Choosing the Right Road Paint for Airport Runways and Parking Bays
Airports require specialized road marking solutions. From runways where aircraft land and take off, to parking bays where vehicles are parked, each area demands a different type of marking paint. Selecting the right material ensures visibility, durability, and compliance with aviation safety standards.
1. Key Requirements for Airport Runways
Runway markings are critical for both pilots and ground control teams. The paint used must endure extreme weather, jet blasts, and heavy tire loads while remaining visible under all conditions.
- Durability: Must withstand high-speed landings, friction, and rubber deposits.
- Reflectivity: Glass beads are added for nighttime and low-visibility guidance.
- Skid Resistance: Anti-skid properties help reduce risks during wet landings.
- Compliance: Markings must meet ICAO and FAA standards for runway safety.
2. Paint Options for Runways
| Type | Advantages | Best Use |
| Water-Based Acrylic Paint | Environmentally friendly, quick-drying | Secondary runways, low-traffic zones |
| Chlorinated Rubber Paint | Excellent durability, chemical resistance | Main runways with jet traffic |
| Thermoplastic Paint | High thickness, long-lasting, reflective | Taxiways, high-visibility markings |
| Epoxy/Polyurethane Paint | Extreme durability, high skid resistance | Main international airport runways |
3. Parking Bay Markings – Different Needs
Unlike runways, airport parking bays for cars, buses, and service vehicles require economical yet durable solutions. These areas are exposed to sunlight, oil drips, and constant traffic but not high-speed jet loads.
- Cost Efficiency: Thermoplastic and water-based paints are widely used.
- Color Variety: Bright white, yellow, red, and blue for designated zones.
- Moderate Durability: 2–3 years lifespan depending on traffic flow.
- Ease of Application: Quick drying for minimal disruption.
4. Factors to Consider Before Choosing
- Traffic Load: Aircraft vs. passenger vehicles.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme heat, UV radiation, rain, or snow.
- Compliance: FAA/ICAO for runways, local transport authority for parking bays.
- Maintenance: Runways may need regular cleaning from rubber deposits, while parking areas require repainting every few years.
5. Our Road Marking Solutions for Airports
| Product Options | Thermoplastic, MMA, Cold Paint |
| Colors | White, Yellow, Red, Blue (customized) |
| Reflective Glass Beads | Available (premixed and drop-on) |
| Skid Resistance | ≥55 SRT (suitable for wet runways) |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags or 1-ton jumbo bags |
| OEM/Private Label | Available with customized packaging |
| Ex-Factory Price | USD $260–$700 / ton |
| Delivery Ports | Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Tianjin |
| Delivery Time | Approx. 30 days |
| Trade Terms | FOB, CIF, DDP, EXW |
6. Partnership & Distributor Opportunities
We are open to OEM/private label services, joint ventures for local production, and long-term distributor partnerships. Our airport marking paints are already supplied to projects across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. We also invite potential partners to visit China for factory tours and cultural experiences.
If you have strong connections with airport authorities, aviation contractors, or government agencies, you can also introduce projects to us and receive commission rewards for successful referrals.
