How do I prepare surfaces for linemarking with a specialist industrial coating?

Good surface preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving durable, clearly defined linemarkings.

It can be tempting to think of linemarking as a relatively simple process: clean the surface, apply the paint and allow it to dry.

In reality, the preparation required can vary considerably depending on the surface, its condition, the existing coating and the environment in which the linemarking will be used.

A factory floor, concrete car park, tarmac road, airport runway and railway station platform can all present very different preparation challenges.

The coating can only perform as well as the surface it is applied to.

 

  1. Start by identifying the surface

Before any preparation begins, establish exactly what you are going to mark.

Common linemarking substrates include:

  • Concrete floors
  • Power-floated concrete
  • Tarmac and asphalt
  • Weathered blacktop
  • Paving
  • Brick
  • Existing painted floors
  • Existing linemarkings
  • Wood and other specialist surfaces.

Pronto’s linemarking products are designed for a range of these applications, but the suitability of the coating should always be checked against the specific substrate and its condition.

 

  1. Thoroughly clean the surface

The first stage is to remove anything that could interfere with adhesion.

Industrial floors and external surfaces can accumulate considerable contamination ranging from dirt to grease, mud to loose debris.

Internal floors may appear clean but still have residues from manufacturing processes, vehicle traffic or previous cleaning.

External surfaces can be even more challenging. Roads, car parks and yards may have oil deposits, tyre rubber, mud and other contaminants embedded into the surface.

 

  1. Remove oil, grease and other contaminants

Degreasing is particularly important in areas exposed to vehicles.

Car parks, loading areas, garages, vehicle yards and industrial floors can contain oil, diesel, hydraulic fluid and other contaminants that are difficult to remove with water alone.

These contaminants can interfere with adhesion and potentially contribute to premature peeling, flaking or other coating failures.

 

  1. Assess the condition of the existing surface

Once the surface has been cleaned, inspect it carefully.

Look for cracks, loose material, peeling or flaking paint, oil, and uneven surfaces.

This is particularly important when refreshing existing linemarkings.

It can be tempting simply to follow the existing lines and apply another coat. However, if the existing coating is poorly adhered, the new coating may only be as durable as the layer beneath it.

 

  1. Prepare concrete floors correctly

Internal concrete floors can present some of the most challenging linemarking applications.

A new concrete floor may contain curing compounds or other surface treatments. Older floors can have accumulated oil, grease, rubber deposits and other contamination.

Power-floated concrete can also be particularly smooth and dense, making mechanical preparation important where additional surface key is required.

Depending on the condition of the floor, preparation may require abrasion, diamon grinding, shot blasting or simple cleaning and making good.

The objective is to produce a clean, sound surface with suitable characteristics for the selected coating.

 

6. Plan the application around the site

Preparation isn’t complete until the site is ready for coating.

For an internal factory or warehouse, this may mean:

  • Moving vehicles and equipment
  • Isolating pedestrian routes
  • Cleaning the surrounding area
  • Preventing dust-generating work during application
  • Ensuring adequate ventilation
  • Planning when traffic can return.

The preparation process therefore needs to consider how the site operates, not simply how the surface looks.

 

A simple preparation process

Although every project is different, a useful approach is:

  1. Identify the substrate
    Concrete, tarmac, paving, brick, existing coating or another surface.
  2. Assess its condition
    Look for contamination, deterioration, cracks, loose material and failing coatings.
  3. Clean thoroughly
    Remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, rubber and other contaminants.
  4. Mechanically prepare where required
    Abrade, grind, shot blast or otherwise prepare smooth, contaminated or poorly bonded surfaces.
  5. Remove failing existing markings
    Do not simply coat over loose or deteriorating material.
  6. Remove preparation dust
    Vacuum and clean the surface thoroughly.
  7. Check environmental conditions
    Confirm that the surface and surrounding conditions are suitable for the selected coating.
  8. Apply the correct linemarking system
    Use the specified application method and film thickness.
  9. Allow sufficient drying or curing time
    Do not return traffic simply because the surface feels touch dry.
  10. Reopen the area when the coating is ready for its intended use.

 

Preparation is key. Getting those fundamentals right helps the specialist coating deliver the durability, visibility and service life it was selected to provide.

 

Check out the linemarking range here.

Where next?

Read the following articles in our linemarking series: