There is just something about fresh paint that makes a parking lot more visually appealing. A well-marked lot is also safer for your visitors; they know where to park — and where not to park. Depending on the volume of traffic your lot receives, you will probably need to have it re-striped every 12 to 24 months. Spring is the ideal season for having your lot re-striped — winter often leaves parking lots in need of a “facelift” to restore your curb appeal. If you hire an experienced asphalt contractor, parking lot striping can be done quickly with only minimal disruption to your customers, employees or vendors. However, there are some things that you can do to make sure that the job progresses efficiently.

Planning for Parking Lot Striping

Communicate with your employees or customers to let them know the date that your parking lot is scheduled to be re-striped. This can reduce confusion, but it can also ensure that no one leaves their car in the area overnight. Ask them to avoid driving over wet paint; depending on the weather and the type of paint used, the maximum time needed for the paint to dry is around an hour, and it may be as little as 10 minutes.

Clean and Clear

If you use part of your parking lot for temporary outdoor storage, make sure that pallets or materials are removed from the area that is to be striped. Although your contractor can power wash the lot, you will need to remove any large piles of leaves, dirt or trash before his crew arrives. If the lot has a large amount of loose gravel, grass clippings or dirt, arrange to have it swept before your contractor’s crew arrives.

Keep It Dry

Your pavement needs to be dry for the paint to adhere. If you have a sprinkler system, turn it off at least 12 hours before the scheduled start time and leave it off for an hour or two after the work is completely finished. If you use a hose to water your landscaping, make sure that it is aimed carefully and that the water does not drain onto your parking lot.

Trim Your Landscaping 

You will want to make sure that your contractor can access all areas that need to be painted. For example, you might want to edge around curbs that will be painted or trim low-hanging branches on shrubs.