Why Do Thermoplastic Road Markings Crack? Causes and Solutions for Vietnam's Tropical Climate

As Vietnam continues to invest in highways, industrial parks, urban roads, and logistics infrastructure, thermoplastic road markings have become one of the most widely used traffic safety solutions.

From Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Da Nang and the Mekong Delta region, thermoplastic road marking paint is preferred for its fast drying time, excellent durability, and high nighttime visibility.

However, many contractors and project owners face the same problem:

Why do thermoplastic road markings crack?

Cracking not only affects appearance but also reduces reflectivity, shortens service life, and increases maintenance costs.

Based on Vietnam's commonly adopted TCVN 8791:2011 standard, this article explains the main causes of thermoplastic marking cracks and how to prevent them.

1. Excessive Temperature Changes

Vietnam's tropical climate creates significant pavement temperature fluctuations.

During dry seasons, asphalt surface temperatures can become extremely high during the day and cool rapidly at night. Continuous expansion and contraction generate stress inside the marking layer.

If the thermoplastic material lacks sufficient flexibility, transverse cracks, edge cracks, and network cracking may occur.

High-quality thermoplastic paint should provide excellent heat resistance, adhesion, and flexibility to withstand Vietnam's environmental conditions.

2. Improper Heating Temperature During Application

Thermoplastic road marking materials are typically applied at temperatures between 180°C and 220°C.

Common construction mistakes include:

• Overheating the material

• Maintaining high temperatures for excessive periods

• Burning or degrading the resin system

These issues reduce the flexibility of the coating and make the markings more susceptible to cracking under heavy traffic.

Using a reliable hydraulic double-cylinder preheater and proper temperature control is essential.

3. Incorrect Marking Thickness

International road marking practices generally recommend a thickness of approximately 2–3 mm for thermoplastic markings.

If the coating is too thick:

• Internal stress increases

• Cooling becomes uneven

• Cracking risk rises

If the coating is too thin:

• Wear resistance decreases

• Service life becomes shorter

Professional hand-push road marking machines and precision marking shoes help maintain consistent thickness.

4. Poor Surface Preparation

Many industrial and port projects in Vietnam face challenges such as:

• Dust contamination

• Oil residues

• Moist pavement conditions

These factors reduce adhesion between the thermoplastic material and the pavement.

Under continuous heavy vehicle traffic, the markings may crack, debond, or peel off.

Proper cleaning and drying of the pavement before application are critical.

5. Low-Quality Thermoplastic Paint

One of the most common root causes of cracking is poor material quality.

Premium thermoplastic road marking paint typically contains:

• Petroleum resin

• Titanium dioxide

• High-quality fillers

• Premixed glass beads

Low-cost materials often reduce resin content or use inferior fillers to cut costs.

Although initial performance may appear acceptable, the markings can crack prematurely under Vietnam's combination of heat, rainfall, humidity, and heavy traffic.

The Importance of Glass Beads

Many buyers consider glass beads only as reflective materials.

In reality, high-quality road marking glass beads contribute to a more uniform marking structure while significantly improving nighttime visibility.

Quality glass beads offer:

• High roundness

• Excellent transparency

• Strong adhesion

• Stable refractive index

Combining premix and drop-on glass beads can improve both durability and retroreflectivity.

How to Prevent Thermoplastic Marking Cracks

Professional contractors usually follow these practices:

• Use thermoplastic paint compliant with TCVN 8791:2011 and international standards.

• Select premium reflective glass beads.

• Use professional road marking equipment.

• Maintain proper application temperature.

• Ensure pavement surfaces are clean and dry.

• Control coating thickness consistently.

Our Solution

As a professional manufacturer with our own thermoplastic road marking paint factory, we supply:

• Thermoplastic Road Marking Paint

• Reflective Glass Beads

• Hand Push Road Marking Machines

• Hydraulic Double Cylinder Thermoplastic Preheaters

• Marking Shoes and Molds

• Traffic Safety Cones and Road Safety Products

For Vietnam projects, we provide customized thermoplastic solutions designed for tropical climates, helping contractors achieve better durability, adhesion, and long-term reflectivity.

Whether for highways, municipal roads, industrial parks, airports, or logistics facilities, we are committed to delivering reliable products and professional export services.

Conclusion

Thermoplastic road marking cracks are usually caused by a combination of material quality, application practices, pavement conditions, and environmental factors.

For Vietnam's demanding climate, choosing high-quality thermoplastic paint, premium glass beads, and professional road marking equipment is the most effective way to maximize service life and reduce maintenance costs.

For more information about our road marking solutions, please visit:

https://road-markingpaints.com/

Contact us:

Contact Person:Rose