Water-based acrylic traffic paint
Water-based paint dries fast, cleans up with water and bonds well to fresh sealcoat. Applied at the right mil thickness, it lasts one to two years in typical Greater Boston lots.
Oil-based (solvent) paint
Solvent-based paint handles cooler temperatures a bit better but has higher VOC content, and it can bleed into fresh sealcoat. It's rarely the right pick for a commercial lot today.
What matters more than the paint type
Application is what separates good lines from bad ones:
- Correct wet mil thickness (usually around 15 mils)
- Clean, dry pavement
- Temperatures above roughly 50°F
- Glass beads for night visibility where needed
Frequently asked questions
Is water-based paint durable enough for New England?
Yes, when applied at proper thickness. Thin, watered-down paint is what fails, not the product type.
Can you add reflective beads?
Yes. Glass beads dropped into wet paint improve night visibility on entrances and crosswalks.
Is traffic paint the same as regular paint?
No. Traffic paint is formulated to resist tires, UV and weather. House paint peels quickly on asphalt.
Related services
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Boston Line Striping stripes commercial lots across Greater Boston with fixed written pricing and overnight crews.