Roads with a fresh chip seal surface usually require two paint applications on the road centerline. All pavement markings are retroreflective, meaning they reflect light from headlights back toward the driver. This retroreflectivity is accomplished through the introduction of glass beads into the wet paint. When the paint dries, the beads are trapped throughout the thickness of the paint. As the paint line wears the beads on the surface wear off, while new beads are being uncovered.
Several factors effect the durability of painted pavement markings.
Larimer County is using an oil based paint which is more durable than a latex based paint and less durable than an epoxy based paint. Due to environmental regulations, Larimer County will be switching over to a more costly latex based paint. This switch means fewer miles of roadway will be painted unless additional funding is available.