Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

MMA vs. Thermoplastic

  • By Karen Dinitz
  • 06/01/17

Schools and colleges have been looking for a long-term solution to pavement markings. MMA pavement marking is the most durable color marking material available. It has been used in the U.S. and around the world for decades as line striping. MMA (methyl methacrylate) is now getting a lot of attention as color pavement marking and is becoming increasingly common for bike lanes, bus lanes, crosswalks, pedestrian areas and other markings.

Unlike thermoplastic, MMA does not require special equipment for installation, it is less expensive and can last 5 to 10 years or more depending on the vehicular usage and markings do not need to be redone every season. This makes it an ideal material for campuses that can use their own personnel to apply it. MMA bonds to both asphalt and concrete surfaces; concrete is a challenge for other marking materials.

Known for high durability, increased wet-night visibility, skid resistance and optimal color stability, MMA-based area markings are commonly being used to apply bright red crosswalks. The contrasting colors of these crosswalks alert drivers and can significantly reduce the number of pedestrian injuries. MMA green bike lanes serve as a continuous reminder to drivers of the possibility of the presence of bicyclists. Wayfinding and unique designs are also great uses for this durable material that can be made in custom colors.

Pavement markings are primarily a safety feature and can only be effective if they are visible. MMA is UV stable, so the colors stay brighter longer than thermoplastic, and it bonds to itself so it can be refreshed without full removal. MMA can also be applied in temperatures ranging from 40-100°F, extending the marking season.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Karen Dinitz is with Color-Safe/Transpo Industries, Inc. She can be contacted at [email protected] and 800/321-7870.

Featured

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

  • Houston-Area High School Breaks Ground on 117,000SF Multi-Use Facility

    North Shore Senior High School, part of Galena Park ISD in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new multi-use facility for student extracurriculars, according to a news release. The North Shore Multi-Use Facility will include dedicated practice and training space for the school’s athletics and fine arts programs.

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.