Thermoplastic road striping has been used in traffic marking for decades. Thermoplastic pavement marking material is a 100% solids, heat-activated compound made of binder, pigments, fillers, and glass beads. When heated it liquefies into a durable, reflective, skid-resistant surface that outlasts traditional paint and returns to service within minutes.

Key Formulations

Hydrocarbon ResinPetroleum-derived resin system for general road use.Alkyd ResinWood-derived resin with good oil and grease resistance.Preformed ThermoplasticFactory-made markings applied with a hand torch, no kettle on site.Extrude / Spray ThermoplasticGranular or block formats for machine application on long highway lines.

Core Components

Glass BeadsEmbedded or dropped onto hot material for nighttime retroreflectivity.PigmentsProvide bold, lasting color, typically white or yellow.BinderResin and plasticizer blends providing bond, flexibility, and toughness.FillersInert sand and calcium carbonate adding bulk and structural integrity.

Application Process

1. PreparationPavement must be clean, dry, and free of debris. Concrete usually requires a thermoplastic primer for adhesion.2. HeatingHeat to roughly 300–400°F (150–205°C) until liquid; it thermally fuses to the asphalt.3. CuringCools and sets in about 5 minutes, restoring traffic within minutes instead of hours.4. Service LifeLonger service life than waterborne paint; suited to lines, legends, arrows, symbols, crosswalks, and custom signage.

1. Preformed Thermoplastic

We supply a range of preformed markings and sizes for pavement marking and road signage. The material does not require preheating — lay it down, heat it, and move on. Use on asphalt or concrete (with sealer), designed for highways and streets.

Pre-cut lines, legends, and symbols for roadway delineation, pedestrian areas, and bike lanes provide visible, durable markings on asphalt or concrete.

• Easy application, no preheat required
• Pre-cut, ready to use out of the box
• No stencils required
• Minimal equipment investment
• Durable with long service life
• Good adhesion to asphalt or concrete
• Available in high-skid-resistance grades

2. Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)

MMA two-component traffic paint is a versatile, durable option for striping high-traffic areas such as roadways, parking lots, crosswalks, bike paths, and bus lanes. A pigmented base resin is mixed with a curing agent and applied immediately; the two polymerize into a strong, long-lasting compound through an exothermic reaction.

MMA is a non-hazardous two-component material that can be sprayed or extruded, typically at 40 mils. Service life commonly exceeds three years, and the material resists oils, antifreeze, and common roadway chemicals. Because it does not rely on added heat, it performs well in cold-weather climates. A drawback is that it requires special application equipment.

3. Hot-Applied Thermoplastic

Our hot-applied material is a solid compound of pigments, glass beads, binder, and filler that becomes liquid when heated. Glass beads mixed into the material provide consistent visibility and performance through the marking’s service life.

Used for all types of line marking and suited to Type I and Type II markings, the fast application and hardening allow quick reopening to traffic. Applied as center lines, edge lines, hatched areas, and pedestrian crossings, the material is suitable for extrusion, spray, or manual application and is adjusted to different climates.

Types of Hot-Applied Thermoplastic

Spray Hot-AppliedFormulated for spray at 30–40 mils; suited to maintenance touch-ups and as a paint alternative for skip, edge, or center lines on low-ADT roads.No-Primer Hot-AppliedFor asphalt and newer concrete without primer; improved durability, crack resistance, and adhesion in snow-plow areas; compatible with other thermoplastics.Profile IProfiled edge-line markings that enhance wet-night visibility and deliver audible rumble to alert drivers of lane departure.Profile IIRaised profile retrofit added to an existing thermoplastic flat line to improve wet reflectivity and audible delineation.

4. Waterborne Traffic Paint

Eco-friendly, fast-drying waterborne marking paint for traffic zones and airport markings. Sprayed over cured concrete or asphalt (at least 30 days old), it leaves dense, clear color. Suited to parking lot striping and stencils; traffic returns within a couple of hours.

• Walkable in ~30 min, drivable in ~2 h at 77°F / 50% RH
• Each 5-gallon pail covers roughly 1,600 linear feet (485 m)
• 2-year shelf life; store above 50°F and keep from freezing
• Can be applied by roller or line-striping machine
• Also suited to concrete, bike lanes, commercial driveways, factory floors, tennis and pickleball courts, running tracks, and field markings
• Add high-visibility glass beads while wet for extra reflectivity