Your parking lot is limited in size. Unless you can purchase neighboring land and create a larger area, you must make efficient use of your current space to guarantee that you have enough parking for your staff and customers. At the same time, you want a design that allows traffic to flow safely and orderly. To help with that, these are the best tips for laying out a parking lot for striping.

Measure and Plan Out the Lot

Please note that there are size restrictions regarding the lines you’re painting or the materials you’re utilizing. Typically, parking stripes are 4 inches broad and 15 to 18 inches long.

The lines should be 15 millimeters thick, which generally takes two coats of paint to achieve. Professionals will use airless or air marking equipment to apply paint. Pre-formed markings are sometimes available, too.

Choose the Right Paint

Paint used in pavement stripings can either be water- or solvent-based. Oil and solvent-based paints have a longer shelf life and work better in cooler temperatures. They are also more durable.

On the other hand, water-based paint is less expensive, less harmful to the environment, and dries faster. However, it will not last as long, and in extreme weather, it may freeze in a chunk. Choose the paint that suits your situation best.

Consider the Parking Stalls

Aside from the paint and size, there are other practical tips for laying out a parking lot for striping that you need to acknowledge. The parking stalls are one of them. Make sure the parking spaces you intend on restriping comply with your zoning regulations.

Refer to your initial measurements and take into account the length and width of the stalls. They are typically 9 feet by 18 feet. The compact spaces are at 7.5 feet by 15 feet on average.

Don’t Forget About Other Markings

Signs that indicate fire lanes or say “No parking” must always be visible. Towing won’t be lawful unless you make these signs clear. If you have a crosswalk, it should be painted with 2×8-foot bars or hatched.

When it comes to laying out a parking lot for striping, one mistake can cost you a lot. That’s why doing it yourself is not always the best move. Fortunately, you can hire a pro for the job. Their steady hands stripe parking areas regularly, so you can be assured that your money will not go to waste.