boasts fluorescent colors such as green, pink, red, and yellow. Your markings will be compatible with industry standards regarding identification and compliance with businesses and municipalities.
- Low VOCs: The paint emits low volatile organic compounds. This makes it environmentally friendly and safe for handling. The paint would be useful for indoor and environmentally sensitive regions.
- No-clog formula: The product prevents interruptions because it uses an anti-clog formula. The result is efficient sprays without the risk of clogs.
- Applications
- Utility line marking: It can be perfectly suited for contracting and land surveying.
- Tree painting and landscaping: Safe for natural surfaces while providing clear visibility.
- Parking Lots and Sports Fields: Ideal for short-term field designs, practice lines, and temporary boundaries.
- Temporary survey lines: Easy Marker makes permanent but reversible marks for planning and surveying.
- Benefits
- Turf-safe: Safe on grass, soil, and environmentally sensitive sites
- Quick-drying functionality: Ensures there’s minimal downtime with projects.
- Easy to apply: Works well with wands and pistols.
- Cost-Effective: Economical and perfect for schools, municipalities, and small contractors.
Pro Tip: You can use Easy Marker on short-term projects or projects that have environmental considerations, like playgrounds and school playgrounds.
Marks All: Solvent Based, Utility Paint
- Marks All
To make projects involving durable, long-lasting markings, Marks All will be your best option. It contains a solvent-based formula that produces highly visible and vibrant marks.
- Features
- Solvent-based formula: Marks All boasts excellent adhesion and longevity on asphalt, concrete, gravel, and soil. It resists rain, sunlight, snow, and traffic for permanent or semi-permanent use for utility markings.
- Up-side-down cans with tips: Ergonomically shaped cans and tips make it possible to achieve professional-grade designs even at difficult spots without overspray.
- Weather-resistant performance: Marks All retains its brightness and adhesiveness on wet, warm, or cold substances and maintains visibility for months.
- APWA-compliant colors: Provides fluorescent blue, green, orange, pink, red/orange, yellow, aluminum, red, and white colors that are commonly used for utility identification.
- Coverage Rate: The 18 oz cans will be capable of covering an area of 50-60 sq. feet.
- Versatile Surfaces: Marks All can be done on multiple surfaces like pavement, asphalt, concrete, earth, gravel, and even grass. Its special high-adhesive formula helps it remain visibleeven on uneven and rough terrain.
- Features
- Solvent-based formula: Marks All boasts excellent adhesion and longevity on asphalt, concrete, gravel, and soil. It resists rain, sunlight, snow, and traffic for permanent or semi-permanent use for utility markings.
- Up-side-down cans with tips: Ergonomically shaped cans and tips make it possible to achieve professional-grade designs even at difficult spots without overspray.
- Weather-resistant performance: Marks All retains its brightness and adhesiveness on wet, warm, or cold substances and maintains visibility for months.
- APWA-compliant colors: Provides fluorescent blue, green, orange, pink, red/orange, yellow, aluminum, red, and white colors that are commonly used for utility identification.
- Coverage Rate: The 18 oz cans will be capable of covering an area of 50-60 sq. feet.
- Versatile Surfaces: Marks All can be done on multiple surfaces like pavement, asphalt, concrete, earth, gravel, and even grass. Its special high-adhesive formula helps it remain visibleeven on uneven and rough terrain.
- Applications
- Construction Sites: Ideal for permanent or semi-permanent line markings.
- Underground Utility Marking: Indicates presence of oil pipes, gas pipes, as well as
- issuing road markings and boundary markings: Facilitates marks on road boundaries.
- Outdoor Landscaping: Offers bright and durable markings for lawn, trees, and hard surface locations.
- Benefits
- Durability: The marks are highly visible and remain so even after several months.
- Street-safe and durable: Works well on asphalt, concrete, gravel, and dirt without fading.
- High performance levels under extreme conditions: Retains adhesiveness and visibility in rain, heat, or low temperatures.
- Professional application: Tip accuracy and smooth sprays make a big difference for professional writing.
Pro Tip: Marks All is recommended for heavy-duty contractors, municipalities, and industrial projects who need permanent visibility.
Easy Marker vs. Marks All: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Easy Marker | Marks All |
|---|---|---|
| Base Type | Water-based | Solvent-based |
| Surface Compatibility | Grass, turf, soil | Asphalt, concrete, soil, gravel |
| Durability | Short-term | Long-lasting, waterproof |
| Ideal Use | Landscaping, sports fields, temporary marking | Construction, utilities, extreme conditions |
| Coverage | Moderate | 50–60 sq. ft./can |
| VOC Level | Low | Moderate |
| Price | ~$79.95 per case | Higher due to durability |
- Quick Guidance:
- Temporary/Turf Sensitive Projects → Easy Marker
- Long-lasting, heavy-duty usage → Marks All
Tips for Picking the Right Utility Paint
- 1) Surface Type
Use Easy Marker on grass and turf, and Marks All on asphalt, concrete, or gravel.
- 2) Length of Markings
Easy Marker would be preferred for short-term marks. Marks All would be preferred for permanent/semi-permanent marks.
- 3) Environmental Conditions
Marks withstands extreme weather conditions. Easy Marker works well in mild weather on environmentally friendly surfaces.
- 4) Type of Projects
Easy Marker is suited for projects involving landscaping, athletic fields, and demolition. Marks All is suited for projects involving construction, utilities, and municipalities.
- 5) Volume Requirements
Buying volumes are cheaper and provide a steady supply source for large projects.
Buying in Volumes and Cost-Effectiveness
- Both have packaging with cases of 12 cans, making it convenient for contractors or large projects.
- Bulk orders provide discounted pricing as they are cost-effective.
- Steady availability prevents you from running out of it while working on a project.
- Contact Fox Valley Paint for custom pricing, bulk options, and delivery.
Conclusion
The use of appropriate utility marking paints will be critical if accuracy, safety, and efficiency are to be achieved.
- Easy Marker: Resistant to turf, ecofriendly, and designed for short-term uses such as sports grounds and temporary utility markings.
- Marks All: Durable, solvent-based, perfect for permanent marks on construction projects and extreme weather conditions.
By learning more about these differences, benefits, and uses, you can pick the best paint possible for your needs and save yourself money and time.
FAQS
Easy Marker is a water-based, turf-safe paint designed for short-term or environmentally sensitive projects like sports fields and landscaping. Marks All is a solvent-based, long-lasting paint ideal for construction sites, utilities, and heavy-duty projects where durability is critical.
Easy Marker is best suited for grass, turf, or soil, as it’s designed to be eco-friendly and short-term. For asphalt, concrete, gravel, or permanent markings, Marks All is the better choice.
Yes! Marks All is highly durable and weather-resistant, maintaining color and adhesion in rain, heat, or cold. It’s perfect for construction sites, utility lines, or long-term outdoor markings.
Use Easy Marker for short-term projects like athletic fields, temporary survey lines, or landscaping. Choose Marks All when you need permanent, durable markings for construction, utilities, or industrial sites.
Consider surface type, durability, project length, and environmental sensitivity:
Grass/turf + short-term → Easy Marker
Asphalt, concrete, gravel + long-term → Marks All
This ensures maximum efficiency, safety, and visibility for your project.


