How to Prepare Your Site for Line Marking — and Why It Matters
One of the most common reasons line marking fails early isn't the paint — it's the preparation. Properly preparing your surface before marking is the single most important factor in how long your lines last. Here's what you need to know before we arrive on-site.
Why Preparation Matters
Paint needs a clean, dry, sound surface to bond properly. Contaminants like oil, grease, dust, rubber, and moisture all reduce adhesion — meaning your marking can start to lift, fade, or peel much earlier than it should. Good prep can be the difference between markings lasting 12 months and markings lasting 3 years.
For Car Parks: What We Need From You
Before we arrive to mark your car park, please ensure:
- ✓The surface is dry — we can't paint on wet asphalt or concrete. Ideally, no rain for 24 hours before the job.
- ✓The area is cleared of vehicles — all cars need to be moved out before we begin.
- ✓Oil stains are treated — if there are heavy oil deposits, these need to be cleaned or we can arrange surface preparation as part of the job.
- ✓Any existing markings you want removed are flagged — we can black out or grind old lines as part of the process.
- ✓You've approved a layout plan — for new markings, we'll provide a plan beforehand so there are no surprises.
For Warehouses: Key Considerations
Warehouse floors have additional prep requirements due to the coatings involved:
- ✓The floor must be clean and free of oils, chemicals, and dust
- ✓Any damaged concrete should be repaired before coating is applied
- ✓The area being marked should be free of machinery and stock
- ✓For epoxy coatings, we typically need to grind or acid-etch the concrete to ensure proper adhesion
- ✓Curing time must be factored in — some coatings require 24–48 hours before foot traffic
What We Handle On Our End
Our team arrives with all the equipment, materials, and protective gear needed for the job. We handle:
- ✓Surface cleaning and preparation (if included in scope)
- ✓Measuring and layout before any paint is applied
- ✓Masking and taping for clean, sharp lines
- ✓Application using professional line marking equipment
- ✓Clean-up and removal of all masking materials
Scheduling: Night and Weekend Work
Many of our clients prefer night or weekend marking to avoid disrupting business operations. We offer after-hours scheduling at standard weekday rates — so there's no premium for working around your hours.
The better prepared your site, the better your result. If you're unsure about anything before your job, just call us — we're happy to advise. Contact our team on 022 439 3344 or submit an enquiry online.
