How to Remove Road Markings?
3 Answers
The principle is simple: the engine drives an alloy grinding blade to rotate at high speed, and the contact between the alloy blade and the road surface grinds away the markings. Milling removal involves using milling blades to mill the road surface, thereby achieving the goal of marking removal. This method usually causes damage to the road surface and leaves noticeable milling marks. Sandblasting cleaning is a method that propels abrasives (such as steel shot, steel grit, quartz sand, iron sand, etc.) at high speed through a nozzle to clean the surface of materials. The working principle of a brush scrubbing machine is to drive a steel wire brush disc through an engine and transmission device, removing attachments from the working surface. With increasing environmental awareness worldwide, the environmental requirements for marking removal have become stricter, leading to the emergence of high-pressure water jet marking removal methods.
I've personally done road marking removal several times, usually before road resurfacing. There are several methods, such as using a mechanical grinder to directly scrape off the old paint, which is efficient but requires caution due to dust flying around, affecting the surrounding environment. Chemical solvents are also a good option, like professional paint removers—apply them, let them sit, then scrub, making it easy to operate but harsh on the skin, so gloves and masks are a must. High-pressure water jetting is another choice, with strong water impact but high equipment requirements. No matter which method, safety comes first—avoid working on windy or rainy days and find an open area. Environmental protection is also crucial; don’t dump waste materials carelessly, as it could contaminate the soil. It’s more reliable to entrust a professional team for disposal.
Last time I cleaned old markings in the garage, I simply used household tools to save effort. Bought a paint remover spray, applied it and waited about ten minutes, then scrubbed hard with a stiff brush. The markings gradually came off, easier than expected. But be aware the solvent has strong fumes – keep windows open for ventilation or you might feel dizzy. Another method is manual grinding with a sanding disc, more labor-intensive but eco-friendly with no chemical residue. When removing, marking fragments may scatter, so remember to wear goggles and gloves for protection. After completion, there might be slight residue marks on the ground, just rinse with water and it'll be clean. Total time spent was roughly one hour. This job isn't too difficult, DIY saves money, and it's suitable for small-area work.
