Your parking lot is your customers' first and last impression of your business. The best way to make a good impression is to have a well-maintained, tidy parking lot. It means keeping it free of debris and ensuring high-quality, easy-to-navigate markings.

One of the most essential aspects of line marking is using high-quality stencils. Many factors influence the quality of stencils. Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, Inc. has compiled a guide on determining stencil quality and a list of factors to consider when selecting the best stencil for your needs.

Why Do You Need Stencils for Your Parking Lot?

Stencils are necessary to produce clean, crisp striping on your parking lot. They help ensure that your lines are evenly spaced and of uniform width. Stencils also make it easy to paint complex patterns, such as handicap symbols or crosswalks.

Factors Determining Stencil Quality:

The material of the stencil:

The material of the stencil is important because it needs to be durable enough to withstand repeated use. The most common materials for parking lot stencils are polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

PVC is more durable and resistant to chemicals, while PE is more flexible and less likely to crack. However, both materials are suitable for use in parking lots.

The thickness of the stencil:

Thickness is important because it affects the durability of the stencil. The thicker the stencil, the longer it will last. However, thicker stencils are more difficult to work with and can be more expensive.

The edge finish of the stencil

Edge finish is important because it affects the quality of the paint job. The three most common types of edge finish are die-cut, laser-cut, and router-cut for clean, blurry, and fuzzy lines, respectively. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Stencil Quality:

The type of paint you use:

Your paint type will influence the stencil's quality. You'll need a high-quality stencil to get crisp lines using good paint.

Because water-based latex paint is long-lasting and cures quickly, it's often employed for parking lot stenciling. On the other hand, oil-based paint can also be used if necessary.

The surface you're painting on:

The surface determines the quality of the stencil you are painting on. If you're working on a rough, more textured surface, you would require a higher-quality stencil as compared with a smooth surface.

How often you use the stencil:

If you plan on using the stencil multiple times, you'll need a higher-quality stencil than if you only intend to use it once. The stencil must be sturdy enough to withstand repeated usage. 

The size of the project:

The size of the project will also affect the quality. You won't need such high-quality materials working on a small job. However, if you're doing a huge project, you'll want to make sure your stencil is of good quality.

The amount of traffic your parking lot receives:

If your parking lot isn't heavily used, you won't require a very high-quality stencil. If it is, you'll want to ensure you have a decent stencil.

As you can see, several factors go into choosing the best stencil quality for your parking lot aesthetics. By following our tips and considering the needs of your specific location in Charlotte, NC, you can make the best decision for your asphalt paving markings.

If you would like more information about the Greater Charlotte Area's #1 Pavement Maintenance Company, contact Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, Inc.

Check out our Stenciling & Pavement Markings service page, or get a free quote today. We look forward to hearing from you!