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    In our first day of our Airfield Marking Symposiums, we take the time to address some common misconceptions prevalent in our industry - marking myths, if you will. These myths are in large part responsible for why airport markings are not as good as they should and could be. Today, I'm busting the myth, "Painting over old paint is OK - There is no time for cleaning":

    In 2006-2007, Sightline performed research to write the Airfield Marking Handbook. The research method involved an initial interview of each subject airport we visited (15 in all). In each case, we asked "What surface preparation methods are used before you paint?", and in each case, the answer was "Nothing." When we dug deeper into why "nothing" was done, the typical reasons were:

• Engineers do not specify adequate surface preparation when contracting maintenance.
• The airport doesn't have the equipment clean the markings first.
• There's not enough time to clean the markings and put them back.

    Say this to yourself: "Surface preparation is different than paint removal". I hope you said that using your 'inside voice' and avoided appearing crazy to those around you...

    Generally speaking, when airport professionals hear "surface preparation" or "cleaning markings with waterblasting", they assume the paint will be removed. It's one of the most prevalent misconceptions related to airport striping. Perhaps it is due to the method that is often used. You hear "waterblasting", and you're talking paint removal, right? That isn't always the case.

    In fact, cleaning your markings can be the equivalent of pressure washing your house. You wouldn't paint your house before preparing it, would you? Airfield markings are subjected to exhaust, hydraulic fuels, contaminants, etc. The current industry practice is to paint right over top of the contaminated markings, without regard for what it's being painted on.

    What if we could just clean them instead? Cleaning doesn't remove the markings when they're installed well initially. Often, cleaning is all you need - no painting required! The idea that there's no time to clean, or that markings will always have to be replaced, is simply a myth.

    Imagine being able to clean all of your markings in the spring, and having to repaint, say, only 20 percent of them that are in need of maintenance. Imagine how much time and money that would save.

Less striping. Less money spent. Less issues.

More efficient. More effective. More safety.

Are you imagining it?

Good - call me when you're finished daydreaming - I'll help you make it a reality, 540.825.9660.

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