UV curing Technology in Traffic Line Marking

In today's fast-paced world, road safety and minimizing traffic disruptions are major challenges for urban managers and road construction companies. Imagine a machine that sprays traffic line paint and immediately dries it in 1.5 seconds using UV light – no need for traffic cones, vehicle stops, or long waits! This emerging technology, based on instant drying with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not only minimizes project time but also reduces costs and enhances safety. In this comprehensive article, we thoroughly examine this technology: from what it is and how it works to leading companies, materials used, applications, and even practical videos of its implementation. If you're looking for innovative solutions in the road construction industry, don't miss this read.

What is UV Instant Drying Technology?

UV curing or drying with ultraviolet radiation is an advanced method for curing industrial paints where, instead of natural or thermal drying, UV light (usually LED-based) is used to activate the chemical materials in the paint. In the context of road marking, this technology allows special paints to harden and become resistant immediately after spraying. This method has been used in printing and coating industries since the 1990s, but recently, with advancements in LED UV lamps, it has entered the road construction field. Unlike traditional paints that may take hours or days to dry, UV-cured paints fully harden in seconds (often 1-2 seconds). This technology is based on radiation curable acrylate resins, which have 100% volume solids and no evaporating solvents – thus, VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions are very low and environmentally friendly. According to international standards like NZTA M/7 in New Zealand, these paints offer high durability, excellent adhesion to asphalt, and resistance to abrasion and road salt. In Damar Industries' technical documents, product ARXNN70 (Damar Highway Instacure) is highlighted as an outstanding example suitable for hot-mix asphalt and chip-seal roads, applicable after 4 weeks of new sealing

How UV Curing Technology Works in Line Painting

The process is simple yet highly precise:

1. Surface Preparation: The road surface must be dry, clean, and free of oil. For new surfaces, at least 4 weeks of waiting is required. Water jet or sandblasting is used for cleaning. Note: This technology is not recommended for concrete unless with specific guidelines, as differences in drying agents and contaminations can be problematic.
2. Paint Spraying: Advanced spray machines (like Harmoney Machine from Damar) are used to apply 100% solid paint at a thickness of 200-250 microns (DFT). Theoretical coverage: 4-5 square meters per liter.
3. Instant Curing with UV: Immediately after spraying, LED UV lamps (with specific wavelengths) are activated. The operator walks behind the machine, and the UV light activates photoinitiators in the paint, forming polymer chains in seconds. Result: Fully dry, resistant lines ready for traffic in 1.5 seconds!
4. Adding Glass Beads: For light reflection (retro-reflectivity), coated glass beads (Damar approved coated beads) are added, which have excellent adhesion.

This process requires no diluting solvent (maximum 250 ml UV Thinning solvent per 20 liters) and with 100% volume coverage, minimizes waste. Ambient temperature should be between 5-40 degrees Celsius, and the road must not be wet.

Key Benefits of UV Instant Drying Technology

This technology is not only innovative but also offers numerous practical advantages:

• Reduced Traffic Disruption: Projects are completed in hours without cones or stops – ideal for high-traffic roads.
• High Durability: Useful life of 3-7 years (depending on traffic), excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, de-icing salt, and weather. In Inotec systems, up to 5 years durability.
• Environmental Compatibility: Zero VOC emissions, no solvents, and low energy (LED UV is more efficient than traditional UV).
• Economic Efficiency: Increased productivity (up to 10 times faster), reduced traffic control and maintenance costs. In the UK, cost is about £5-9 per linear meter.
• Flexibility: Applicable in low temperatures (even cold storages), and for various surfaces like asphalt, resin, and epoxy.
• Safety and Hygiene: No dust or strong odors, suitable for sensitive environments like food or pharmaceutical factories.

According to Highways Today reports, WJ Group's RapidLine system sets a new standard for road safety and sustainability.

Leading Companies in UV Curing Technology for Traffic Lines

Several global companies are leading in this field. Here are some of them:

• Damar Industries (New Zealand and Australia): Pioneers with Instacure and Faststripes products. Harmoney Machine with LED UV, ARXNN70 paint (White SG 1.50, Yellow SG 1.37). Link: damarindustries.com/road-marking/faststripes. Video: Instacure Demo (collaboration with Coastline Markers, showing drying in 1.5 seconds).
• WJ Group (United Kingdom): RapidLine, the first cold UV-cured system in Europe (2025). 100% solids, instant cure, for public roads. Link: wj.uk/rapidline. Video: RapidLine Unveiling (showing spray and instant cure).
• UV Line Marking (United Kingdom): Specialized services for industrial floors, focusing on warehouses and factories. 3-7 years lifespan, cost £5-9/m. Link: uv-line-marking.co.uk. Video: UV Line Marking Business (showing quick execution in industrial environments).
• Inotec (United Kingdom): Total Rapidshield system with 4 layers (primer + 2 color + top coat), instant UV cure, 5-year life. Suitable for flood floors and walkways. Link: inotecbsl.com. (Technical PDF available on site).
• Coastline Markers (New Zealand): Instacure for road safety, fully trafficable in seconds. Link: coastline.net.nz.
• Jointline (Ireland): UV curing for internal lines, like Cork projects. Link: jointline.co.uk.
• Line-Mark.com (United Kingdom): UV for high-traffic warehouses, with color base layer. Link: line-mark.com/uv-line-marking.

These companies are mainly active in Europe, Oceania, and North America, but the technology is expanding to the Middle East.

Materials and Paints Used in UV Curing

The paints are based on radiation curable acrylate resins, with the following features:

• Colors: White and yellow (for standard lines), matt, 100% volume solids.
• Coverage: 4-5 sqm/liter at 200-250 microns.
• Accessories: Coated glass beads for reflection, UV Wash for cleaning, maximum 250 ml UV thinner per 20 liters.
• Packaging: 20-liter pails or 200-liter drums (e.g., ARK0170 for white).

In Damar documents, SG (specific gravity) is 1.50 for white and 1.37 for yellow. These materials are VOC-free, abrasion-resistant, and highly elastic. For concrete, a specific application sheet is needed.

Applications of UV Technology in Traffic Lines

This technology goes beyond main roads:

• Public Roads: Reducing disruption during peak hours, like Faststripes in New Zealand.
• Warehouses and Factories: Pedestrian lines, forklift lanes, hazard signs (UV Line Marking in UK).
• Sensitive Environments: Food factories, pharmaceuticals, and cleanrooms (low VOC, no contamination).
• Parking Lots and Yards: Zebra lines, directional, with 2-5 years durability.
• Cold Storages: Temperature-independent curing, suitable for cold areas.

In Inotec system, used for flood floors and 5S demarcation.

Practical Videos of Technology Execution

For better understanding, watch the following videos (embeddable on site):

• Instacure by Coastline Markers: Showing spray and cure in 1.5 seconds on real road.
• RapidLine by WJ Group: Execution without waiting, focusing on efficiency.
• UV Line Marking Demo: Industrial application in warehouse, with clean and fast lines.
• Faststripes Concept: Simulation of UV cure speed (from IRT UV SmartCure, similar to Damar technology).

These videos demonstrate the real simplicity and speed.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Road Safety

UV instant drying technology, with companies like Damar and WJ, is changing the paradigm of the road construction industry. From cost reduction to increased safety, this method is promising. If you're in Iran looking to implement it, consult local experts – perhaps it's time for our roads to go "instant" too! For more information, contact us.