Thermoplastic Road Marking vs Conventional Road Paint
How the two application methods differ, and when each is typically used.
Both thermoplastic marking and conventional (cold-applied) paint are used to mark roads, but they differ in how they're applied and how they behave once in place.
| Thermoplastic Marking | Conventional Paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Heated to a molten state, applied hot, bonds as it cools | Applied cold, dries by solvent evaporation |
| Equipment | Heating kettle / thermoplastic applicator machine | Cold-paint striping / applicator machine |
| Typical use | Higher-traffic roads, junctions, crossings | General road marking, quicker turnaround projects |
| Reflectivity | Glass beads embedded during or after application | Glass beads can also be added, applied to the wet paint film |
How to think about the choice
The right choice depends on the road or site: traffic volume, expected wear, budget, and how quickly the marking needs to be back in service. Thermoplastic marking is generally used where a more durable, more reflective line is wanted; conventional paint remains a widely used, cost-effective option for many road marking and layout projects.
Deepam Road Marking carries out both methods, so the application can be matched to the project rather than defaulting to one material for every job.
Read What Is Thermoplastic Road Marking? for more detail on the thermoplastic process, or see the Road Marking page for the full range of line types.