A Guide to Cold Thermoplastic Road Marking Paints and Applications

An Introduction to Cold Thermoplastic Paint

Cold thermoplastic paint, often referred to simply as cold paint, is a unique type of paint product used primarily for road striping and pavement marking applications. As its name suggests, cold paint differs from traditional paint and coating products in that it can be applied without heating or melting the material prior to application. This offers several benefits that make cold thermoplastics an attractive pavement marking solution for certain applications.

What is Cold Thermoplastic Paint?

Cold paint consists of thermoplastic resins, pigments, glass beads, and other additives that have been factory preformed into a putty-like material. Unlike hot-applied thermoplastics, which are heated to temperatures of 390-425°F prior to roadway application, cold plastic paints can be applied directly at temperatures as low as 35°F without any special equipment or heat requirements.

The material is moldable and pliable even at low temperatures, allowing it to be pressed onto pavements by hand or with basic mechanized equipment. Shortly after application, the cold paint formulation naturally hardens due to chemical changes and curing that take place in the material.

Benefits of Using Cold Thermoplastic Paint

There are several notable benefits associated with using cold plastic paint for pavement markings instead of other paint options:

• No heating equipment necessary for application
• Can be applied at cold temperatures down to 35°F
• Fast drying and curing times
• Excellent adhesion to properly prepared surfaces
• Retains reflectivity and color well over time
• Tough and durable material resistant to traffic wear
• Long-lasting markings, 5+ years in many cases

The ability to install durable pavement markings without heat provides flexibility for cold weather applications and allows for quick project turnaround times. The cured cold plastic material is also very durable, providing long life markings that retain their reflectivity and colors exceptionally well under traffic.

Types of Cold Thermoplastic Formulations

Cold thermoplastic paints utilize different resin chemistries in their formulations, typically categorized into four main types:

• Alkyd resins - Most common cold paint type; cures to a hard finish
• Hydrocarbon resins - Fast curing; used for quick access jobs
• Acrylic resins - Enhanced recoatability and color stability
• Polyester resins - Very durable markings in high wear areas

Different formulations offer varied performance traits. Alkyd cold plastics provide an ideal balance of durability, cure speed, and cost for general use. Specialty acrylic and polyester blends are designed for applications requiring specific attributes such as color retention or extreme wear resistance.

Typical Applications for Cold Paint

Some of the typical applications where cold plastic road marking paints excel include:

• Airport taxiways, runways, and aprons
• Parking lots and private roadways
• Lane lines, edge lines, and turn arrows
• Crosswalks, stop bars, and intersection markings
• Warehouse floors and traffic directional markings
• Temporary work zone markings

Cold paints offer great versatility for low-speed and low-volume pavement marking needs. Their ability to cure rapidly allows for quick access times on roadway projects. Durability and retention properties also make them suitable for a wide range of marking applications.

Applying Cold Thermoplastic Paint

While hot thermoplastics require complex heating and pumping equipment for placement, cold paint can be applied manually or with basic hand-liners and press vehicles. Typical application steps include:

1. Clean and prepare the pavement surface
2. Prime bare pavements with compatible primer
3. Pre-mark the layout lines with chalk, crayon, or paint
4. Unwrap and prepare the cold thermoplastic material
5. Place paint by hand or equipment along pre-marked lines
6. Press the material firmly into the surface with adequate pressure
7. Allow the markings to cure under proper conditions

Proper cold paint application techniques allow the material to adequately bond with the pavement. Adhesion strength and durability are highly dependent on following the correct application steps.

Key Takeaways on Cold Thermoplastic Paint

• Uniquely formulated to apply directly without heating/melting first
• Cures through chemical hardening shortly after install
• Offers fast project turnaround and cold weather marking
• Matches hot thermoplastic properties when cured
• Ideal for airport, parking, roadway delineation uses

As an advancement over older cold paints, today's reliable cold thermoplastic markings offer comparable quality and longevity to hot-applied materials. Thanks to their unique "cold applied" formulation and durable composition, modern cold plastics deliver on the performance demands of airport, roadway, and commercial pavement delineation applications.

FAQs

How long does cold thermoplastic paint last on roadways?

Properly applied cold paint lasts 4-6 years on average under roadway traffic. Some cold plastics last over 5 years before requiring reapplication. Durability depends on formulation, wear conditions and surface preparation.

Can you apply cold paint in wet conditions or low temperatures?

Cold thermoplastic formulations allow application at temperatures as low as 35°F without needing to preheat the material. However, the pavement surface must be clean and dry for proper adhesion.

What equipment is needed to apply cold plastic paint?

Basic hand application tools or wheeled cart stripers can apply cold paint without needing hot thermoplastic equipment. Manual installation takes more labor but offers flexibility.

How soon can I drive or walk on new cold plastic markings?

Most cold paints fully cure within 30-90 minutes after application. This allows traffic to drive over markings soon after installation, though extra curing time is ideal in cold & wet conditions.