The key to success in stripe (pavement marking) removal is to remove the markings from the asphalt or concrete without causing damage to the surface. Thermo-plastic line removal, for instance, can seem like a difficult challenge because these lines are nearly as hard - and in some cases harder - than the underlying asphalt. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that asphalt is very porous and the stripes penetrate into the surface pores. Traditional, alternate, equipment that has been used in the past is what’s known as a “grinder”. Grinders typically use steel or carbide teeth to remove traffic markings. To effectively remove the marking the asphalt will also be removed to the lowest level of paint penetration, usually about 1/4" - 1/2". However, Waterblasting.com's unique Stripe Hog ™ system (pictured to the right) can quickly eliminate even the most durable pavement markings whether on roads or runways while maintaining the integrity of the surface and without causing a conflicting marking to motorists.

Above: The mechanical dynamics of grinding require that the asphalt be removed to the lowest level of paint penetration, usually about 1/4" - 1/2". Right: The needle-sharp water jets, at 40,000 p.s.i., are able to penetrate the porous surface of the asphalt and extract the paint or thermo without destroying the asphalt.

The pressure is high enough so that no markings can withstand a single pass of the waterjet. The needle-sharp waterjets penetrate the pores of the asphalt and remove the traffic stripes with amazing speed.

The speed is automated so as to be completely consistent and highly adjustable. Our highly trained and skilled operators adjust the speed to the ideal rate that allows our waterjetting equipment to completely remove the stripe without moving slow enough to eat away at the underlying asphalt. The pictures above illustrate just how effective Hydroblasting or waterblasting is for traffic marking removal. It is surprisingly quick. As an example, a 6” painted line can typically be removed at a rate of 2-3 miles per hour!

For additional information, read about this case study where the Tennessee Department of Transportation wanted to eliminate misplaced markings on a brand new road without damaging the surface, what happened with Waterblasting.com’s Stripe Hog stripe removal system and what it looks like more than three years later.

Tennessee Department of Transportation Case Study - HTML

Tennessee Department of Transportation Case Study - (8 MB PDF file)