What we do

1) Surface Assessment

• Pavement type and condition: asphalt vs. concrete, oxidation, raveling, spalls, polished surfaces.

• Moisture and temperature checks to confirm the application window.

• Existing markings inventory: paint, thermo, tape—age, thickness, and adhesion.

• Risk review near joints, utilities, stamped/colored areas, and fresh overlays.

2) Marking Removal Methods

We select the lightest, most effective method that meets your spec without unnecessary surface damage.

• Waterblasting (hydroblasting)

  • High‑pressure water removes paint/thermo with minimal texture change.

  • Excellent for airports, concrete, and sensitive areas.

  • Vacuum recovery leaves surface clean and ready.

• Grinding / Scarifying

  • Mechanical removal for thick thermoplastic, MMA, epoxy, and symbols.

  • Depth‑controlled heads minimize rutting and protect aggregates.

  • Followed by fine-texture pass to smooth transitions.

• Shotblasting

  • Propels steel shot to remove coatings and microtexture the surface.

  • Great for concrete polish, tape residue, or prepping for long-life systems.

• Sand/Abrasive Blasting (targeted)

  • Spot removal in tight spaces and around hardware.

  • Used sparingly where containment and cleanup are manageable.

• Chemical/Heat Softening (select cases)

  • Softens legacy thermo or tape to aid mechanical lift.

  • Used with strict spill control and ventilation.

• Blackout/Obliteration (temporary)

  • Durable black sealer to mask obsolete lines during staging.

  • Followed by full removal or overlay in final phase.

3) Surface Preparation for New Markings

• Power brooming, blowing, and vacuuming to remove dust and fines.

• Detergent wash or water flush to eliminate oils and de-icers (as specified).

• Dry‑down verification; heat or torch dry in cool/humid conditions.

• Primers/bonders for:

  • Concrete, polished asphalt, and cold surfaces.

  • Thermoplastic on marginal substrates.

• Masking and snap‑lines/premarking to lock alignment before application.

Applications We Support

• New layouts after mill/overlay or reconstruction.

• Reconfigurations (lane diets, added turn lanes, roundabouts).

• Correcting ghost lines that confuse drivers at night/wet.

• Airport aprons and ramps (FOD‑controlled removal).

• Parking facilities transitioning from paint to thermoplastic/MMA.

Quality Controls

• Texture and profile checks after removal to avoid grooves that collect water.

• Adhesion tests (tape pull/knife score) on sample spots before full production.

• Mil‑thickness verification for coatings; bead embedment checks for reflectivity.

• Edge fidelity review on symbols and stop bars.

• Night inspection when visibility is critical.

Safety, Containment, and Compliance

• Full traffic control/MOT plans tailored to speed and volume.

• Dust suppression, slurry recovery, and debris containment as required.

• Onsite waste management: segregate paint/thermo slurry, tape, and shot.

• Environmental documentation for disposal per local requirements.

Equipment We Deploy

• Ride‑on grinders with depth gauges and fine-finishing drums.

• Ultra‑high‑pressure waterblasters with vacuum recovery.

• Shotblasters with magnetic cleanup and closed-loop media.

• Heated thermoplastic kettles, extrusion/screed applicators.

• Airless stripers with calibrated bead guns for uniform drop rates.

Typical Project Sequence

1. Protect work zone and set traffic control.

2. Map removals and confirm layout with client.

3. Execute removal method matched to surface and spec.

4. Clean, dry, and prime (if required).

5. Premark; apply new markings and beads/optics.

6. Final inspection and turnover with photo documentation.

Deliverables You Receive

• Before/after photos with locations annotated.

• Summary of removal method(s) and square footage/linear feet treated.

• Material data sheets (primers, coatings, thermoplastic).

• As‑built layout and maintenance recommendations.

Benefits of Partnering with P&P Striping

• Correct method, first time: fewer callbacks and longer life.

• Faster return to service: night and off‑peak work windows minimize disruption.

• Clean visuals: no confusing ghost lines or overspray.

• Predictable budgets: itemized scopes for removal, prep, and re‑marking.

Get a quote

Share a plan or photos with:

• Pavement type (asphalt/concrete), speed limit, and traffic window.

• Linear feet of lines and count/size of symbols to remove.

• Desired final material (paint, thermoplastic, MMA, epoxy).

We’ll return a tailored surface prep and removal plan with options, schedule, and clear pricing—so your new markings bond right and look sharp from day one.