How to permanently paint a curb

March 15, 2023 4:08 PM

I have curb outside my home that is used for street parking, which usually fits three normal-sized cars without them blocking my driveway. I'd like to permanently paint the curb so that drivers know that three cars can fit (there is not enough parking on our street for two cars to go where three would), and know where to move their car so that the driveway doesn't get blocked. What is the best paint for this job, which can be readily obtained?

Just to get this out of the way, I'm not asking for advice on how to have discussions with drivers who are blocking my driveway, how to put up signs, or how to contact the city for parking violations, etc. Just what kind of paint is used to paint curbs in a way that is permanent. Thanks in advance for any advice related to the kind of paint used to paint curbs in a way that is permanent.

posted by They sucked his brains out! to Grab Bag (11 answers total)

Best answer: The term of art is “striping paint” and there are many manufacturers, from specialty companies like this as well as big commercial companies like Rustoleum (which makes a spray can application) and Sherwin Williams. Unfortunately I can’t speak to their relative properties, but you should also consider mixing in purpose-specific glass beads to improve reflectivity and visibility at night. Amazon carries the glass beads and some of the brands.
posted by carmicha at 4:24 PM on March 15, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: You can get inverted striping paint spray cans (spray paint specifically designed to paint upside down, ie on the floor rather a wall) from any industrial / safety supply company like Acklands, there is probably one near you or online. (If shopping online, note that ULINE is owned by literally the worst people.)

For clean edges, use masking tape and paper as a stencil.
posted by Superilla at 4:57 PM on March 15, 2023 [7 favorites]

Make sure you check with your city Transportation Department to make sure you're actually allowed to paint the curb. Someone could report you (if you're in that kind of neighborhood) and create issues. At least figure out if any potential penalties for guerilla curb painting are ones you can live with.
posted by brookeb at 5:22 PM on March 15, 2023 [11 favorites]

This may be of use: https://crosswalksla.org/how-to-guide.html
posted by donpardo at 5:34 PM on March 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

I'm having a hard time picturing curb markings that would actually convey the meaning you're trying to convey. If there's a way people do this in your location feel free to ignore me but I'd consider painting brackets like these instead.
posted by potrzebie at 6:44 PM on March 15, 2023 [6 favorites]

My city paints only the “T” brackets shown in Potrzebie’s post. But yeah the street is painted— not the curb.
posted by calgirl at 7:20 PM on March 15, 2023

Just to set your expectations for permanence, some will last much longer than others, but no paint is permanent if cars drive over it enough. Source: countless worn-away bike paths and other safety markers "permanently" painted onto the streets.
posted by aniola at 7:51 PM on March 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Make sure you check with your city Transportation Department to make sure you're actually allowed to paint the curb

Okay. The neighbors up and down the street have marked their curbs in a similar way. This is not relevant to my question (sorry to be direct about that).

Thanks to those who answered the question — striping paint it is, assuming a regular person (not a road contractor) would be able to purchase it. Thanks also to the poster who mentioned glass beads for reflectivity; that's a great idea and something I thought would have otherwise come with road- or curb-ready paint already.

And, yes, the people who run ULINE are terrible human beings whose products should be avoided at all costs. Thanks for the reminder!
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:43 PM on March 15, 2023

What is the best paint for this job, which can be readily obtained?

The neighbors up and down the street have marked their curbs

Your neighbors probably have some left-over paint from their curb markings. Might be simpler to get it from them.
posted by JimN2TAW at 6:00 AM on March 16, 2023 [5 favorites]

I'd probably look for forgiveness rather than permission. Most people parking there are probably neighbors or local workers, so people will learn. You can also make a really polite flyer This space will accommodate 3 cars; please help manage parking so everyone can benefit. Thanks. or even a sign.
posted by theora55 at 9:38 AM on March 16, 2023

Response by poster: Just to get this out of the way, I'm not asking for advice on how to have discussions with drivers who are blocking my driveway, how to put up signs, or how to contact the city for parking violations, etc.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 11:09 AM on March 16, 2023