Floor markings are a great visual communication tool to improve safety and organization in the facility. Whether you are in manufacturing or working in a warehouse, creating a floor marking system can improve communication and choosing the best tool for your workplace is important. Floor paint has long been the traditional choice for marking floors, but it may not always be the best choice.
What is floor tape?
Industrial floor tape is typically made from a durable material with a strong adhesive backing to last for years. It comes in all different widths and colors (even glow-in-the-dark) and there are a number of options to choose from like tape with added traction, highly-reflective tape, and hazard striped tape. In most situations, floor tape will be a more beneficial option than floor paint. However, it should be noted that in some situations, paint can make it easier to mark floors in tight spaces or go around corners.
Floor Tape vs Floor Paint
Installation: Any floor marking strategy begins with the actual installation. When using industrial floor paint, you will need to do some extra planning beforehand. You first need to gather all the right tools and equipment which can include rollers, industrial paint sprayers, etc. The next step is to schedule installation, and you may need to even halt production for this. Floor paint usually takes anywhere between three to eight hours to dry and can even take more than 72 hours to cure. This can cause unnecessary downtime and delayed workflow and could shut down entire factory floors.
Tape on the other hand, immediately bonds with the floor after installation with no dry or cure time. You could use a tape applicator for long lines, but it’s not necessary. The only tools you really need for floor tape is your hands! Additionally, you do not need to worry about any toxic fumes or ventilation. Simply install the floor tape and work can immediately resume.
Durability: Industrial tape typically features enhanced protection and can withstand heavy foot traffic, forklift traffic, chemicals, etc. If it does get dirty, it is extremely easy to clean. Over time, the floor tape will stay bold and bright, maintaining its appearance for years to come. Floor paint on the other hand can be a bit unpredictable. Over time, it can be easily worn down and start chipping or cracking. Often times, you will need to repaint in order to keep it looking good.
Of course, every facility is different. You will want to weigh the pros and cons of both options and consider the needs of your workplace. In order to get the best possible results, you want to be sure you are choosing the right type for your facility.
Additional Resources
- Types of Floor Marking– creativesafetysupply.com
- Choosing the Best Floor Marking Method– aislemarking.com
- Types of Floor Marking Tape– floortape101.com
- Floor Paint or Floor Tape?– blog.creativesafetysupply.com
- Exploring Different Types of Floor Marking– facilityfloormarking.com
- What are Specialized Floor Tapes?– blog.safetytac.com
- Types of Floor Marking Tapes for Warehouses– babelplex.com
- Implementing Floor Markings in your Facility– hiplogic.com
- Floor Marking in Warehouses and How to Get the Best Tapes– heavydutyfloortape.com