Parking lots are very important for any business or public space. So, they need clear lines, right paint and proper layout. Therefore, you must have knowledge to paint a parking lot.
We have written this simple article to explain everything to you. We added steps to paint the parking area. You will also learn about the right paint and equipment.
Painting a Parking Lot in 4 Simple Steps
Well, painting a parking lot means you make fresh lines on the pavements of your parking area. Basically, you clear boundaries for drivers to avoid confusion. This process involves some basic steps to be done when you paint a parking lot.
Prepare Surface For Painting
The process of paint always starts from a clean surface. So, your pavement must stay free from dirt, sand, oil and remove old loose paint. You must check for cracks, potholes or rough spots and fix them before the markings. Because a dry and even surface gives your paint a strong grip for a long time.
Parking Layout / Parking Marking
This is the most important step, you have to place markings according to the layout of your parking area. You have to mark each dimension, arrow, and edge of your parking zone with tape or chalk.
Actually, this is necessary because these are specific dimensions that are set by your local legislative organizations. Therefore, to make a standardized parking spot you have to follow them.
Selection of Parking Paint Colors
Generally, for a parking lot, you have to pick colors that are highly visible. Commonly, white and yellow are preferred for lines and stalls (a single parking space for one car). The accessible parking area must be highlighted with a standard blue color. On the other hand, you choose red to mark emergency vehicles’ spots.
Painting Parking Lot Lines
When you have marked the lines, the next step is to paint them carefully. You can use a field marking line machine or any type of painting robot for this purpose. Because they are known for placing accurate lines without the waste of paint. This can be done by workers also but there is a chance of mistakes.
Standard Parking Space Sizes
Well, the standard size of any parking area depends on the legal traffic bodies of any country. It also changes by the type of parking type. Therefore, we have made this table for better understanding. Furthermore, if a space sits next to a wall or post, add 0.3 m to 0.5 m to its width.
Standard Parking Space Size
| Types of Parking Spots | Parking Sizes | Size in Meters (W × L) |
| Parallel parking | 8 ft wide and 22 to 26 ft long | 2.4 × 6.7 to 7.9 |
| Perpendicular parking | 9 ft wide and 18 ft long | 2.7 × 5.5 |
| Angled parking 60° | 9 ft wide and 20 ft long | 2.7 × 6 |
| Accessible stall | 8 ft +5 ft aisle and 18 ft long | 2.4 + 1.5 aisle × 5.5 |
| Compact stall | 8 ft wide and 16 ft long | 2.4 × 4.9 |
| Larger vehicle spot | 12 ft wide and 40 plus long | 3.7 × 12 Plus |
Best Paint For Parking Lot Lines
You can use many road making paints to paint your parking lots. Common types are:
- Water Based Paint: It is also known as latex and acrylic paint. This paint is popular for its environment friendly nature. You use water as a solvent. It dries in just 30 to 60 minutes. It contains less harmful emissions. Because it has fewer VOCs compared to oil-based paints.
- Oil Based Paint: You can call it solvent-based or alkyd paint. Basically, it uses natural oils as a solvent. It dries very slowly, Approx. 6 to 8 hours. But it is suitable for parking areas with heavy traffic flow and low natural light. Plus, it has a strong smell due to VOCs.
- Reflective Paint: You use this type of paint for high visibility. Because it reflects light and solar radiation. Actually, it may use glass beads, fillers or special pigments. Moreover, it is a cost effective option for you.
- Epoxy Traffic Paint: Epoxy traffic paint has two parts (resin and hardener). This is why it is highly resistant to fuel and oils. Always remember, minimum surface and air temperatures should be 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).
- Thermoplastic Road Marking Paint: This type of paint uses glass beads that make it visible from a distance. Its life span is more than 5 years. But it requires a high temperature (180°C and 210°C) when you apply it. Therefore, you have to use special equipment to heat the paint.
Best Line Striping Machine
Parking Line Machine / Stripe Marking Machine
There are many line striping machines which you can use to mark parking lines and road pavements. The best line marking machine depends on the nature of your project. For example if you have to mark small parking lots you can use a manually operated striping machine.
In the case of a medium sized parking area, a walk behind or airless machine is suitable. If there is a large and professional parking zone, we recommend you to use auto-machines like marking robots and ride on systems.
What is Painting Parking Lot Lines Cost?
The cost for painting parking lot lines is around $0.20 to $1.00 per linear foot. If we consider per stall then it will be $5 to $20. Most small or mid-size lots range from $500 to $1200. But your final price depends on the lot size, the layout you need, and the paint you choose.
- Small Lots: Like 5,000 sq ft may cost you $300 to $800.
- Medium Lots: With 30 to 50 stalls you are charged $500 to $1200.
- Large Commercial Lots: Start from $1500 and go up to $5000.
Wrapping It Up
So, these were the steps for painting a parking lot. We tried to keep everything simple and also told you the cost and automatic method to paint your parking area. You should always plan your layout carefully and choose the right paint.
Do you need safety or marking products for your parking space? Contact us today and let us manufacture all your required items in our factory.
More Helpful Questions & Answers
How to Paint Parking Lot Lines with a Roller?
First of all, you have to clean the surface well. Then mark your lines with chalk or tape. Use a 4 inch roller and put your paint in smooth & straight strokes. You should make sure the ground is dry. Keep in mind, your paint’s temperature is 10°C to 30°C for a neat and clear line.
How to Paint Parking Lot Lines Without a Machine?
If you have to paint a small parking area then there is no need for costly machines. Therefore, you can hire workers for this purpose. Workers mark the lines and then apply the paint with the help of brushes and rollers.
