Service 01
Highway Striping
Highway striping in the harsh conditions of the upper midwest poses a unique set of conditions not found in other parts of the country.
The extreme freeze-thaw cycle and frequent plowing, sanding, and salting during winter wreak havoc on pavement markings. Fortunately, there have been many advancements in both materials and application equipment to minimize wear and improve the lifespan of the markings. The materials and application techniques available in this market are listed in order of durability with paint being the least durable, preformed thermoplastic and epoxy the most durable.
Beyond material choice, application matters just as much. Line thickness, bead type, and drop rate all determine how well a marking retroreflects at night in rain, the moment drivers need it most. Our trucks are calibrated before each project and checked throughout the run.
Materials & methods
- Plural Component Epoxy
- 3M Tape
- High Build and high solids Waterborne Paint
- Preformed Thermoplastic
- Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
- Pavement marking removal (mechanical grinding or water blasting)
Material guide
Choosing the right system
Ranked least to most durable, and matched to the road, the traffic, and the budget.
Waterborne Paint
The most economical option and the workhorse of annual maintenance striping. High build and high solids formulas extend service life and dry fast enough to reopen lanes quickly.
Plural Component Epoxy
Two-part material mixed at the gun and applied hot. Bonds aggressively to concrete and asphalt and holds beads well, delivering multi-season durability under plows and salt.
Preformed Thermoplastic
Heat-fused legends, arrows, and crosswalks with exceptional wear resistance, ideal for intersections and high-abrasion zones.
MMA & Tape
Methyl methacrylate for the toughest conditions and 3M preformed tape for fast installs and temporary staging during construction phasing.
Scope of work
- Interstate and state highway long line
- County and municipal roadway
- Centerlines, edge lines, and skips
- Recessed / grooved markings
- Intersection legends and crosswalks
- Rumble strip and shoulder work coordination
- Temporary construction phase markings
- Full removal and re-layout
Questions
Highway FAQ
Why are grooved markings worth it?+
Recessing the marking below the pavement surface protects it from plow blades. In a region that plows all winter, grooving is often the difference between a marking that lasts one season and one that lasts several.
Which material should we specify?+
It depends on traffic volume, pavement age, and budget cycle. We'll walk through durability versus cost per foot and recommend the material that actually pencils out over the life of the road.
Can you work nights?+
Yes. Most highway work happens under night closures to minimize impact, and our crews and traffic control are set up for it.
Ready for an estimate?
Contact Sir Lines-A-Lot for your traffic control, parking lot, or roadway striping project. Crews deploy across Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa.