PreMark is a Preformed Thermoplastic that is available in 125 mil material for lines and 90 mil material for symbols, letters and logos.  It is one of two types of preformed thermoplastic available in the US.  Hot Tape is the other. It is a “top heat” only product meaning that you are not required to preheat the surface to a specific temperature.  (Note – warming the surface with a torch prior to installation is recommended to dry out any moisture) This product also features heat indentions on the top to let you know when the material has been properly melted.  To install this product on asphalt you simply lay it down on the surface and heat it from the top until the built in indentions fill in.  To install on cement or concrete you prime first with a one part primer and then lay the material down and melt it.  After installing you do a chisel test to verify the material is adhered.

The major advantage of this product is simplicity.  It is easy to install and if done properly should always give consistent results.  An installer needs only basic training to put the product down.

Pros

• PreMark does not require the surface to be preheated to a specific temperature.  Hot Tape does. Because of this, PreMark is simpler to install.  Especially on asphalt.
  
• PreMark has indentions in the surface that fill in as the material is melted. This helps the installer know when enough heat has been used and the product is melted properly.
• PreMark is thicker (125 mil lines) and will last longer.
  
• Because PreMark is a top heat only product, you can lay out your material or lines all at one time and heat as you go.

Cons

• Primer must be used on cement or concrete.  (not needed with Hot Tape) Does not require primer on asphalt.
  
• Not available in rolls.  Only in flats or strips.  Each strip is 3 feet long.  Shipped in flat packs.
• Slightly more expensive than Hot Tape
• Because PreMark is thicker it takes a little longer to melt through.

 

INSTALLATION VIDEO FOR PREMARK PREFORMED THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT STRIPING

How Preformed Thermoplastic Works and Bonds to Asphalt and Cement Surfaces

The purpose of this article is to explain how thermoplastic works and how it bonds to surfaces.  By understanding how this product works it will help you in determining if thermoplastic will meet your needs and perform as expected.  It will also help you to understand why the steps taken during installation are necessary.

By definition, thermoplastic is a plastic that when hot turns into a liquid and when cool hardens into a solid. It has a multitude of applications because of this characteristic.  In general, the majority of preformed thermoplastics as well as regular thermoplastics are made up of Alkyd Resins, Polymers, Fillers, Glass Beads for reflectivity and Pigments for color.  The main ingredient is the Alkyd Resin.  The other ingredients add desirable characteristics to the product such as wear resistance, reflectivity and color.

For the most part, the bond that thermoplastic makes is a mechanical bond which simply means it grabs the surface and holds on much like a rock climber looks for crevices to grab while climbing.  On certain surfaces an additional bond is achieved when the hot thermoplastic and the hot surface actually melt and mix together creating more of a cohesive bond.  As stated before, the material becomes liquid when hot.  When it is in this state it fills in every pore, crack and crevice of the surface that it is on.  When it cools it is locked into place.  In the sections below this will be covered in more detail.

PREMARK Preformed Thermoplastic

PreMark is a top heat only product meaning that it is not necessary to preheat the surface to a predetermined temperature to install the product.  Instead, you simply warm the surface to dry it, lay down your pieces and heat from the top.  When it cools it is ready for traffic.  With the PreMark product you can lay out all your pieces at one time and then apply heat.  This makes applying the material easier when doing long runs.

Premark on Asphalt

On asphalt, Premark becomes a hot liquid when heated to around 300 degrees.  Since the bitumen in asphalt has a similar melt point the two materials tend to melt together.  Premark also conforms to every nook and crevice and creates a mechanical bond as well. (see diagram above)

Premark on Concrete or Cement

On cement a primer is used first.  The primer is made up of an acrylic resin in a solvent carrier.  When applied to porous cement it penetrates the surface and carries the acrylic with it.  It dries quickly and leaves a layer of acrylic on both the surface and beneath the surface.  Then the Premark is positioned and heated just like it would be on asphalt.  The hot thermoplastic melts together with the acrylic to form a bond similar to the one you would get with the bitumen in asphalt.  Additionally, the material fills all pores and crevices and creates a mechanical bond as well.

Note – Thermoplastic does not perform well on smooth, non porous concrete. To test, put a teaspoon of water on the surface. If it soaks in the thermoplastic should bond.  If not it needs to be ground or scarified so that it is porous.

HOT TAPE Preformed Thermoplastic

Hot Tape is a preheat product meaning that it is necessary to preheat the surface to a predetermined temperature to install the product. This temperature is 300 degrees.  The main feature of this product is that no primer is needed on cement or concrete. To apply you simply heat the surface to 300 degrees, lay down your pieces and continue to heat from the top until the material is melted. Then let it cool.  With this product you would apply the material in stages since it is not possible to heat the entire area at one time.

On asphalt, Hot Tape becomes a hot liquid when heated to around 300 degrees. With this product the preheated asphalt provides the initial heat that begins to melt the thermoplastic from the bottom up.  Then heat is applied to the top to finish out the melting process. Since the bitumen in asphalt has a similar melt point the two materials tend to melt together.  Hot Tape also conforms to every nook and crevice and creates a mechanical bond as well. (see diagram above)

On cement or concrete no primer is required for Hot Tape.  The application method is the same as with asphalt surfaces.  The hot thermoplastic achieves a low viscosity and seeps into the pours and crevices of the concrete or cement surface to create a mechanical bond.  An infrared thermometer is used to monitor the temperature.  This is especially important on concrete as you do not want to over heat.

Note – Thermoplastic does not perform well on smooth, non porous concrete. To test, put a teaspoon of water on the surface. If it soaks in the thermoplastic should bond.  If not it needs to be ground or scarified so that it is porous.

Important – After applying either product it is important to do a chisel test.  Simply take a chisel or wide screwdriver and chisel up a small piece of the material from the middle.  If you see asphalt on the back of the material you have a good bond.  On cement you should see where some of the thermoplastic is still on the cement.  If your test is postive then just remelt the test area with your torch.   If you do not have a good bond you should heat more until you do.

Preformed thermoplastic and Machine applied thermoplastic both have advantages and disadvantages.  Each excels in certain applications.  The actual composition of each is very close although preformed generally contains a few extra ingredients.

Preformed Thermoplastic

Preformed thermoplastic is created in a factory controlled environment using alkyd resins, special polymers and additives introduced to enhance the final product. Because of this the quality is high and consistent.  When applying preformed thermoplastic the surface is either warmed to dry it or heated to a higher temperature as part of the installation process.  In both cases the drying process removes any moisture issues creating a more dependable bond.   Since preformed applications are generally smaller the application area is more likely to be cleaned when the product is applied.  This also improves the bond. Letters and logos can be applied with no stencil required and because glass beads are already in and on the material, additional glass beads are not required.  Both of these features save time.

Overall, preformed thermoplastic is ideal for smaller jobs where it is not cost effective or desirable to have a large crew and expensive equipment on site.  What a crew with $200,000 in equipment could do at an intersection with machine applied thermoplastic, one man could do with preformed thermoplastic and a torch.  The clean up for a preformed job is almost no issue.  Just throw away the boxes the thermoplastic came in and put up your torch.

One last consideration is that preformed seems to do better on cement and concrete surfaces.  This is mostly due to the formulation of the product.

Pros of Preformed –

1. Quick and easy to apply
2. Small crew needed.
3. High success rate on asphalt and concrete
4. Consistent quality and color
5. Glass beads already in the product
6. No stencils required
7. Available with non skid built in

Cons of Preformed –

1. Expense per linear foot
2. Not practical for large jobs

Machine Applied Thermoplastic

Standard machine applied thermoplastic is taken from a bag, melted, and then poured into a second machine that applies the material via a die that creates the lines. To set up for a job takes several hours mainly because of the time that it takes to melt the material.  Roads are generally not preheated and not always cleaned since large areas are often involved.  Applying also takes a crew of people to handle traffic and the heavy equipment.  With this being said, once everything is set up the application rate for standard thermoplastic far exceeds the application rate for preformed.

For larger jobs that involve hundreds or thousands of linear feet of striping, machine applied thermoplastic is going to be superior to preformed.  Also, for large jobs the material cost per foot for standard melt and pour thermoplastic is going to be cheaper.

If you already own the equipment necessary to apply melt and pour thermo you will probably lean towards using that method in as many situations as possible.  However, even in this situation preformed would be the choice if the job was small just because of time savings.  Cleaning up the equipment is also a consideration for this can often take as long as setting it up.

Pros of Machine Applied Thermoplastic –

1. Quicker application on large jobs
2. High success rate on asphalt
3. Cheaper per linear foot for material

Cons of Machine Applied Thermoplastic –

1. Long set up time
2. Larger crew needed
3. Expensive equipment needed
4. Longer cleanup time
5. Stencils needed for letters and logos
6. Separate application of glass beads required

Summary

Thermoplastic is superior and will outlast any other type of striping.  This applies to both preformed and melt and pour.  The real difference is the amount of time the job will take.  Small jobs go quicker with preformed whereas large jobs would go quicker with standard machine applied thermoplastic.  Preformed is going to cost more per pound than raw thermoplastic but the time savings more than offsets the cost difference on small to medium size jobs.

 

 

 

Hot Tape Specifications

 

1. Description

This specification is for furnishing a system designed for providing pavement markings directed at pedestrian and bike path delineation. The applied markings will have significant skid resistant features not typically associated with thermoplastic systems, will be durable, oil and grease impervious, and provide immediate and continuing retroreflectivity. This unique marking system can be adhered to asphalt and portland cement concrete pavements by means of heat fusion, and without the need and requirement for sealers and primers.

 

2. Materials – General

2.1 The preformed retroreflective marking material shall consist of a resilient polymer thermoplastic (alkyd, no hydrocarbon) with uniformly distributed glass beads and abrasives throughout its entire cross section. Preformed retroreflective markings shall be available conforming to the current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways as issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

 

2.2

The preformed marking materials shall not be brittle and will be sufficiently cohesive and flexible at temperatures exceeding 50ºF.

 

2.3 The preformed marking materials shall be fusible to asphalt and portland cement concrete pavements by means of the normal heat of a propane type torch. Adhesives, primers, or sealers are not necessary prior to the preformed markings application on asphalt and portland cement concrete pavements.

 

2.4 The preformed marking materials shall conform to pavement contours, breaks, and faults through the action of traffic at normal pavement temperatures. The markings shall have resealing characteristics and be capable of fusing to itself and previously applied hydrocarbon and / or alkyd thermoplastic pavement markings.

 

2.5 The preformed marking materials shall be capable of application on new, dense, and open graded asphalt wearing courses during the paving operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

2.6 The preformed marking materials shall be capable and ready to open to traffic 15 minutes after application.

 

2.7 The preformed marking materials shall be suitable for use for one year after the date of receipt when stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

3. Manufacturing Control and ISO Certification: The manufacturer must be ISO 9001:2008 certified and provide proof of current certification. The scope of the certification shall include manufacture of preformed thermoplastic pavement marking material.

 

4. Classification: The preformed marking materials shall be highly durable retroreflective pliant polymer thermoplastic materials designed for transverse, legend, and symbol markings. This system is designed for and subjected to high urban traffic volumes and particularly severe wear conditions including winterized maintenance practices employed by various regions of the US DOT market.

 

5. Requirements

5.1 Composition: The preformed marking materials shall consist of a homogeneous mixture of high quality polymeric thermoplastic binders, lead-free pigments, fillers, and intermix glass throughout the entire composition. The thermoplastic material must conform to AASHTO designation M249 with the exception of the relevant differences due to the material being preformed, and identified herein.

06.22.10 HT SO 90 SA

 

5.1.1 Intermix Glass: The preformed retroreflective material shall contain a minimum of 30% glass, comprised of approximately 50% glass spheres conforming to AASHTO M247 Type 1 and 50% abrasives uniformly distributed throughout the material. Glass spheres shall have a minimum of 80% true spheres overall.

 

5.1.2 Top Glass: To provide uniform retroreflectivity and skid resistance, a proprietary glass bead and abrasive combination shall be factory preapplied at a uniform rate. The glass beads shall have a minimum of 80% true spheres overall.

 

5.2. Retroreflectivity: The preformed marking materials shall upon application exhibit uniform adequate nighttime visibility (retroreflectivity). The applied markings shall have an average minimum retroreflectivity of 250 mcd/lx/m² for white markings and 150 mcd/lx/m² for yellow markings.

Note: The initial retroreflectivity values assume proper application. For optimum retroreflectivity, beads must be embedded, upon application, 50% – 60% into the preformed thermoplastic.

 

5.3 Color Characteristics: Preformed marking materials without preapplied top glass beads shall meet the following:

White: Daytime luminance factor (cap Y) of 80% minimum.

Yellow: Daytime luminance factor (cap Y) of 45% minimum.

The daytime luminance factor shall not change significantly when the preformed retroreflective thermoplastic is properly applied to the roadway surface.

For highway use, the white markings shall contain a minimum of 10% by weight of titanium dioxide pigment. Yellow color shall reasonably match color chip Number 13538 of Federal Standard number 595 and be lead free.

 

5.4 Skid Resistance: The surface of the preformed marking materials shall provide a postapplied minimum skid resistance value of at least 60 BPN when tested according to ASTM E 303.

 

5.5 Thickness: The thickness of the supplied material shall have a minimum average thickness of 0.090 in. (2.29 mm) (expressed as 90 mils).

 

5.6 Flexibility: The preformed marking materials shall have flexibility at 50ºF such that when a 1 in. by 6 in. sample is bent through an arc of 90º at a uniform rate in 10 seconds (9º per second) over a 1 in. mandrel, no cracking occurs in the test sample. The sample must be conditioned prior to testing at 50ºF ±2 for a minimum of four hours. At least two specimens tested must meet the flexibility requirements at 50ºF for a passing result.

5.7 Bond Strength: The preformed marking materials must have superior bonding strength of at least 300 psi on portland cement concrete when tested according to ASTM D 4796, except that a 2 in. by 2 in. specimen shall be placed on a preheated brick (15 minutes at 425ºF) and then placed in a 425ºF oven for 15 minutes.

 

5.8 Tensile Strength and Elongation: The preformed marking materials shall have a minimum tensile strength of 150 lb. per square inch of cross section when tested according to ASTM D 638, except that a sample 1 in. wide by 6 in. long shall be tested at a temperature between 70ºF and 80ºF using a jaw speed of 10 in./min. The sample shall have a maximum elongation of 20% at break when tested by this method.

 

5.9 Low Temperature Cracking (Stress) Resistance for Extended Period: The preformed marking materials shall be tested according to AASHTO T250 section 7 with section 7.2.3 modified for extended cold temperature (-9.4ºC ±2 (15ºF ±3)) exposure period of 72 hours. Any cracking shall constitute failure of the material for portland cement concrete road surfaces.

06.22.10 HT SO 90 SA 06.22.10

 

5.10 Environmental Resistance: The applied preformed marking materials shall be resistant to deterioration due to exposure to sunlight, water, oil, diesel fuels, gasoline, pavement oil content, salt, and adverse weather conditions.

 

5.11 Effective Performance Life: When properly applied, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, the preformed marking materials shall be neat and durable. The markings shall remain skid resistant and show no fading, lifting, shrinkage, tearing, roll back, or other signs of poor adhesion.

 

6. Packaging: The flexible preformed marking materials, for use as transverse or bike symbols as well as legends, shall be available in flat form material up to a maximum of 2 ft. width by 4 ft. length. The material shall be packed in suitable shrink-wrapped cartons clearly labeled for ease of identifying the contents. Packaging shall not use plastic liners within to separate material from itself. Product packaging shall identify part number and mil thickness.

7. Material Replacement Provisions: Any properly applied preformed marking materials that shall smear or soften independent of pavement movement or condition within a period of one year from date of application shall be replaced by the supplier.

 

8. Installation: The preformed marking materials shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations on clean and dry surfaces. New portland cement concrete surfaces must be sandblasted to entirely remove curing compound. Marking configuration shall be in accordance with the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” where applicable.

 

8.1 New Surfaces: Markings specified for newly paved asphalt road

surfaces shall be capable of being applied as the original permanent marking on the day the surface is paved.

 

8.2 Fusion: The preformed marking materials shall be fusible to the pavement by means of a propane torch recommended by the manufacturer.

 

9. Technical Services: The supplier shall provide technical services as may be required.

 

10. Performance: The preformed marking material shall meet state specifications and be approved for use by the appropriate state agency

 

——————————————————————————————

 

Hot Tape MSDS Sheet

 

Material Safety Data Sheet

 

Section 1: PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Flint Trading, Inc. Company Phone Number: (336) 475-6600

115 Todd Court 24-Hour Emergency Phone: 1-800-424-9300 CHEMTREC

Thomasville, NC 27360

Product Name: HotTape™

Issue Date: Revised Date: 04/01/2010

Product Use: Intended Use: Pavement Marking

Specific Use: Pavement Marking

Section 2: HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Emergency Overview: Form: Solid plastic sheet Odor: No distinguishable odor

Immediate health, physical, The environmental properties of this product present a low environmental hazard.

and environmental hazards: This product, when used under reasonable conditions and in accordance with the Flint Trading, Inc. directions for use, should not present a health hazard. However, use or processing of the product in a manner not in accordance with the product’s directions for use may affect the performance of the product and may present potential health and safety hazards.

Potential Health Effects: See Section 11 for more information

Primary Route of Entry: Not Applicable

Skin Contact: Not relevant for cold product. Molten or heated thermoplastic material can cause serious burns to unprotected skin. Immediately immerse in or flush area with large amounts of cold water. Do not attempt to remove product from skin. Get prompt medical attention.

Eyes: Not relevant for cold product. For contact with molten material or if exposed to excessive levels of dust created by cutting, sanding, grinding or machining, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

Inhalation: Not relevant for cold product. If exposed to excessive levels of dust or fumes,

Remove to fresher air and get medical attention if symptoms develop.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give milk or water. Get medical attention.

Chronic: None known

 

Section 3: COMPOSITION INFORMATION

Component CAS # TLV STEL PEL CONTENT.

Pigments Unknown 1 – 12%

Alkyd Resin 68333-62-0 5 – 20%

Polymers Unknown 5 – 20%

Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) 28553-12-0 0.5 – 10%

Fumed Silica 99439-28-8 0.1 – 5%

Fillers Unknown 20 – 55%

Glass beads 99439-28-8 ≥ 30%

 

Section 4: FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation: If exposed to excessive levels of dust created by cutting, sanding, grinding or machining or fumes, remove to fresher air and get medical attention if symptoms develop.

Eyes: For contact with molten material or if exposed to excessive levels of dust created by cutting, sanding, grinding or machining, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

Skin: For contact with molten material, immediately immerse in or flush area with large amounts of cold water. Do not attempt to remove product from skin. Get prompt medical attention.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give milk or water. Get medical attention.

 

Section 5: FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flash Point: 500º F

Auto-ignition Temperature: Not Determined

Limits of Flammability: LEL: Not Determined UEL: Not Determined

Extinguishable Media: Water, Water Spray, Dry Chemical, Foam or CO2

Special Fire &

Unusual Hazards: Fire fighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus in the positive pressure mode with full-face piece when there is the possibility of exposure to smoke, fumes or hazardous decomposition products. The application of high velocity water will spread the burning material. May emit toxic fumes when burning.

 

Section 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Accidental Release Collect or scrape up. Allow molten hot materials to solidify.

Measures:

 

Section 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling: Avoid skin contact with molten or heated thermoplastic material at all times

Practice good personal hygiene.

Avoid breathing of dust created by cutting, sanding, grinding or machining. This product is considered to be an article which does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal use conditions.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place.

 

Section 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Personal Protection: Leather or equivalent protective gloves are recommended. Protective work

clothes that cover skin and industrial work shoes. Practice good personal hygiene.

Under normal use conditions, airborne exposures are not expected to be significant enough to require respiratory protection. Avoid breathing of dust created by cutting, sanding, grinding or machining.

Use with appropriate local exhaust ventilation. Provide appropriate local exhaust for cutting, grinding, sanding or machining. Use general dilution ventilation and/or local exhaust ventilation to control airborne exposures to below Occupational Exposure Limits and/or control dust, fume, or airborne particles. If ventilation is not adequate, use respiratory protection equipment.

 

Section 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling Point: Not Applicable Solubility in Water: Not soluble

Melting Point: 228º F – 255º F Specific Gravity: 1.9 – 2.0

Vapor Pressure @ 20C: Not Applicable Evaporation Rate: Not Applicable

Vapor Density: Not Applicable Odor: No distinguishable

Appearance: Solid Plastic Sheet

 

Section 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability: Material is stable.

Hazardous This product is not a hazardous chemical as defined by the OSHA Hazard

Decomposition Communication Standard, CFR TITLE 29 1910-1200. However thermal

Products: processing and decomposition fumes from this product may be hazardous.

Hazardous

Polymerization: Will not occur

 

Section 11: TOXICOLOGY INFORMATION

This product is not a hazardous chemical as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, CFR TITLE 29 1910-1200.

 

Section 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

This substance does not leach metals or other RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) listed TCLP (Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure) hazardous substances at concentrations that would make the product a hazardous waste.

 

Section 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Waste Disposal Method: Handle disposal of waste material in a manner which complies with local, state,

province, and federal regulations.

Landfill if solidified or incinerate at agency approved waste-disposal facility

 

Section 14: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

U.S. Department of Transportation Proper Shipping Name: Pavement Markings

Refer to Bill of Lading and Package Labels

 

Section 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION

Contact Flint Trading, Inc. for more information.

 

Section 16: OTHER INFORMATION

NFPA Hazard Classification

Health: 0 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0 Special Hazards: None

Contact Flint Trading, Inc. for more information.

The information given herein is given in good faith. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy of these data or the results obtained from the use thereof. All materials may present unknown health hazards and must be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.

Hot Tape is a 90 or 125 mil preformed thermoplastic.  It comes in rolls which makes shipping and handling easier.  It is one of two types of preformed available in the United States.  Premark is the other type.  Hot Tape has the advantage of being able to be applied to asphalt or cement with no sealer required.  This means that all you need is a roll of Hot Tape and a torch and you will be able to mark asphalt or cement with a quality thermoplastic product.  Hot Tape is applied by first heating the pavement to a specific temperature, laying down the product and then continuing to heat until a bond is formed. After installing you do a chisel test to verify the material is adhered. Since the pavement provides the heat for initially melting the product an excellent bond is formed.  This being said, it is very important that enough heat is used to melt the product.  An infrared thermometer is highly recommended to monitor the surface temperature. Also, you will want to work with only as much area as you can heat at one time.  (2-3 square feet)

Pros

• Hot Tape does not require a primer when applied to cement or concrete.  Premark does.  (Neither require a primer on asphalt.)
• Because the surface is heated first, an excellent bond is created every time.  Also, preheating insures that the surface is very dry.
• Hot Tape is available in rolls which makes shipping, storing and handling easy.  Just pull what you need off the roll and store the rest.
• Hot Tape is less expensive per linear foot.

Cons

• Hot Tape requires that the surface be heated first prior to the material being laid down.  Because of this you are only able to work with about three feet of material at a time.
• An infrared thermometer needs to be used to insure that the surface is hot enough to begin the melting process when the material is laid down.

HotTape™ APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

HotTape™ Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Markings

SURFACE APPLICATION, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment:

• Magnum Torch or equivalent propane fueled torch with pressure regulator and 25 ft. of hose

• Infrared Thermometer • Gas Powered Blower or Broom

• Tape Measure • Chalk Sticks and Chalk Snap Line

• Adequate Supply of Propane • Utility Knife, Putty Knife

Surface: Asphalt and concrete must be free of dirt, dust, chemicals or significant oily substances. Portland cement concrete must be free of all curing compounds. Any residual salts or other deicing chemicals must be removed prior to application. HotTape™ can be applied on new or old thermoplastic. Concrete substrates should be moisture free for 24 hours prior to application for best results. When applying on old thermoplastic scrape off any loose material. Ensure that the remaining thermoplastic surface is clean. If the old thermoplastic is oxidized (powdery surface), grind or heat it and scrape the top surface so fresh material is exposed. Do not apply on top of paint or cold plastic.

Material:

HotTape™ shall be kept dry at all times. Avoid extreme storage temperatures. HotTape™ should be stored indoors at temperatures between 35° F. and 90° F. Packages should be stored flat and stacked a maximum of 25 high. HotTape™ should be handled with care in temperatures below 50° F, as it will be less flexible in colder weather. Shelf life is 12 months. Note: HotTape™ rolled goods will uncoil best when ambient temperature is above 55°F.

Temperature: HotTape™ can be applied at ambient and surface temperature above 32°F.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

Protective clothing, consisting of leather boots, or work shoes, long pants, gloves, and either safety goggles or a face shield, and a safety vest should be worn while applying HotTape™. Note: portland cement concrete surfaces may spall when heated with the torch; therefore safety glasses must always be worn when applying HotTape™ onto portland cement concrete surfaces. Avoid all contact with the molten HotTape™ material and heat torch flame. If you do get molten material on your skin, flush the area immediately with plenty of water and then seek medical attention. Do not attempt to pull the molten material off of your skin.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION ON ASPHALT OR NON-BITUMINOUS SURFACES:

1.

Clean intended application area thoroughly. All loose particles, sand, dust, etc. must be removed. Utilize a power blower or compressed air if available, otherwise sweep completely.

2.

Position all connecting parts of the HotTape™ (lines, legends, or symbols) on to the pavement surface. There should be no gaps between the adjoining segments. Delineate the area to receive the HotTape™ using a chalk line, chalk or crayon. You may overlap the edges slightly. Check to ensure that proper layout and alignment is obtained before moving to step 3. Once the marking has been traced, or the area delineated, remove the marking from the pavement.

3.

Prepare to pre-heat the pavement by positioning yourself with the wind at your back as you face the delineated area. This will allow the wind to move the heat over the unheated portion of the pavement while at the same time keeping the heat away from your feet. Using a Magnum Heat Torch, or similar heat source, utilize the pre-set pilot valve setting to get a blue flame with an orange or yellowish tip. Then squeeze the torch handle to achieve maximum output. Hold the torch nozzle 8 to 10 inches above the pavement. Using the torch in a circular motion pre-heat the surface to a minimum temperature of 300° F. Extend the heating 3 to 6 inches outside the pre-marked area. Do not attempt to pre-heat an area larger than 2 feet x 4 feet at any one time. Properly heated, asphalt should turn a deep, solid black. Note: concrete surfaces may spall when heated with the torch; therefore safety glasses must always be worn when applying HotTape™ onto portland cement concrete surfaces. Use the infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature for a minimal reading of 300°F across the entire target area.

HotTape™ 2 of 2 08.31.09

4.

Once the surface temperature of the targeted area reaches 300° F immediately position the first HotTape™ segment with exposed glass beads side up. Do not apply HotTape™ in pieces larger than 2 ft. x 4 ft. at any one time. If using a torch similar to the Magnum, the applicator should utilize the pre-set pilot valve setting (do not squeeze the handle) to get an orange tipped flame to heat the material. Do not operate the Magnum torch at maximum output while heating the HotTape™ material. Hold the torch so that the torch nozzle is 6 to 8 inches over the HotTape™ material. If material is splattering with the introduction of the torch, the flame is too close to the material or the pilot valve needs to be adjusted to lower the intensity and eliminate the spattering.

5.

Begin heating the HotTape™ by moving the flame from your torch slowly, but steadily over the material. The HotTape™ material must be heated to its melting temperature to achieve a bond with the pavement. Insufficient heat will result in inadequate bonding and failure. Overheating the material will sink the top coating of beads into the HotTape™ material and the resulting marking will be less retroreflective initially. To ensure that heat is evenly applied to the entire marking, move the torch in a sweeping motion, approximately 2 feet wide, keeping the nozzle of the torch about 6 to 8 inches above the material. Caution: Maintain a minimum distance of 6 inches between the torch nozzle and the material. Any closer will cause superficial scorching of the material without adequate melting throughout. Note that 125 mil thick materials will require a longer heating period than 90 mil and 90 mil longer than 75 mil. During heating, the HotTape™ should soften and begin to conform to the pavement surface to which it is applied. Additionally the material may bubble, and may change color, turning slightly darker or pale. If the material does change color move the torch to another section to avoid scorching the material. HotTape™ material will exhibit a soft, “chewing-gum” appearance when properly heated.

6.

Inspect the recently applied HotTape™ to ensure that complete bonding has occurred over the entire area. After the HotTape™ has cooled to near ambient temperature, cut an area in the interior of the material with a chisel where it appears the material received the least amount of heat. For white HotTape™ this will appear the whitest in color.

6.1.

If applied on asphalt: If the material can be lifted without evidence of asphalt on the underside, insufficient heat has been applied.

6.2.

If applied on portland cement concrete: When trying to lift the recently applied HotTape™ material off of the non-bituminous surface it is unlikely that any part of the pavement will be lifted up (with the HotTape™). Adequate bonding has occurred if the HotTape™ separates and part of the HotTape™ remains stuck to the pavement.

6.3.

If upon inspection it has been found that insufficient heat has been applied, simply reapply heat until adequate bonding has occurred. Note: Do not leave the project until a sufficient bond has been established. Attempts to reheat at a later date will be unsuccessful.

7.

HotTape™ is formulated with surface applied and intermixed glass beads to provide both high initial retroreflectivity and better visibility throughout its service life. HotTape™ can be supplied without pre-applied surface beads. When this happens beads must be applied to the surface during application while the material is in the molten state to provide adequate initial retroreflectivity. This is also a very important step in obtaining the required skid resistance.

8.

HotTape™ will cool and set rapidly within a couple of minutes of application. If desired, setting time can be accelerated with a spray of cool water.

NOTES:

HotTape™ is compatible with asphalt and concrete surfaces and can be applied on special surfaces, i.e., bricks and cobble stones.

Do not allow 2 pieces of non-beaded HotTape™ to remain in direct contact with each other, as they will bond together especially in hot weather. Use the plastic separation sheets to avoid this situation.

You can “cut and paste” with HotTape™. Use a knife to score the material and carefully break it along the score. In warm weather you can use scissors.