Parking Lot Painting vs. Striping vs. Pavement Markings | Western WA Guide

Parking Lot Painting vs. Striping vs. Pavement Markings: What Property Owners Need to Know

Confused by the terms “parking lot painting,” “striping,” and “pavement markings”? You’re not alone. If you own or manage commercial property in Western Washington — from Seattle to Bellevue to Everett — understanding these terms can help you stay compliant, maximize curb appeal, and keep your lot safe.

What Is Parking Lot Painting?

“Parking lot painting” is a general term that refers to applying traffic-grade paint to mark out lines and symbols on asphalt or concrete. This includes:

• Stall lines for vehicles
• ADA handicap symbols
• Directional arrows
• Fire lanes and red curbs
• Custom stenciling like “Visitor” or “No Parking”

In short, if you’re repainting faded lines or adding new ones to a blank surface, you’re doing parking lot painting.

What Is Parking Lot Striping?

Parking lot striping is a specific type of painting that refers to the straight, consistent lines that define parking spaces and traffic lanes.

Striping is most often done using:

• White or yellow high-durability traffic paint
• Line striping machines for accuracy
• Chalk or string guides to maintain straight lines

Striping is especially important after sealcoating or resurfacing your lot.

What Are Pavement Markings?

Pavement markings is the umbrella term used by the DOT and municipalities to describe any painted or applied symbols on a surface — whether it’s a parking lot or a road.

In parking lots, this includes:

• Crosswalks
• Stop bars
• Loading zones
• Hatch marks for ADA zones
• Thermoplastic markings for long-lasting durability

When Should You Repaint Your Parking Lot?

In Washington’s rainy climate, we recommend repainting pavement markings every 12–24 months, or sooner if:

• Lines are faded or barely visible
• You’ve sealcoated or resurfaced recently
• You’re updating your ADA compliance
• You’re prepping for a property inspection or sale

Why It Matters

Clean, compliant pavement markings help you:

• Prevent accidents and confusion
• Stay in compliance with fire lane and ADA regulations
• Enhance your property’s curb appeal
• Maximize your parking lot’s capacity and flow

Get Parking Lot Painting Services in Western Washington

At 1-800-STRIPER of Bellevue, we provide expert parking lot painting, striping, and pavement marking services across Western Washington — including Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, Everett, and beyond.

We use high-visibility, long-lasting traffic paint and thermoplastics to keep your lot looking sharp and staying compliant.

📞 Get a free estimate today and keep your parking lot safe, legal, and looking brand new.

Resources: ADA Parking Requirements | WSDOT Pavement Marking Standards