Think painting a few lines on asphalt is no big deal? Think again. Parking lot striping 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 striping 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 striping mistakes so you can steer clear of them from the start. Let’s get into it.
5 Parking Lot Line Striping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Local and ADA Compliance Regulations
Line striping is more than just adding lines to your lot to direct traffic and pedestrians. Property owners must be compliant with fire code laws, local municipal codes, and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The ADA requires accessible areas, minimum designated accessible parking spaces, and more.
Some of the ADA requirements include the following:
- The international accessibility symbol must be painted in the center of each parking space and must be blue and white.
- All line markings must be visible, legible, and durable.
- Line widths must be a minimum of 4 inches.
If you don’t follow the ADA guidelines, you put the safety of those with disabilities at risk. Failure to meet the guidelines may result in the need to close your parking lot and have its lines re-painted (a costly hassle that could be avoided).
Common mistakes in local and ADA compliance regulations include:
- Incorrect placement of handicapped spaces
- Failure to include required accessibility features such as ramps, van-accessible spots, and more
- Stall dimensions that have been miscalculated and therefore not compliant with regulations
Solution: Always consult local guidelines and ADA regulations before line striping.
At EverLine Coatings, we ensure your lot is ADA compliant, safe, and attractive with our precise, customizable, long-lasting line striping that makes your property simple to navigate.
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 striping. 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 Restriping Schedules
Parking lot line striping 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 striping 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 striping. 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 striping services can make your property compliant, safe, and easy to navigate.
