Pavement marking materials mainly consist of thermoplastic paint, cold solvent paint and marking tapes. Thermoplastic paint and cold solvent paint are the most common materials for line marking projects. However, pavement tapes, a new marking method, have been widely used in urban road construction.

Pavement marking tapes can be divided into temporary tapes and permanent tapes. The main materials of tapes are flexible polymer, synthetic rubber and thermoplastic paint etc.

Removable pavement marking tapes can be used in road construction sites as temporary markers. The tapes can be placed to shift the lanes and black tapes can be used to temporarily blackout the existing markings. At the end of the constructions or within 6 months, the tapes can be pulled out off the surface without using heat, solvents, or machines. Temporary marking tapes are ideal for short-term applications such as work zones.

Permanent tapes are designed to be long-term durable road markings capable of providing 5 to 8+ years of service life. The tapes are mainly used for marking edge lines, centerlines, legends and symbols.

Thermoplastic paint tapes, the latest launched permanent pavement tapes which are made from thermoplastic paint. Put tapes in correct place and melt, the tapes will conform and bond to the road surface.

Advantages of permanent road marking tapes:

Easily installed without special equipment.

Durable. Providing 5 to 8 years of service life depending on the traffic environment.

High retro-reflectivity.

Environment friendly. Little damage to local environment and workers.

Pavement marking tapes also have some disadvantages: high initial cost and not suitable for old roads in poor conditions. The two factors limit the application of marking tapes.