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What warehouse line marking paint should I use?
Are you currently in the process of line marking your warehouse floor and wondering what type of paint to use? The right choice can make a significant difference in terms of durability, curing time and overall cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the three main types of warehouse line marking paint to help you make an informed decision for your workspace.
The three main products our experts use when creating line marks for warehouses are as follows:
1. Single Part System (Solvent-Based)
Best For: Pallet loading bays, hatched areas, walkways and busy warehouses.
Our single part system with a solvent base is one of the most popular choices for warehouse line marking. It offers a quick cure time of just 30 minutes per coat, making it the ideal choice for busy industrial environments where downtime may be limited. This means that lines can be applied and ready to use in a short amount of time, minimising disruptions to your warehouse operations.
Better yet, the paint is highly durable. It can withstand the constant traffic and heavy loads typically found in warehouses, ensuring that your line marks remain visible and of high quality for a long time.
The application process involves two coats; the first coat acts as a base layer, whilst the second coat enhances the line’s colour and provides a smooth finish without any visible brush strokes. To further protect and preserve the warehouse lines from the oils, greases and dirt commonly associated with operations, we apply a matte sealer that acts as a barrier after the paint has dried.
It’s worth noting that this paint may not be suitable for food production environments due to the system’s strong solvents that produce a potent odour.
2. 2-Part System
Best For: Environments where extending curing time is possible.
The 2-part system is a line marking option that offers exceptional durability. It does, however, have a long curing time when compared to alternative solutions. This can range anywhere from 2 to 24 hours, but ultimately depends on various factors such as the specific product being used, temperature and relative humidity.
Whilst it comes at a dearer cost than the single part system, the durability this option offers often makes it a worthwhile investment.
The 2-part system may not be the best choice for environments like warehouses that can’t afford a shutdown period due to the extended curing time required. In these cases, it may be more suitable to consider alternative line marking paint options that offer a faster curing time.
2. UV/Hybrid UV
Best For: Those seeking the ultimate durability and can afford some curing time.
Contrary to popular belief, UV line marking paint doesn’t instantly cure upon application. Instead, it requires exposure to UV light for the curing process to take place.
There are two types of UV line marking: Full UV and Hybrid UV.
- Full UV: In this method, every layer of paint is UV-based, built up in 5 or 6 layers. Whilst this offers unparalleled durability, it can be costly and time-consuming to apply.
- Hybrid UV: This method involves first applying a water-based product in two coats and then applying a UV sealer that’s baked onto the ground to create a highly durable line. The water-based product takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to cure.
The hybrid UV system strikes a balance between durability and curing time, thus making it the preferred choice for those looking for long-lasting results.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Warehouse
To summarise, the choice of warehouse line marking paint depends on your specific needs:
- If you require a fast return to service and are operating in a non-food production environment, the single part system is a suitable and cost-effective option.
- For maximum durability and those who can accommodate a longer curing period, the UV system is the best choice, lasting for years.
- If you have a planned shutdown, the 2 part system offers excellent durability without compromising on quality.
For further information or assistance in selecting the right paint for your warehouse, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts. Making the right choice in line marking can enhance safety and efficiency in your warehouse environment.
