Think painting a few lines on asphalt is no big deal? Think again. Parking lot painting might seem straightforward, but if it’s done wrong, you could end up with fines, safety risks, and a lot of wasted money (hello, expensive do-overs).
Done right, line painting keeps everyone safe, keeps your business in compliance, and gives your curb appeal a serious glow-up. That’s why it pays—literally—to get it handled by pros (like us!).
Not sure what can go wrong? No worries. We’ve rounded up the most common (and costly) parking lot painting mistakes so you can steer clear of them from the start. Let’s get into it.
1. Ignoring Local and Accessibility Compliance Standards
Line painting isn’t just about painting some lines to direct traffic—it’s also about meeting important safety and accessibility regulations. In Canada, parking lots must comply with provincial building codes, municipal bylaws, and national accessibility standards like the Accessible Canada Act or CSA B651 (Accessible Design for the Built Environment).
Some common requirements include:
- The International Symbol of Access must be clearly marked in blue and white within each accessible parking space.
- Line markings must be easy to see, durable, and resistant to fading.
- Stall sizes, access aisles, and signage must meet provincial standards.
Ignoring these requirements not only puts people with disabilities at risk but could also lead to penalties, forced re-painting, and even temporary closure of your lot—all of which can be avoided with proper planning.
Common mistakes when it comes to accessibility compliance include:
- Incorrect placement or dimensions of accessible parking stalls
- Missing features like ramps or van-accessible spaces
- Using the wrong signage or symbols
Solution: Always check with your local municipality and follow the applicable accessibility guidelines for your province or territory before painting any lines.
At EverLine Coatings, we make sure your lot is fully compliant, safe, and easy to navigate. Our custom line painting is precise, durable, and tailored to meet all local and national standards—so you can focus on your business, not your parking lot.
2. Using Low-Quality or Incorrect Paint
Different paint types are meant for different surfaces. Cutting corners on paint quality will shorten the lifespan of your line painting. Consider the negative impact of using inferior or non-regulation paint. It may create a variety of consequences, such as:
- Poor paint quality means it will fade quickly; therefore, your lot will require frequent repainting.
- Standard paints won’t adhere to asphalt or concrete properly.
- Slippery surfaces can cause safety hazards.
- Non-reflective paint reduces visibility at night.
Solution: It’s important to choose paint products designed to last. Use high-quality, durable traffic paint formulated for asphalt and concrete.
At EverLine Coatings, we carry the exclusive license for private application TBL Durables in North America. TBL Durables—today’s industry leader for long-lasting pavement markings—lasts 2–4 times longer than standard traffic paints, giving you maximum value for your investment. It’s also more eco-friendly than other leading products, as well as LEED compliant.
3. Not Allowing Proper Drying Time
Rushing your parking lot paint’s drying process can lead to smudging and premature wear and tear. The problems caused by not including enough drying time include:
- Paint tracking onto vehicles or adjacent pavement
- Uneven coverage and peeling
- Reduced durability and lifespan
Solution: Follow manufacturer recommendations for drying times and pay attention to the weather conditions before, during, and after line painting. While it may be tempting to choose a low bid for your project, if corners are cut, you end up needing line painting more often, costing you more in the long run.
At EverLine Coatings, our clients report a 20–30% savings over 3 years. These exceptional results are due to our high-quality products, meticulous craftsmen, and our application techniques—which include proper drying time.
4. Neglecting Maintenance and Repainting Schedules
Parking lot line painting isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Businesses may find themselves dealing with common issues like:
- Letting lines fade until they become unrecognizable
- Ignoring damage from weather, oil, and tire wear
- Failing to update layout changes with renovations or new traffic patterns
Solution: Implement a regular parking lot inspection and maintenance schedule.
At EverLine Coatings, we make it easy to maintain your commercial parking area and pavement with our Preventative Pavement Maintenance Program, which includes regular assessments, proactive solutions, and appealing cost savings.
5. Making Poor Layout and Measurement Mistakes
Incorrect layout planning can lead to inefficient space usage. It’s essential to optimize your parking lot painting to improve traffic flow. Planning your layout will give you the opportunity to change parking space configurations. This is important because a well-designed layout can accommodate more vehicles, which is essential.
Proper layout also makes adding designated loading zones possible. This offers faster business deliveries and ensures large trucks don’t block traffic or other vehicles, adding safety to your lot.
Common layout and measurement errors that occur include:
- Misaligned lines, which cause uneven or too-narrow parking spaces
- Inadequate fire lane clearance, which leads to violations
- Inefficient traffic flow design, which causes congestion in your parking lot
Solution: Use proper measurement tools (chalk lines, stencils) and plan before initiating line painting.
At EverLine Coatings, we take precise measurements and plan the optimal layout before applying your markings.
Will Your Parking Lot Be a Liability or an Asset?
Improper line markings can cost you. That’s why it’s so important to have a parking lot with crisp, clear line painting. And since customers spend more money at businesses where the entire property is safe and appealing, there’s plenty of incentive to make your parking lot an asset rather than a liability.
At EverLine Coatings, we go beyond the standard by applying two coats of sealcoating, offering superior protection, long-lasting durability, and enhanced curb appeal for your asphalt. Unlike others who only apply one layer, our double-coat approach ensures greater safety, reduced maintenance costs, and a polished, professional look for your property. You get double the protection and double the value! Learn more about how our parking lot painting services can make your property compliant, safe, and easy to navigate.
