contractor success Striping By: Dan Zurcher With some basic knowledge and the correct equipment, painting lines in parking lots can put some extra money in your pocket. Parking Lots I I am asked two questions quite often: “How do you stripe straight?” and “How do you stop and start exactly where you want?” I’m answering both questions simultane-ously, because the answers are connected; I can’t separate the two. Keep your head still, take normal strides and glide. That way, your eyes can focus and you are less likely to make an abrupt move-ment. Lining Up Your Machine Getting your machine where you want it involves two things: Getting the tip guard just to the side of your chalk line and getting the machine to travel straight. For this, I focus on the chalk line while simultaneously focusing on the tip guard. When the paint begins to flow, I want the side of my paint stripe to land exactly on that chalk line. As a guide, I snap chalk lines to the side of where the stripe actually belongs, not down the middle. To get lined up, you may have to perform a test shot on a piece of cardboard for practice. Next, push the machine forward, making sure you’re traveling parallel to the chalk line by staying focused on the line, as well as the tip guard. If you’re traveling parallel, you’re ready to go. You can put the gun directly over the starting point and just start walking. Don’t try to drag race up to speed either; just start walking. You’ll get up to your speed in a few nor-mal strides. Remember, the machine is already lined up, which means that when the paint flows, the side of your painted stripe will land right on the chalk line you snapped. 1. Roll the machine back to about six inches before your starting point 2. Focus on the starting point while being mindful of the tip guard 3. Start walking normally, and when you see the tip guard directly over the starting point, pull the trigger 4. Get up to speed, which should take only a few normal strides. The Paint Is Flowing I only focus right where the paint hits the pavement. That point of contact is where you’ll remain Starting Out You don’t need a running start. If full speed for you is three miles per hour (MPH), fine. Maintaining a focus on the tip guard will ensure that your lines are straight and where you want them. 30 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • April 2011 Image courtesy of American Striping Company
CMM – Archives Apr 2011: 30
