How to remove line markings?

Road markings, they’re crucial for the smooth running and guiding of traffic, both for roads and highways, as well as for internal car parks and warehouses.

However, what happens when those road markings are no longer correct or need updating to highway standards? If the road layout, the direction of traffic or the original line markings start to fade, safe-flowing traffic could be affected. With QMS line removal solutions, we will work to remove existing road markings and install brand-new, accurate markings in their place, if you want. Or, we can remove the line markings and leave the surfacing clear.

QMS line marking removal solutions

At QMS, we know the importance of providing drivers with accurate and discernible road markings to help guide traffic and ensure optimum road safety. This is why, alongside developing award-winning road marking solutions for various sectors, including QMS highways, QMS car parks and QMS walkways, we have also developed our quick and efficient line removal solution When it comes to line marking removal, there are a number of ways that you can remove your unwanted road markings, including:

Scabbling line marking removal

Scabbling line marking removal is a line removal method that relies on force, rather than heat to scrape your existing line markings off of any hard-wearing and durable road service. The scabbler, a small piece of machinery, uses its rotating drum, which has various tungsten-tipped pins to scrape and cut your markings off of the road surface.
This method of line marking removal is often effective for removing thermoplastic road markings on concrete, other benefits include:

• Can cut our road markings if they have been installed at an irregular thickness
• Is a cost-effective method for line removal
• Can be operated by just one person
• As they are small to operate, the scabbler causes little disruption to traffic or business operations

HydroBlast line marking removal

Hydroblasting line removal has become incredibly popular in recent years
Our HydroBlast line marking removal solution uses water to remove the line markings. Very powerful jets of water are directed on the markings which are then obliterated with the pressure, up to 40,000 PSI.
For this type of line removal solution, we offer pre-site visits to check the condition of the road surface, as the last thing we want is to not only remove line markings but also damage the integrity of the road surface!<
Other benefits include:

• Can quickly remove your line markings in a matter of minutes
• To ensure minimal waste, a high-powered vacuum is used to collect any wastewater, which is then filtered
• Unlike scabbling, hydro blasting should not damage your road surfacing and you don’t have to rely on other bits of equipment which could damage the road
• No fumes or excess noise

EnviroBlast line marking removal

At QMS, we always work hard to ensure we are working in as sustainable a way as possible. In fact, in November 2023, we won the Notty’s Sustainability Superstars award. This is why we are proud to offer enviroblast as an effective and sustainable line removal solution.

EnviroBlast utilises vacuum-recovered shot blasts which help to remove unwanted line markings from highways, carriageways, car parks, internal warehouse markings and more. Any dust, debris or materials are then removed through a dust-free bagging system.

Apart from being eco-friendly and perfect for when you need to install new road markings at the same time, this method of line marking removal also comes with other benefits including:

• Does not produce a vast amount of smoke or pose long-term health risks for operatives
• Can be used effectively and efficiently to reduce any disruption to traffic or business flow
• While there are other methods of line marking removal, including skid steer, sandblasting, chemical removal and burning off, at QMS we always work to put the safety of our operatives and the environment first. This is why we offer a range of sustainable and safe line removal services.

Factors to consider for road marking removal

When thinking about updating your line markings, for any road marking type, it is important to consider the type of surface that you are trying to remove your line markings from. Some surface types, concrete and tarmac for example may benefit from alternative removal solutions, compared to resin bound surfaces (QMS Decosurf) or high friction surfaces (QMS Hypergrip) for example.

Other factors to consider when looking at line removal solutions include:

• Surface type – what road surface are your current line markings installed on?
• Line marking type – what type or line marking product are you removing? Thermoplastic? MMA? Or paint?
• Size of the area – how big is your line removal project?

Get your line removal estimate today

If you’re in need of updating your line marking or removing existing ones, get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team today. Find out how we can help you with your line removal solutions, contact us via info@qms.uk or call us at 01626 836777.