Thermoplastic Paint The Ideal Choice for Heavy-Duty and Industrial Surface Applications

                                  Product Description                                                       Product D

The main components of thermoplastic paint include resins, pigments, fillers, additives, and reflective materials (if used for reflective purposes).

1. Resins: Resins are the main film - forming substances. For example, petroleum resins are often used, which provide the coating with adhesiveness and plasticity.
2. Pigments: Pigments are used to provide color. For example, titanium dioxide is used in white coatings.
3. Fillers: Fillers can be substances like calcium carbonate. They are used to increase the volume and reduce the cost.
4. Additives: Additives such as plasticizers are used to improve the flexibility and other properties of the coating.
5. Reflective materials: In reflective hot - melt coatings, glass beads and other reflective materials are included to enhance the night - time reflective effect.

                  Thermoplastic Paint  Application Processes              

1. Surface Preparation

- Before applying thermoplastic paint, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. The surface should be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, and other contaminants. For example, in road - marking applications, the road surface is usually swept and washed to remove debris and oils. Any loose materials or old coatings that may affect the adhesion of the new coating need to be removed. This can be done through methods such as sandblasting for more stubborn old coatings or using a high - pressure water jet.

2. Melting the Coating

- The hot melt coating is usually in a solid state at room temperature. It needs to be heated to a molten state for application. The coating is placed in a special heating device, such as a hot - melt kettle. The temperature is carefully controlled according to the type of coating and the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, the temperature range is between 180 - 230°C (356 - 446°F). During the heating process, the coating gradually melts and becomes a viscous liquid. Stirring is often required to ensure the even distribution of all components and to prevent local over - heating or burning of the coating.

3. Application Methods

(a) Spraying

- Spraying is a common method when a smooth and even coating is required over a large area. The molten coating is pumped through a hose to a spray gun. The spray gun atomizes the coating into fine droplets and sprays it onto the surface. The pressure and nozzle settings of the spray gun need to be adjusted according to the viscosity of the coating and the desired thickness of the coating. The distance between the spray gun and the surface also affects the quality of the sprayed coating. Usually, a distance of about 20 - 30 cm (7.9 - 11.8 inches) is maintained to ensure proper atomization and coverage.
- One advantage of spraying is that it can cover complex shapes and uneven surfaces relatively easily. However, it requires careful control of the spraying parameters to avoid over - spraying or an uneven coating due to wind or other factors.

(b) Scraping

- Scraping is suitable for applications where a thicker and more precisely shaped coating is needed. A tool such as a squeegee or a trowel is used. The molten coating is poured onto the surface and then spread and shaped by the scraping tool. The operator needs to have a certain level of skill to ensure the coating has a uniform thickness and smooth surface. For example, in creating road markings such as zebra crossings, the scraping method is often used to ensure the lines have the correct width and thickness.
- The thickness of the coating by scraping can be adjusted according to the specific requirements. Usually, the thickness can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the purpose of the coating.

(c) Extrusion

- Extrusion is mainly used for creating three - dimensional or raised profiles of the coating. The molten coating is forced through a shaped die or nozzle. This method is often used in making raised pavement markers or other safety - related markings that need to be more prominent. The extrusion rate and the shape of the die determine the final shape and size of the extruded coating. The temperature and viscosity of the coating need to be carefully controlled to ensure a continuous and smooth extrusion process.

4. Cooling and Solidification

- After the coating is applied, it needs to cool and solidify to form a durable layer. The cooling process is usually a natural process that depends on the ambient temperature. In some cases, especially in industrial applications where a faster production cycle is required, forced - air cooling or other cooling methods may be used. As the coating cools, it gradually returns to a solid state, and its physical and chemical properties such as hardness and adhesion are fully developed.
- The time required for cooling and solidification varies depending on the thickness of the coating, the ambient temperature, and the type of coating. Thicker coatings generally take longer to solidify. For example, a thin - sprayed coating may solidify within a few minutes, while a thick - scraped or extruded coating may take tens of minutes to an hour or more to fully solidify.

5. Post - treatment (if necessary)

- In some cases, post - treatment may be required to improve the performance of the coating. For example, in reflective coatings, after the base coating has solidified, glass beads are sometimes spread on the surface to enhance the night - time reflective effect. The beads are carefully distributed and pressed into the surface to ensure good adhesion and maximum reflectivity. Another possible post - treatment is the application of a protective topcoat in some high - wear or high - exposure applications to further enhance the durability and chemical resistance of the coating.

          Applications Range of Hot Melt Road Marking Paint         
 

Hot melt road marking paint can be used on a variety of surfaces.

It adheres well to asphalt surfaces. For example, it's widely used on roads and highways for lane markings and traffic symbols. The paint can penetrate the small pores and irregularities of the asphalt, creating a strong bond when it cools and solidifies.

It's also suitable for concrete surfaces such as in parking lots, warehouse floors, and sidewalks. The rough texture of concrete provides good mechanical grip for the hot melt paint, allowing it to set firmly and provide long - lasting markings or coatings.

In addition, with proper surface preparation (like cleaning and sometimes priming), it can be used on some metal surfaces for identification or safety markings in industrial settings.