So, you have an asphalt driveway or maybe a parking pad. Those lines might be looking a little faded. Or maybe you just put down some fresh asphalt and want to define things a bit. It is natural to wonder if you can stripe it yourself. Diamond Asphalt has seen plenty of folks here in Billings give it a shot. Sometimes it looks great. Other times, it does not look so good.
As a local contractor, Diamond Asphalt wants to give you the straight scoop on what you need to know. This is important before, during, and after a Asphalt Striping project. We are talking about what you can realistically do yourself. We are also talking about when it is time to bring in someone like us at Diamond Asphalt.
Before You Start: Plan It Out
First things first, what are you actually trying to stripe? A simple parking spot? Maybe outlining the edges of a long driveway? Or a basketball court? The complexity of your Asphalt Striping project is the biggest factor. This helps decide if you should do it yourself or call a professional. For simple, straight lines, you can probably handle it. But anything with curves, multiple parking stalls, or specific ADA compliance markings? That is when you really need a professional for your Asphalt Striping, believe us.
Clean That Surface
Paint will not stick to grime. You will end up with flaky lines a month later. You need to get that asphalt surface super clean for your Asphalt Striping. We are talking sweeping, blowing, and maybe even a good power wash. This is important if there is a lot of dirt, gravel, or oil stains hanging around. If you have oil spots, you will need to degrease them thoroughly. In addition, make sure the asphalt is totally dry before you even think about painting for your Asphalt Striping.
Gather Your Gear
Do not just grab any old exterior paint. You need special traffic or Asphalt Striping paint. It is made to be tough. It handles the weather as well as sticking right to asphalt. Water-based acrylic traffic paint is a common choice for DIY and smaller jobs. This is because it is easy to apply. It also cleans up with water. You can often find it in aerosol cans for smaller jobs. You can also find bigger buckets if you are using a striping machine.
For anything more than just a single line, a walk-behind striping machine is a game-changer. You can rent these from equipment rental places right here in Billings. They make sure your lines are the same width. They also make sure your lines are much straighter than if you try to freehand it. If you are just doing a small touch-up, an aerosol applicator can work for your Asphalt Striping.
You will also need:
- A tape measure
- Chalk line or string
- Stencils (if you are doing arrows, numbers, or handicap symbols)
- Painter's tape (for crisp edges, especially if you are not using a machine for your Asphalt Striping)
Measure Twice, Paint Once
Do not just eyeball it. Grab that tape measure, chalk line, and some good old-fashioned string. For parking spaces, 9 feet wide is standard. The length can vary, but 18-20 feet is pretty common. Lay out your lines carefully. This is where patience pays off for your Asphalt Striping. You want those lines straight as well as evenly spaced.
During the Project: Get to Work
Once you have prepped and measured, it is time to paint. If you are using a striping machine, practice a bit on a piece of cardboard or an out-of-the-way spot. This helps you get a feel for it. For aerosol cans, hold the can at the same height. Move at a steady pace. Overlapping a little bit on each pass helps make sure everything gets covered. If you are using painter's tape, press it down really firmly. This stops paint from bleeding underneath during your Asphalt Striping.
Mind the Weather
This is important, especially here in Billings. A nice, warm, dry day is perfect for Asphalt Striping. Trying to stripe when it is too cold, too hot, or humid can mess with how long it takes to dry. It can also mess with how well the paint sticks. Our Billings winds can also be a real pain. So pick a calm day. Or be ready for some overspray if you are not careful. Ideally, the temperature should be 50 degrees Fahrenheit or more for Asphalt Striping.
Drying Time
Pavement paint may feel dry to the touch in about 30 minutes. But you really need to give it at least an hour before you let any vehicles on it. Some professionals even recommend 24 hours for a full cure. This is especially true after a fresh sealcoat. The type of paint as well as the weather conditions will affect this. So always err on the side of caution with your Asphalt Striping.
After the Project: Keep It Looking Good
Once your lines are down and dry, you will want to protect your investment. Keep the area clean of dirt, oil, and debris. These can cause the paint to wear down faster. This helps your Asphalt Striping last longer.
When to Re-Stripe
Even the best paint will not last forever. Water-based traffic paint typically lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. This is on a well-maintained surface. Some sources say 1-3 years. Things like traffic volume, weather exposure, and how well the surface was prepped will affect its lifespan. Think about our harsh Montana winters as well as our hot summers. You should check your Asphalt Striping regularly. If it is looking faded after a year or two, it is probably time to re-stripe.
When to Call a Pro
For a simple, single line or a couple of parking spots, you can probably handle it. But if you are looking at:
- Lots of parking stalls with specific measurements for your Asphalt Striping
- Handicap parking spaces that need stenciled symbols
- Directional arrows or custom lettering
- Any project where precision and a professional look are really important
- Big commercial parking lots
That is when you should call us. Diamond Asphalt has the specialized equipment. We also have the right paints. In addition, we have the experience to get your Asphalt Striping done efficiently. We will make it look perfect. We understand the local conditions. This includes how our freeze-thaw cycles here can affect how long paint lasts. We use products that hold up. Diamond Asphalt has striped everything from small business lots in the Heights to large apartment complexes all across town. Sometimes, saving yourself the headache is worth the investment. Making sure you get a long-lasting, professional result is also worth the investment. Give Diamond Asphalt a call if you are not sure. We are always happy to chat about your Asphalt Striping project.