ADOT's Methods of Removing Paint From Roadways

Pavement Paint Specifications

• Pavement marking paint must be white or yellow. It should be a single-component, lead-free traffic line paint suitable for application to concrete or asphalt. The color of the yellow paint should conform to Federal standard 595B, color number 33538. The paint will be applied to the pavement with a self-propelled, spray-type spraying machine. Painted lines should be 4, 8 or 12 inches wide and should be painted at a rate of 4 gallons per mile for a broken, 4-inch stripe not less than 15 mils in wet thickness. Glass-reflectorized beads should be applied to the wet paint immediately after application to add reflectivity.

Pavement Marking Removal Standards

• Pavement markings should be removed as completely as possible using a method that does not damage the surface of the pavement or its color or texture. Over-painting of markings using paint or asphalt is not acceptable. Damage to the pavement resulting from pavement marking removal must be repaired with a method approved by an ADOT engineer.

Pavement Marking Removal Methods

• Abrasive blasting with air or water is the preferred method for removing pavement markings. Other methods may be used if approved by an ADOT engineer. Blast cleaning cannot be performed within 12 feet of public traffic unless a suitable barrier is erected between the area being cleaned and the lane of traffic.

Lead-Based Pavement Marking Removal

• Lead-based pavement striping must be removed in a manner that complies with ADOT regulations. A lead exposure plan must be submitted by the contractor to the ADOT engineer at least 48 hours before removal of lead-based pavement striping begins.

Clean-Up

• Sand or abrasive grit remaining on the pavement after marking removal must be removed while the work is in progress. Paint dust and other residue from removed markings must be removed while work is in progress using a vacuum or other method approved by an ADOT engineer.