020 3369 2969
How Often Should You Repaint Line Markings?
Excerpt: Line markings fade over time — and when they do, safety and efficiency suffer. Learn how often you should repaint, the factors that affect longevity, and how to plan a maintenance schedule that keeps your site compliant and clear year-round.
How Often Should You Repaint Line Markings? The Complete Maintenance Guide
Every surface wears down eventually — and line markings are no exception. From forklift tyres to constant UV exposure, the factors that affect paint durability can shorten your markings’ lifespan dramatically. Knowing how often to repaint line markings is essential to maintaining visibility, safety, and compliance on-site.
At Line-Mark.com, we recommend proactive line marking maintenance before safety is compromised — not after. Here’s how to plan it.
Average Lifespan of Line Markings
The lifespan depends on surface type, traffic volume, materials, and environment:
- Internal warehouse markings: 12–24 months (less if exposed to chemical cleaning)
- Outdoor car parks: 9–18 months depending on traffic and weather
- High-traffic roads: 6–12 months before reflectivity declines
- Thermoplastic markings: up to 5 years with routine maintenance
Signs Your Markings Need Repainting
- Colours are dull or patchy
- Edges have blurred or cracked
- Reflectivity is reduced at night or in rain
- Pedestrians or drivers appear unsure of routes
- Auditors or insurers flag visibility issues
Tip: Schedule a quick visual check monthly and a professional inspection every 6–12 months. Book a free site audit — we’ll assess wear patterns and help you plan repainting before visibility drops below safe levels.
Factors That Shorten Lifespan
- Heavy traffic: forklifts, HGVs, and trolleys increase abrasion
- UV exposure: sunlight fades pigments faster outdoors
- Cleaning chemicals: strip away protective coatings
- Moisture and dirt: reduce contrast and cause peeling
Creating a Maintenance Plan
- Divide your site into zones (high, medium, low traffic)
- Inspect high-traffic zones quarterly, low-traffic annually
- Use durable, quick-dry materials to reduce downtime
- Schedule re-marking during off-peak hours to minimise disruption
Need help setting up a plan? Our experts can design a custom maintenance schedule based on your site’s traffic and materials. Contact us for a free consultation.
Why Proactive Maintenance Saves Money
Neglecting repainting costs far more in the long run. Poor visibility leads to confusion, incidents, downtime, and potential injury claims. Maintaining markings costs a fraction of dealing with accidents or enforcement notices.
Stay ahead of wear and tear. Our maintenance programmes keep your site compliant, visible, and safe — year after year.
Get Your Free Maintenance Audit
Our trained specialists can visit your site, inspect all markings, and provide a no-obligation plan for repainting or full re-marking where required. Whether you manage a warehouse, car park, or logistics yard, we’ll help you build a maintenance plan that works.
Contact Line-Mark.com today to schedule your free audit and keep your markings clear, compliant, and built to last.
Read next: Reflective vs Non-Reflective Line Markings
