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    When you go to the grocery store, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the seemingly endless aisles and choices. You can never seem to get in and out without having to consider price, quantity, quality, what kind of underwear you have on, etc. Occasionally, I choose to push around the cart with the giant yellow plastic car front end on it – not because I have kids but because the store offers me the choice - and I like the confused looks I receive from others with "boring" carts.

    Choosing coatings for your airport is less intimidating. The menu is small, dare I say tiny, compared to that of your neighborhood grocery store. Further, the considerations about price, quantity, quality (and underwear for some), are often predetermined thanks to low-bid contracts and routine specification. However, the relatively small selection of approved materials doesn't necessarily mean you can't choose wisely.

    For example, when specifying paint - consider that there are three types of FAA approved waterborne formulations to choose from. Type I requires near ideal weather conditions to dry quickly; Type II is most commonly used to accommodate faster dry times or painting in "adverse conditions"; Type III, the most recent addition to the family, should be considered when painting distressed pavements and/or when applying a larger glass bead (e.g. TT-B-1325, Type IV). In addition, the paint formulations can be modified to resist contaminants such as algae growth, rust discoloration, UV fading, etc.

    Another hot item recently added to the FAA approved materials list is preformed thermoplastic. Choosing a durable material such as Flint Trading's AirMark is ideal for elaborate markings like those found in holding position locations. Labor-intensive markings such as surface painted signs are commonly being applied in thermoplastic to reduce required maintenance.

    Remember, your specifications can be tailored to fit your needs. Carefully selecting and modifying material specifications to suit the conditions at your airport makes a big difference – one size does not fit all. When considering what materials to use and when, it can become confusing; be sure to drop us a line for assistance in cultivating a highly effective marking system for your airport.

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