Pavement Marking Removal

There are several methods for removing pavement markings. Deciding which method to use depends on the pavement marking material that is being removed and the type of road surface. One of the concerns with removal operations is scarring. Pavement scarring results from all removal operations. Using the proper removal method for each application will minimize the amount of scarring.

PAVEMENT MARKING REMOVAL METHODS

Grinding

• Advantages
  • Safest, Lowest cost, fastest and most effective method
  • Versatile; Interchangeable heads and different cutting teeth make grinding the ideal removal method for most applications
  • As with all removal methods if performed improperly can scar road surface

Grind / Shot Blast Combination

The Grind / Shot blast method is a method where a grinder lightly grinds in front of the shot blaster to break the bond of the material to minimize pavement scarring and maximize line removal speed.

• Applications
• Cure removal for longline markings
• Removing of temporary painted pavement markings where pavement stays in place
• All other removal applications that require shot blasting where running a grinder in front will speed up removal while reducing surface scarring

Shot Blast

• Self contained unit
• Slow
• Recycles shot to be reused
• Effective for cure removal
• Ineffective for removing lines with multiple layers of material

Sand Blast

• Similar to shot blast
• Messy
• Sand is not reusable
• Cleanup of sand is required

Water Blast

• Increased use in Michigan
• Effective for removing all materials