As one of the UK’s leading line marking providers, the team at Riggott & Co Ltd use thermoplastic line marking material daily. This popular material can be seen across the country, everywhere from highways and car parks to distribution yards and school playgrounds – but what exactly is it and why do we use it?
Thermoplastic is a specially engineered plastic polymer material made of synthetic resin, pigment, filler and glass beads that becomes pliable when hearted to specific temperatures. Once cooled, thermoplastic hardens quickly to form durable line marking.
One of the key advantages of thermoplastic is that it can be melted, shaped and recycled multiple times without chemical change, making it a sustainable material choice. Thermoplastic is versatile and can be used for a variety of products including but certainly not limited to items such as sports equipment, food storage containers, medical equipment and even aerospace components.
The Golden Standard in Line Marking
Thermoplastic is a widely used line marking system across the world, commonly installed across a variety of infrastructures – it’s durability and ability to withstand the British weather also makes it an ideal line marking system.
Thermoplastic line marking plays a pivotal part in enforcing safety. Clear, well defined markings provide essential guidance to both drivers and pedestrians, whether it’s centre lining safely keeping traffic separated or a hatched hazard area in a busy yard, our lines are playing their part in reducing risk and keeping you safe every day.
Thermoplastic is also highly adaptable and can be customised to fit the aesthetic of your scheme – everything from brightly coloured lines to bespoke designs such as playground games or company logos. This makes thermoplastic an excellent choice when creativity matters!
The Benefits of Thermoplastic Line Marking
- Durability – Thermoplastic is widely recognised as one of the most reliable and durable line marking solutions, making it the preferred choice for a wide range of projects and environments. The longevity of this material reduces the need for frequent application which in turn saves time and maintenance costs.
- Visibility – The incorporation of glass beads into thermoplastic markings provides reflectivity during the hours of darkness, significantly improving visibility and enhancing safety for road users.
- Environmentally Responsible – Thermoplastic has low VOCs compared to traditional solvent based paints, making it one of the cleanest materials available.
- Minimal Disruption – Thermoplastic markings are quick drying, reducing disruption and the need for downtime, meaning your facility can return to business as usual in no time!
- Versatility – Thermoplastic can be applied to a variety of surface types, making it ideal for a myriad of projects including highways, car parks, service yards and recreational facilities including school playgrounds.
- Customisable – Whether you are after a branded logo or a colourful bespoke piece, markings can be formed into a multitude of designs to suit your specification of work.
Application of Thermoplastic Line Marking
Correct application is pivotal to ensure the performance and durability of the thermoplastic markings.
Before any markings are laid, it is essential that the surface is thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, dust and debris to ensure proper adhesion of the thermoplastic material – this allows a stronger bond of the material to the surface. Whilst not always required, a thermoplastic primer should also be used where the conditions demand it. This can be applied by roller, brush or a spray system and will help to improve the bond of thermoplastic to the surface.
Thermoplastic is supplied in the form of solid granules or powder. When this material is heated to approximately180-200 degrees Celsius in a thermoplastic boiler, it melts and turns into a liquid that can then be dispensed into a jug or line marking machine ready for application. Our line marking specialists will then apply the thermoplastic to create a variety of markings to form items including parking bays, logos, letters and numbers to fit the client’s specification.
Once applied, the material hardens and cools in minutes, allowing it to affix to the surface. This rapid curing time enables areas to be reopened swiftly after application.
Our Partnership
We are proud to work closely with our sister company Kestrel, a globally trusted specialist supplier of thermoplastic line marking materials. Operating from their manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland, Kestrel supports a number of road construction and maintenance contractors throughout the UK, with their materials being widely used across some of the country’s most demanding infrastructures.
Our sister company has years of experience in the thermoplastic industry – they undertake continuous research and development with a clear focus on innovation and sustainability. This dedication ensures that the materials we use meet the highest industry standards, so you can be confident when you use Riggotts you’re benefitting from expert industry knowledge and a supply chain built on trust and excellence. This strong partnership allows us to deliver consistently high-quality products across every project.
