Jun 12, 2025 | 1-800-Striper Providence
At 1-800-STRIPER of Providence, we’ve seen it all: crooked lines, flaking paint, and confusing layouts that make parking more stressful than it needs to be. While DIY projects can save money upfront, striping your own lot often leads to costly corrections later. In this post, we break down the most common mistakes we see on DIY striping jobs—and how our team helps Rhode Island businesses fix them quickly, affordably, and professionally.
The Mistake: Most DIY striping jobs fail before the first line is ever painted. Inaccurate measurements and improper layout planning lead to uneven spacing, tight turns, and traffic flow issues. Even a half-inch error can throw off the entire configuration of a parking lot.
The Fix: At 1-800-Striper of Providence, we start with precision. Our team uses professional-grade measuring tools and chalk lining methods to ensure accurate, mathematically straight layouts. Every stall, fire lane, and ADA space is placed with intention and compliance in mind.
The Mistake: Not all paint is created equal. DIY jobs often use hardware store paints that aren’t designed to endure Rhode Island’s changing weather. Within weeks, the lines begin to fade, chip, or peel.
The Fix: We only use commercial-grade, high-durability striping paint engineered for asphalt and concrete. Our paints are weather-resistant, quick-drying, and compliant with local safety codes. They retain visibility and grip, even through rain, salt, and snow.
The Mistake: Freehand striping or low-quality equipment often results in wavy, inconsistent lines. These make your property look unprofessional and can confuse drivers.
The Fix: Our team uses laser-guided striping machines that apply paint with millimeter precision. Whether we’re laying down centerlines or ADA hatching, the result is always clean, uniform, and sharp.
The Mistake: Many DIY jobs fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Whether it’s incorrect stall sizing, improper access aisles, or missing signage, non-compliance can lead to fines or legal issues.
The Fix: We understand local and federal ADA regulations. Our crew ensures all accessible spaces, signage, and markings meet legal standards. We help businesses avoid penalties and provide inclusive, safe parking for everyone.
The Mistake: DIY striping doesn’t always factor in how vehicles move through a lot. This can lead to bottlenecks, awkward turns, and even accidents.
The Fix: We approach each project with traffic engineering principles. From entrance placement to lane width, we help design layouts that promote smooth, safe traffic flow. Our goal is to make every parking experience intuitive and efficient.
The Mistake: Uneven line thickness can result from poor equipment or inconsistent application. This not only looks unprofessional but can affect how drivers use the space.
The Fix: Our striping machines are calibrated to produce consistent line widths across your entire lot. Whether it’s a compact car space or a fire lane, every line is uniform and easy to follow.
The Mistake: Painting over dirt, oil, or old, flaking lines prevents paint from adhering properly. This leads to early fading and rework.
The Fix: Before we stripe, we prepare the surface. That includes blowing debris, scraping loose paint, and applying primer where needed. Clean surfaces ensure our paint bonds and lasts longer.
The Mistake: DIY striping rarely includes a plan for future touch-ups, which leads to worn markings and fading visibility over time.
The Fix: We provide ongoing support and maintenance scheduling. Our clients receive follow-up reminders and free assessments to ensure their lots stay sharp, safe, and compliant year-round.
While DIY may seem cheaper at first, it often leads to costly redos and lost time. Partnering with 1-800-Striper of Providence guarantees:
Plus, our estimates are free, and our service is budget-friendly.
Summer is the busiest time for striping, and our schedule fills up fast. Beat the rush and book now to secure your spot. We’ll provide a free quote, walk your site, and offer layout recommendations that meet your budget and needs.
Contact 1-800-Striper of Providence today to fix your DIY striping mistakes or start fresh with Rhode Island’s most trusted team.
Had our parking lot paved and found ourselves needing lines. Their team was fantastic from start to finish. They took the time to give great advice and listened closely to our company’s needs.
They are very responsive and complete the work in a timely fashion. I have used them for 18 years and have never had any issue with their work. Very highly recommended.
They are very easy to work with and have a highest level of attention to detail. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about parking lot striping. Their quality of work is outstanding!
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