Road markings are not just for public roads – you may need them for your company car park or any area where floor level markings would be useful. The heat-glued strips are designed for easy application using to a heat gun. They are hardwearing, standing the test of time. Here’s everything you need to know about these strips and their application.
What can these heat-glued strips be used for?
Heat-glued strips are used for road signs, car parks, reserved parking spaces, children’s playgrounds and for any for other application that must last a long time, resist a large number of vehicle or pedestrian crossings, as well as staying put in bad weather.
Most commonly white, these markings are also available in other colours to suit your need. They can even have reflective qualities, for nighttime safety. In this case, the reflective micro-beads are evenly spread over the entire surface and thickness of the thermoplastic strip. This means that the microbead or micro-prism reflective material does not remain on the surface, but is melted into the strip when heat is applied. This enables it to resist wear and tear as well as the rest of the strip.
The strips are packaged in rolls or come pre-cut and ready to be laid.
How to apply heat-sealed tape
As the name suggests, heat is needed to adhere the heat-glued strips to the floor. The application is quick and easy using a propane fuelled thermo-marking gun.
Once the floor has been swept and cleared of all impurities, you must pre-heat it to remove all moisture. You then lay your strips on the floor as desired and use your heat gun to bring the product to the right temperature. The marking becomes embedded in the floor-covering and after a short drying period the road is usable again.
Thermally bonded strips can be applied to all tarmacked surfaces. For surfaces such as concrete, paving stones or stone, you will first need to use a primer coat.
The thermo-labelling gun
The application tool for heat-sealed tapes is the heat marking gun or film application torch, using either a flame or a hot air tool called “No flame”.
The thermo-labelling gun is connected to a fixed regulator for use with propane gas. A flexible hose of at least 10 metres in length allows you freedom of movement during your project. The piezo ignition and ergonomic handle with quick-connect coupling allow you to attach your hose with a single click and be immediately ready to work.
The power should not exceed 90 kW to avoid any risk of damaging your heat-glued strips.
A good heat marking gun should be ready for use in less than a minute. The flame is quickly available thanks to the piezo-synchronised ignition that works by simply pulling a trigger. You can even change the piezo trigger without the need for tools; an advantage to bear in mind if you would use this product very regularly.
A safety handle also helps to drastically reduce gas consumption. This allows you to reduce C02emissions, while also avoiding the risk of fire.
Depending on the surfaces to which you will apply the markings, you have a choice of lance. The lances are interchangeable without the need for tools and can be removed and positioned by simply clipping them into place.
As far as the safety of the heat marking gun is concerned, the torch switches off as soon as you remove your hand from the handle. There are 3 possible configurations: for use, for changing the lance and for storage. The thermo-marking gun is also equipped with a safety valve in case of hose rupture.