One of the most common questions property managers ask us is: “How long will my parking lot striping last?” The honest answer is that it depends on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on our 18+ years of experience striping parking lots across Arkansas and surrounding states.
Average Lifespan by Material
| Material | Low Traffic | Medium Traffic | High Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Latex | 18-24 months | 12-18 months | 8-12 months |
| Oil-Based Alkyd | 24-36 months | 18-24 months | 12-18 months |
| Thermoplastic | 5-8 years | 3-5 years | 2-4 years |
| Epoxy | 3-5 years | 2-3 years | 1-2 years |
5 Factors That Affect Striping Durability
1. Traffic Volume and Type
A church parking lot used twice a week will hold paint much longer than a Walmart or hospital lot with constant traffic. Heavy vehicles (delivery trucks, buses) cause more wear than passenger cars. Turning movements — especially in drive-throughs and parking stall entries — create the most abrasion.
2. Arkansas Weather
Arkansas’s climate is particularly hard on parking lot markings. Hot summers (95°F+) soften paint and make it more susceptible to tire abrasion. Heavy spring rains wash away poorly cured paint. Winter freeze-thaw cycles can cause paint to crack and peel. UV exposure fades colors, especially yellow and blue ADA markings.
3. Surface Condition
Paint adheres best to properly prepared surfaces. Cracked, oxidized, or oil-stained asphalt won’t hold paint as long. Newly sealed or resurfaced lots provide the best adhesion and longest stripe life. We always recommend addressing surface issues before restriping.
4. Application Quality
This is where the contractor you choose matters most. Proper application includes: surface cleaning and preparation, correct paint thickness (15-20 mil wet), proper ambient and surface temperature, adequate dry time before opening to traffic, and glass bead application for reflectivity. At AF&G, we use professional-grade Graco and Titan striping machines calibrated for consistent mil thickness.
5. Maintenance Practices
Snow plowing, power washing, and chemical deicers all accelerate paint wear. Properties that use aggressive snow removal should plan for more frequent restriping. Regular sweeping actually helps — removing abrasive dirt and debris extends paint life.
Signs It’s Time to Restripe
- Lines are more than 50% faded or worn
- Drivers are parking crooked or outside stall lines
- ADA markings are no longer clearly visible
- Fire lane markings have faded (this is a code violation)
- You’ve received a complaint from your insurance company or fire marshal
- It’s been 18+ months since last application
How to Extend Your Striping Lifespan
- Sealcoat before striping: Fresh sealcoat provides the best bonding surface
- Use thermoplastic for high-wear areas: Drive-throughs, ADA spaces, directional arrows
- Schedule restriping in fall: Moderate temperatures (55-85°F) produce the best adhesion
- Touch up instead of full restripe: Refreshing worn areas annually costs less than a full job
Is your parking lot due for restriping?
AF&G LLC provides free on-site assessments across Arkansas and 9 surrounding states.
Call (501) 771-9929 or Request a Quote