From time to time, a customer will want you to remove some old parking lot striping lines. Usually, their request involves changing the width of the parking stalls, especially when implementing ADA requirements or changing from straight-in stalls to angled stalls.

The quickest and easiest way to conceal old stripes is to use “blackout” (asphalt) paint or “block-out” (concrete) paint. Of course, that only delays the eventual reappearance of the offensive stripes. There are three methods used to permanently remove old stripes.

1. Pressure Washing
2. Shot Blasting
3. Sand Blasting

As with most services, each type used in removing stripes has advantages and disadvantages. Call Trueline Striping today when you need to get answers in regards to which method is best for you and your parking lot striping needs.

Few things are as embarrassing as striping a parking lot in cold weather and having your customer call a few days later to say “My stripes have disappeared.” If the customer has already paid you fore the work, he’s probably going to be angry.

In such cases, you’ll usually be better off to issue a complete refund immediately, and then wait for more favorable weather to re-stripe the lot. That could mean a few days or several months. Regardless, you’ll be much better off refunding the customer’s money, or holding back on his invoice if you haven’t billed him yet.

More importantly, oil base paint can be successfully applied at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Another thing to consider are fast dry paints available from most paint contractors. These  striping paints are designed to dry quickly in cold weather where time window opportunities are short. Also if rain is in the forecast its best to not take the chance on scheduling a job. Most paint contractors agree that paints failure rates skyrocket if precipitation is in the forecast 24 hours before or after work is completed.

If you have a striping project coming up in Southern California don’t take a chance on a contractor who is not sure of what kind of paint you should use or when you should use it. Call Trueline Striping today and we will answer any questions you can think off.