How Often Should You Restripe Your Lot?

In Western Washington, the honest answer is: more often than in most of the country. Our rain, constant tire traffic on wet pavement, and freeze-thaw winters wear striping out faster than in dry climates. Here's what to expect and how to know when it's time.

The Short Answer: Every 1-2 Years

Most commercial lots in the Puget Sound need restriping every 12-24 months. High-traffic areas — entrances, drive lanes, drive-through lanes — fade first. Low-traffic corners can look fine for years while your main lanes disappear.

5 Signs It's Time To Restripe

• Lines are hard to see at night or in the rain — exactly when drivers need them most
• Drivers are parking crooked or ignoring stall boundaries
• ADA symbols and access aisles are faded — a real compliance risk
• Fire lane and curb markings are no longer clearly red or yellow
• Your lot looks dull and neglected next to competitors' fresh lines

How To Make Striping Last Longer

Three things extend the life of your lines: quality commercial-grade traffic paint (not bargain paint), proper surface prep before painting, and sealcoating on a sensible cycle — fresh sealcoat gives paint a clean surface to bond to and doubles the visual contrast. A well-maintained sealcoat-plus-stripe cycle is the cheapest way to keep a lot looking new year after year.

The Compliance Angle

Faded ADA markings aren't just cosmetic — accessible stalls that are no longer clearly marked can expose your property to complaints and liability. If your accessible parking is hard to identify, restriping moves from "nice to have" to "needed now."