Epoxy pavement markings are durable markings recognized for exceptional durability on asphalt and concrete surfaces alike. This exceptional durability is a result of tight bonding to the pavement surface that results from the chemical reaction that occurs when the two components are mixed. Research has shown that epoxy paints are generally less sensitive to application factors than thermoplastic materials, allowing epoxy to have exceptional durability under many different roadway conditions. Epoxies can be applied at surface temperatures as low as 35°F and when pavement surfaces are slightly wet. On low-mid-volume roadways, epoxies have been known to provide service lives in excess of four years. Epoxies require proper cleaning of the pavement surface to achieve the best bond. Application of a primer material is not necessary on any roadway surface. Epoxies are often applied at thicknesses of 15 mils.

One drawback associated with epoxies is that they often take much longer to dry than other materials. Some formulations take over 40 minutes to dry. If a two-component marking material, like epoxy, does not dry within the manufacturer’s recommended drying time, the components likely did not react properly and will not cure. In this case, the two component products must be removed and the road must be restriped. Newer formulations exist that provide no-track drying times as low as 30 seconds depending on weather conditions, but are often slightly more expensive than slow cure epoxies. Fading due to color instability under ultraviolet lighting is also an issue with some epoxy paints. Epoxies also cannot be placed over markings made from other materials, limiting their use as a restripe material. Table 2-12 summarizes some problems that have been encountered using epoxy striping materials and potential remedies of those problems.