Have you ever wondered what makes road markings reflect when you are driving at night or in poor weather? It’s something called retroreflectivity. Retroreflectivity is a property by which light is reflected from a surface and returned to its original source.
In the case of road markings, retroreflectivity enhances a driver’s awareness of lanes, road edges and other road markings and is critical to making our roads safer at night and in bad weather.
Glass bead infused road line marking
Line marking products in Australia utilise a range of technologies and include:
- quick-drying waterborne paint
- thermoplastic technology
- cold applied plastic technology
- solvent-borne paint
The surface being marked, its location and the expected volume of traffic will determine which product we use. To give road markings their reflective properties, retroreflective glass beads are usually added to the paint after it has been laid and not yet dry. Line marking paint is usually very quick drying so the beads need to be laid fairly quickly to prevent the beads from sinking, and ensure that the line marking process is completed efficiently.
Durability of glass bead line markings
Retroreflective materials deteriorate over time, so it is important that markings are inspected and tested regularly to make sure standards are maintained. Sun, dirt, wind, ice, exhaust fumes, vehicle tyres and erosion can all cause significant degrading of reflective road and pavement markings.
Affordable Line marking has the capability to assess your line markings and re-line as required. We only use the highest quality products, so our markings will last and help keep the roads as safe as possible.
Learn more about retroreflective technology or contact us with any questions.