Name of Paint Used for Road Marking — Types & Selection Guide
When people ask “what is the name of paint used for road marking,” the correct answer is that there are several industry-standard materials — each chosen for its performance in a particular application. The main categories are thermoplastic (hot melt), water-based, solvent-based, epoxy (2K) and MMA (methyl methacrylate). Below is a practical, no-nonsense guide that explains each material, where it is used, and why a practitioner or procurement officer would choose it.
Thermoplastic (Hot Melt) — the most common name for long-life road markings
Thermoplastic, often called hot melt road marking paint, is a dry, granular product that is heated and applied hot to the pavement. It is the preferred choice for highways, arterial roads and long-life applications because it creates a thick, durable film with excellent night visibility (when used with glass beads).
Water-Based Paint — eco-friendly, fast and versatile
Water-based (acrylic) paints are cold-applied, fast-drying and low in VOCs. They are widely used for parking lots, municipal streets and situations where environmental regulations limit solvent use. They are cost-effective for medium-life applications but typically need more frequent re-striping than thermoplastic.
Solvent-Based Paint — robust in challenging climates
Solvent-based formulations are used where quick curing and stronger initial adhesion are required—for example, in cold or very humid conditions where water-based paints cannot cure properly. They carry higher VOCs and may be restricted in some jurisdictions.
Epoxy (Two-Component) — chemical and abrasion resistance
Epoxy (2K) systems use a resin and hardener. They cure chemically and deliver strong adhesion and chemical resistance, making them a common choice for industrial yards, bridges and some airport works where fuel/chemical exposure is a concern.
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) — top performance in extreme conditions
MMA is a cold-applied, two-component technology known for long service life (often 5–8 years), rapid curing and excellent UV and chemical resistance. It is used for high-wear lanes (bus lanes, cycle tracks), special crossings and where fast re-opening is required.
How to choose: application matrix
| Material | Typical Lifespan | Best Use | Key Strength |
| Thermoplastic (Hot Melt) | 3–5 years | Highways, major intersections, parking bays | Durability + retroreflectivity |
| Water-Based (Acrylic) | 6–18 months | Parking lots, low-traffic city streets | Low VOC, cost-effective |
| Solvent-Based | 1–2 years | Cold/humid areas, fast turnaround works | Quick cure, strong initial adhesion |
| Epoxy (2K) | 2–4 years | Industrial floors, certain airfield areas | Chemical + abrasion resistance |
| MMA | 5–8 years | Bus lanes, cycle lanes, high-wear zones | Longest life, fast curing |
Standards and compliance (why names matter)
Specifying the correct material name in tender documents matters because many agencies require testable compliance. Commonly referenced standards include:
- AASHTO M249 — common in North America for thermoplastic formulations.
- BS 3262 — UK specification commonly referenced in Commonwealth markets.
- EN 1436 / EN 1871 — European performance standards covering reflectivity, color and skid resistance.
When you name the paint in procurement documents, include the standard you require, target film thickness and bead strategy (premix % or drop-on). That prevents ambiguity and ensures the delivered material meets project acceptance tests.
Practical procurement & supply notes (from a manufacturer’s perspective)
As a supplier and manufacturer of pavement marking materials, we recommend buyers consider the following when specifying the name/type of paint:
- Specify surface (asphalt or concrete) and expected traffic load.
- State required standards (AASHTO, BS3262, EN1436) and request batch test reports.
- Choose packaging and trade terms that suit logistics (25 kg bags, 1-ton jumbo bags; EXW, FOB or CIF).
- Consider OEM/private label options if reselling under your own brand.
Product snapshot — typical supply options
| Product | Thermoplastic / Hot Melt Road Marking Paint |
| Colours | White, Yellow, Red, Blue (customizable) |
| Package | 25 kg bags; jumbo FIBC (1 ton) |
| Factory Price (indicative) | USD $260–$700 per ton (depending on formula & volume) |
| MOQ | 5 tons (trial); 1×20' container recommended |
| Trade Terms | EXW, FOB, CIF |
| Delivery Time | Approx. 30 days after order confirmation |
FAQs — quick answers
Q: What is the most common name used in tender documents?
A: For permanent road works, thermoplastic (hot melt) road marking paint is the most frequently specified name. For temporary or low-traffic work, documents may simply call for “water-based line marking paint.”
Q: Should I specify glass beads in the paint name?
A: Yes — specify whether beads are premixed (percentage by weight) or drop-on, and state the retroreflectivity target where relevant.
Q: Can I import raw components instead of finished paint?
A: In some cases importing key raw materials (TiO₂, petroleum resin, glass beads) may reduce tax burden, but this depends on local customs and export rebate policies. Consult your customs/tax advisor and supplier for HS codes and eligibility before adopting this approach.
Conclusion
There is no single “name” for road marking paint — the correct term depends on the intended use. If you need long-life, high-visibility markings, ask for thermoplastic (hot melt) road marking paint by name and include the required standards and bead strategy. For environmentally sensitive or short-life works, use “water-based pavement marking paint.” For demanding industrial or high-wear scenarios, specify epoxy or MMA systems.
