Many pavement marking materials are applied at elevated temperatures and have strict temperature requirements for proper application. Application temperatures vary among materials. Most thermoplastic materials must be heated in the kettles to approximately 410–430°F, although optimum material temperatures vary based on formulation. Material temperature should be verified with the striping contractor shortly before striping. Thermoplastic will scorch if kettle temperatures are too high. It may be less durable or may not retain beads if kettle temperatures a re too low.