Application Instructions
METRO TAPE
By Metro Striping Solutions
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Metro Tape Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Markings
SURFACE APPLICATION, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
EQUIPMENT:
• Magnum Torch or equivalent propane fueled torch with pressure regulator and 25 ft. of hose
• Infrared Thermometer - Tape Measure
• Adequate supply of propane - Gas powered blower or broom
• Chalk sticks and chalk snap line - Utility knife, putty knife
Surface: Asphalt and concrete, must be free of dirt, dust, chemicals, or significant oily substances. Portland cement concrete must be free of all curing compounds. Any residual salts or other deicing chemicals must be removed prior to application. Metro tape can be applied on new or old thermoplastic. Concrete substrates should be moisture free for 24 hours prior to application for best results. When applying on old thermoplastic, scrape off any loose material. Ensure that the remaining thermoplastic surface is clean. If the old thermoplastic is oxidized (powdery surface), grind or heat it and scrape the top surface so fresh material is exposed. Do Not Apply on Top of paint or cold plastic.
Material: Metro tape shall be kept dry at all times. Avoid extreme storage temperatures. Metro Tape shall be stored indoors at temperatures 35°F and 90°F. Packages should be stored flat and stacked a maximum of 25 high. Metro Tape should be handled with care in temperatures below 50°F, as it will be less flexible in colder weather. Shelf life is 12 months. Note: Metro tape rolled goods will uncoil best when ambient temperature is below 32°F.
Temperature: Metro Tape can be applied at ambient and surface temperature above 55°F.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Protective clothing, consisting of leather, or work shoes, long pants, gloves, and either safety goggles or a face shield, and a safety vest should be worn while applying Metro Tape. Note: Portland cement concrete surfaces may spall when heated with the torch; therefore, safety glasses must be worn when applying Metro Tape onto Portland cement concrete surfaces. Avoid all contact with the molten Metro Tape material and heat touch flame. If you do get molten materials on skin, flush the area immediately with plenty of water and then seek medical attention. Do not attempt to pull the molten material off of your skin.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION ON ASPHALT OR NON-BITUMINUS SURFACES:
1. Clean intended application area thoroughly. All loose particles, sand, dust, etc. must be removed. Utilize a power blower or compressed air if
available, otherwise sweep completely.
2. Position all connecting parts of the Metro Tape (lines, legends, or symbols) on to the pavement surface. There should be no gaps between the
adjoining segments. Delineate the area to receive the Metro Tape using a chalk line, chalk, or crayon. You may overlap the edges slightly.
Check to ensure that proper layout and alignment is obtained before moving to step 3. Once the markings have been traced, or the area \
delineated, remove the markings from the pavement.
3. Prepare to pre-heat the pavement by positioning yourself with the wind at your back as you face the delineated area. This will allow the
wind to move the heat over the unheated portion of the pavement while the at the same time keeping the heat away from your feet. Using a
Magnum Heat Torch, or similar heat source, utilize the pre-set pilot valve setting to get a blue flame with an orange or yellowish tip. Then
squeeze the torch handle to achieve maximum output. Hold the torch nozzle 8 to 10 inches above the pavement. Using the torch in a circular
motion pre-heat the surface to a minimum temperature of 300°F. Extend the heating 3 – 6 inches outside the pre-marked area. Do not
attempt to pre-heat and area larger than 2 feet x 4 ft at any one time. Properly heated, asphalt should turn a deep, solid black. Note:
concrete surfaces may spall when heated with the torch; therefore, safety glasses must always be worn when applying Metro Tape onto
Portland cement concrete surfaces. Use the infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature for a minimal reading of 300 degrees F
across the entire area.
4. Once the surface temperature of the targeted area reaches 300 degrees F immediately position to the first Metro Tape segment with
exposed glass beads side up. Do not apply Metro Tape in pieces larger than 2 ft. x 4 ft. at any one time. If using a torch similar to the Magnum
the applicator should utilize the pre-set pilot valve setting (do not squeeze the handle) to get an orange tipped fame to heat the material. Do
not operate the Magnum torch at maximum output while heating the Metro Tape material. Hold the torch so that the torch nozzle is 6 to 8
inches over the Metro Tape material. If material is splattering with the introduction of the torch, the flame is too close to the material or the
pilot valve needs to be adjusted to the lower the intensity and eliminate the spattering.
5. Begin heating the Metro Tape by moving the flame from your torch slowly, but steadily over the material. The Metro Tape material must be
heated to its melting temperature to achieve a bond with the pavement. Insufficient heat will result in inadequate bonding and failure.
Overheating the material will sink the top coating of beads into the Metro Tape material and the resulting marking will be less
retroreflective initially. To ensure that heat is evenly applied to the entire marking, move the torch in a sweeping motion, approximately 2
feet wide, keeping the nozzle of the torch about 6 to 8 inches above the material. Caution: Maintain a minimum distance of 6 inches between
the torch nozzle and the material. Any closer with cause superficial scorching of the material without adequate melting through. Note that
125 mil thick materials will require a longer heating period than 90 mil and 90 mil longer than 75 mil. During heat, the Metro Tape should
soften and Begin to conform to the pavement surface to which it is applied. Additionally, the material may bubble, and may change color,
turning slightly darker or pale. If the material does change color move the torch to another section to avoid scorching the material. Metro
Tape material will exhibit a soft “chewing-gum’ appearance when properly heated.
6. Inspect the recently applied Metro Tape to ensure that complete bonding has occurred over the entire area. After the Metro Tape has
cooled to near ambient temperature, cut an area in the interior of the material with a chisel where it appears the material received the least
amount of heat. For white Metro Tape this will appear the whitest in color.
6.1. If applied on asphalt: If the material can be lifted without evidence of asphalt to the upside, insufficient heat has been applied.
6.2. If applied on Portland cement concrete: When trying to lift the recently applied Metro Tape material off of the non-bituminous surface it is
unlikely that any part of the pavement will be lifted up (with the Metro Tape). Adequate bonding has occurred if the Metro Tape separates
and part of the Metro Tape remains stuck to the pavement.
6.3. If upon inspection it has been found the insufficient heat has been applied, simply reapply heat until adequate bonding has occurred. Note:
Do not leave the project until a sufficient bond has been established. Attempts to reheat at a later date will be unsuccessful.
7. Metro Tape is formulated with surface applied and intermixed glass beads to provide both high initial retroflectivity and better visibility
throughout its service life. Metro Tape can be supplied without pre-applied surface beads. When this happens beads must be applied to the
surface during while the material is in the molten state to provide adequate initial retroflectivity. This is also a very important step to
obtaining the required skid resistance.
8. Metro Tape will cool and set rapidly within a couple of minutes of application. If desired, setting time can be accelerated with a spray of cool
water.
NOTES:
❖ Metro Tape is compatible with asphalt and concrete surfaces and can be applied on special services, i.e. bricks and cobblestones.
❖ Do not allow 2 pieces of non-beaded Metro Tape to remain in direct contact with each other, as they will bond together especially in hot
weather. Use the plastic separation sheets to avoid this situation.
❖ You can “cut the paste’ with Metro Tape. Use a knife to score the material and carefully break it along the score. In warm weather you can \
use scissors.
Metro Striping Solutions
10031 Prospect Avenue, Suite A
Santee, California 92071
Phone: (619)592-8440