When a customer asks for solvent-based traffic paint, the first question shouldn’t be, “How many gallons do you need?”

It should be, “What are you painting?”

The surface, existing markings, application conditions, required dry time, equipment, VOC requirements, and project specifications can all affect which traffic paint is appropriate for the job.

Solvent-based traffic paints can be a strong option for roadways, parking lots, and other pavement-marking applications, but there isn’t one solvent-based formulation that fits every project.

For distributors, understanding a few key application factors can make it easier to recommend the right product—or recognize when more information is needed before making a recommendation.

What Is Solvent-Based Traffic Paint?

Solvent-based traffic paint uses organic solvents as the coating carrier rather than water.

Different solvent-based formulations can be designed around different performance, dry-time, VOC, and application requirements. Aexcel’s traffic paint lineup, for example, includes low-VOC acrylic solvent-based products as well as other solvent-based traffic and zone-marking coatings.

That means “solvent-based” is only the beginning of the product-selection conversation.

The right product still depends on the customer’s application.

When Should You Consider Solvent-Based Traffic Paint?

Solvent-based traffic paint may be worth considering when the customer’s application conditions, performance requirements, project specifications, or equipment make a solvent-based system a good fit.

Before recommending one, ask:

• What surface are you painting?
• Is it new pavement or an existing surface?
• Are you painting over old markings?
• What temperature and weather conditions are expected?
• How quickly does the area need to reopen?
• What application equipment will be used?
• Are there VOC restrictions or project specifications?
• What level of durability does the customer need?

The answers can help narrow the available Aexcel traffic paint options.

What Surface Is Being Painted?

Surface condition is one of the first things to understand before recommending any traffic paint.

Paint needs a sound, properly prepared surface to achieve good adhesion. Dirt, moisture, loose material, deteriorating existing coatings, curing compounds, and other contaminants can interfere with performance.

The specific preparation requirements depend on whether the customer is working with asphalt, concrete, or an existing painted surface.

Can Solvent-Based Traffic Paint Be Applied to New Concrete?

New concrete requires particular attention before traffic paint is applied.

The concrete needs adequate cure time, and curing compounds, laitance, contamination, or other materials that could interfere with adhesion may need to be removed before painting.

Rather than giving customers one cure-time rule for every solvent-based Aexcel product, distributors should direct them to the product data sheet for the specific coating being considered and confirm that the surface meets its application requirements.

If there is uncertainty about the condition of new concrete or the preparation required, that’s a good time to involve Aexcel’s technical team before the customer begins the job.

What About New Asphalt?

New asphalt presents different considerations from new concrete.

The condition of the pavement, the specific traffic paint, project requirements, and other application variables can affect when the surface is ready to be striped.

Don’t apply a concrete cure-time recommendation to asphalt or assume every traffic paint has identical requirements.

The product data sheet and applicable project specification should guide the recommendation.

Can You Paint Over Existing Traffic Markings?

Often, but the condition and compatibility of the existing coating matter.

Before repainting, customers should evaluate old markings for:

• Peeling
• Chipping
• Flaking
• Delamination
• Poor adhesion
• Excessive buildup
• Other visible deterioration

A new traffic paint applied over a poorly adhered existing coating will still depend on that old layer for adhesion to the pavement.

Compatibility also matters. If the customer doesn’t know what coating is already on the surface, or if the existing marking is deteriorating, don’t assume that simply applying another coat will solve the problem.

How Does Temperature Affect Solvent-Based Traffic Paint?

Temperature can affect application, drying, and overall coating performance.

But there isn’t one minimum temperature or dry time that applies to every solvent-based traffic paint.

Aexcel’s solvent-based products have their own application and performance requirements. Some formulations may be appropriate under conditions where another traffic paint would not be the best choice.

That’s why distributors should avoid giving customers a universal temperature recommendation based solely on the fact that a product is solvent-based.

Instead, check:

• The specific product
• Air and pavement conditions
• Expected weather
• Published application requirements
• Published dry time
• Project specifications

Then use the product data sheet as the source of truth.

How Fast Does Solvent-Based Traffic Paint Dry?

It depends on the formulation and application conditions.

Aexcel offers solvent-based traffic paints with different published dry times. That gives distributors options when turnaround is an important part of the customer’s job.

But a published dry time should always be understood in context.

For example, a product’s data sheet may report dry time at a specific temperature and film thickness. Actual jobsite conditions may differ.

When a customer says, “I need something that dries fast,” follow up with:

“How quickly does the area need to reopen, and under what conditions will you be applying it?”

That gives you much more useful information for making a product recommendation.

What About VOC Requirements?

VOC requirements are another reason not to treat all solvent-based traffic paints as interchangeable.

A project may have federal, state, municipal, agency, or other specifications that affect which coating can be used.

Aexcel offers low-VOC solvent-based traffic paint options for applications where solvent-based characteristics are desired while VOC content is also an important selection factor.

For example, Aexcel’s Low VOK™ acrylic traffic marking paint has a VOC content below 100 g/L and is designed for applications including streets, parking lots, crosswalks, and auxiliary markings.

Before recommending any product, distributors should confirm the governing project specification and applicable requirements for the location.

Which Aexcel Solvent-Based Traffic Paint Should You Recommend?

Don’t start with the product name. Start with the customer’s job.

Aexcel’s solvent-based lineup includes products designed around different application and performance needs.

For example:

Low VOK™ may be worth considering when the customer needs a fast-drying solvent-based traffic paint and low-VOC requirements are part of the project. Certain Low VOK™ products have a published maximum dry time of 10 minutes at 77°F and VOC content below 100 g/L.

ToughLine® is another low-VOC acrylic traffic and zone-marking option designed for higher-performance applications. Product-specific dry times, colors, specifications, and applications vary, so distributors should review the individual product information before recommending it.

Aexcel also offers other solvent-based and zone-marking formulations. The best option depends on the customer’s surface, conditions, required dry time, performance expectations, specifications, and application.

Questions to Ask Before Recommending Solvent-Based Traffic Paint

A distributor doesn’t need to diagnose every coating variable at the counter.

But asking the right questions can prevent a customer from leaving with a product that doesn’t fit the job.

Start with:

1. What are you painting? Roadway, parking lot, auxiliary marking, or another application?
2. What is the surface? Asphalt, concrete, or an existing painted surface?
3. Is this new work or repainting?
4. What conditions will you be painting in?
5. How quickly does the area need to reopen?
6. What equipment are you using?
7. Are there VOC requirements or project specifications?
8. Is there a particular performance problem you’re trying to solve?

Those answers will usually tell you whether a straightforward product recommendation can be made or whether the application needs a closer look.

Help Your Customers Choose the Right Traffic Paint

The best traffic paint recommendation starts with understanding the job.

Aexcel manufactures solvent-based, waterborne, low-VOC, and high-performance traffic marking systems for different surfaces, application conditions, dry-time requirements, specifications, and performance needs.

When the right product isn’t obvious, Aexcel can help distributors review the application and identify the traffic paint options that best fit the customer’s requirements.

Find the Right Traffic Paint for Your Application

When a customer asks for traffic paint, color and quantity are only the beginning of the conversation.

The right road marking paint, also called traffic marking paint, depends on what is being painted, the surface, expected traffic and wear, application conditions, required dry time, equipment, project specifications, and performance expectations.

That’s why there isn’t one traffic paint that’s best for every job.

For distributors, the goal isn’t to memorize every formulation. It’s to know which questions to ask so you can narrow the options, recommend the right product with confidence, and recognize when an application needs a closer look.

What Is Road Marking Paint?

Road marking paint is used to create lines, symbols, and other pavement markings that help organize traffic and communicate information to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Applications can include:

• Roads and highways
• Parking lots
• Crosswalks
• Stop bars
• Airports
• Curbs
• Bike lanes
• Auxiliary and zone markings

Different applications can have different requirements for color, visibility, dry time, durability, film build, VOC content, and other performance characteristics.

The coating needs to match those requirements as well as the conditions in which it will be applied.

When an industrial coating starts peeling, blistering, cracking, wearing prematurely, or otherwise failing, changing the coating isn’t always the first—or right—solution.

The problem could originate with surface preparation. Application conditions may have changed. Equipment may no longer be operating consistently. The cure process may not fit production. Or the coating formulation may not match the substrate, manufacturing process, or environment in which the finished product is being used.

That’s why troubleshooting industrial coating failure starts with diagnosing the entire coating system.

Understanding what changed, where the failure occurs, and when it appears can help manufacturers identify the source of the problem before making costly changes to the wrong part of the process.

Complex parts can create difficult coating challenges. Recesses, tight spaces, intricate geometries, and other hard-to-reach areas may be difficult to coat consistently with spray, powder, or other common application methods.

For parts that can be fully immersed and properly drained, industrial dip coating can offer an efficient alternative. By immersing the part in a liquid coating, the process can provide coverage across complex surfaces while excess material drains back into the coating tank.

But dip coating isn’t right for every part or production line. Part geometry, substrate, drainage, desired film thickness, coating viscosity, cure method, and end-use performance all affect whether a dip coating system will work as intended.

Understanding those factors is the first step in determining whether dip coating is the right application method for your process.

What Is Industrial Dip Coating?

Industrial dip coating is an application process in which a part or component is immersed in a liquid coating and then withdrawn at a controlled rate.

The process can be used to coat metal, plastic, and other substrates, particularly when part geometry makes other application methods difficult or inefficient.

Because the part is immersed, the coating can reach recesses, edges, and other areas that may be challenging to coat consistently with spray equipment. However, the part must also be designed or positioned so excess coating can drain effectively.

How Does the Dip Coating Process Work?

The exact process depends on the substrate, coating, equipment, and desired finish, but industrial dip coating generally involves four stages.

1. Surface Preparation

Coating performance starts with the condition of the substrate.

Oil, dirt, rust, scale, mold-release agents, and other contaminants can interfere with adhesion. Depending on the substrate and coating system, preparation may involve cleaning, chemical pretreatment, abrasive blasting, or another surface-preparation method.

Some systems may also require a primer.

The important consideration isn’t simply whether the part looks clean. The surface needs to be properly prepared for the specific coating system being applied.

2. Immersion

The prepared part is immersed into the coating at a controlled rate.

Part orientation can be important during this stage. Complex shapes, cavities, and recessed areas need to allow the coating to reach the intended surfaces without trapping excessive air.

3. Dwell

The part remains immersed for a specified period.

The appropriate dwell time depends on the coating, part geometry, application process, and desired results. A controlled process helps improve consistency from one part to the next.

4. Withdrawal and Drainage

The part is withdrawn from the coating at a controlled rate and allowed to drain.

Withdrawal rate, coating viscosity, temperature, and other process variables can influence film build and appearance. In general, changes to the withdrawal process can change how much coating remains on the part.

Consistent movement and adequate drainage are important for achieving a repeatable finish.

When Is Dip Coating a Good Choice?

Dip coating is particularly useful when the geometry of a part makes other application methods inefficient.

It may be worth considering when:

• Parts contain recesses or areas that are difficult to reach with spray equipment
• Components can be fully immersed and properly drained
• Coating-transfer efficiency is important
• Production involves large quantities of similar parts
• The application lends itself to a repeatable or automated process
• Spray application would create excessive overspray or labor
• The production volume does not justify investment in another finishing system

The decision should still be based on the complete manufacturing process—not geometry alone.

Common Industrial Dip Coating Applications

Dip coating can be used for a variety of manufactured parts and components.

HVAC and Fabricated Metal Components

Parts with blades, openings, recesses, or other complex geometries can be challenging to spray uniformly.

Metal blower wheels used in HVAC and air-pollution-control equipment are one example. Their numerous blades and interior surfaces can make spray application time-consuming and difficult to control.

When the component can be properly immersed and drained, dip coating can provide a more efficient way to reach those surfaces.

Tool Handles

Some manufacturers use dip coatings to create a graspable finish on tool handles and similar products.

Depending on the required feel, durability, substrate, and production process, a dip-applied coating may provide an alternative to manufacturing and installing a separate molded grip.

Racks, Fencing and Open Metal Structures

Open metal structures can also lend themselves to dip coating.

Spraying certain racks, fencing, and similarly shaped components can require significant labor and create overspray. At production volumes that don’t justify another finishing system, a properly designed dip process may provide a practical alternative.

What Are the Advantages of Dip Coating?

For the right application, industrial dip coating can offer several benefits.

Coverage of complex geometries: Immersion allows the coating to reach accessible surfaces and recesses that may be difficult to spray consistently.

High transfer efficiency: Excess coating can drain from the part back into the tank rather than being lost as overspray.

Reduced material waste: Greater transfer efficiency can help manufacturers make more effective use of coating material.

Repeatability and automation: Immersion, dwell, withdrawal, and drainage can be incorporated into controlled, repetitive production processes.

Production efficiency: For certain parts and production volumes, dip coating may be more practical than labor-intensive spraying or investment in another finishing system.

These benefits depend on matching the coating, part design, equipment, and production process.

When Is Dip Coating Not the Right Choice?

Dip coating has limitations, and recognizing them is just as important as understanding its advantages.

A part that cannot drain properly may retain excess coating in cavities or recessed areas. Lightweight components may present problems during immersion. Gravity can also contribute to uneven film build as the coating drains from the part.

Potential challenges include:

• Poor drainage
• Uneven film thickness
• Runs or sags
• Excessive coating buildup along lower edges
• Air entrapment
• Parts that move or float during immersion
• Production or cure requirements that don’t fit the coating system

Some of these issues can be addressed through part orientation, process adjustments, or coating formulation. Others may indicate that dip coating isn’t the best application method for the part.

What Makes a Coating Suitable for Dip Application?

Choosing dip coating as the application method is only half of the decision. The coating itself needs to work with the dip process.

Important considerations can include:

• Substrate
• Part geometry
• Coating viscosity
• Desired film build
• Flow and leveling
• Drainage
• Sag resistance
• Adhesion
• Cure method and available cure time
• Production speed
• Required appearance
• End-use exposure and performance

For example, a coating that provides excellent protection after cure may still be a poor fit if it doesn’t drain properly, builds too much film, sags during the process, or cannot cure within the manufacturer’s production window.

The coating needs to perform both in production and in its final operating environment.

Do You Need a Custom Dip Coating?

Not every dip coating application requires a custom formulation.

If an established coating already matches the substrate, application process, cure requirements, and end-use performance, developing something new may add unnecessary complexity.

Custom formulation becomes more relevant when an existing coating is creating recurring problems or when the production process has requirements that standard products don’t address.

For example, manufacturers may need to evaluate formulation when:

• Film build is difficult to control
• The coating doesn’t drain or level properly
• Runs or sags repeatedly occur
• Adhesion is inconsistent
• Cure time doesn’t fit production speed
• A substrate or manufacturing process has changed
• The finished part needs greater chemical, environmental, abrasion, or other resistance
• An existing coating performs inconsistently in production

In those situations, the question isn’t simply, “What coating should we buy?”

It’s “What does the coating need to do differently in our process?”

Evaluating an Industrial Dip Coating Application

A successful dip coating system requires the coating and manufacturing process to work together.

If you’re evaluating a new dip application or troubleshooting an existing one, start with the substrate, part geometry, surface preparation, immersion and withdrawal process, drainage, cure conditions, production requirements, and end-use environment.

Aexcel develops industrial coatings around those manufacturing requirements and also manufactures dip coatings as part of its coating capabilities. When formulation work is required, manufacturers can work directly with Aexcel’s lab and chemists to test adjustments and determine how changes to the chemistry affect performance.

Talk With Aexcel About Your Coating Application 

When a customer asks for waterborne traffic paint, knowing where and when they plan to use it can be just as important as knowing what color they need.

Waterborne traffic paint is widely used for roadways, parking lots, airports, and other pavement-marking applications. But temperature, humidity, pavement moisture, weather, required dry time, and the specific formulation can all affect how the paint applies and dries.

And not all waterborne traffic paints are designed to perform the same way.

For distributors, understanding how these conditions affect waterborne paint can help you ask better questions, narrow the available options, and recognize when a customer needs to review product-specific requirements before starting a job.

Water-based paint is fine for a parking lot or a quiet side street. But when your stripes need to survive snowplows, semi-trucks, and endless traffic, you need something tougher.

White traffic marking paint is ubiquitous in urban, suburban, and rural areas and is critical to public safety and traffic management. Choosing paint that’s durable and fade-resistant is an investment in both safety and street maintenance, and that’s where AquaTough^™ excels.