Adhesive-backed floor markings make safety messaging easy, and our pre-cut kits simplify the process even more. Floor marking kits are less time-consuming and longer-lasting than paint, and application requires very little downtime—the area can open to traffic immediately, rather than waiting for paint to dry. To ensure your visual cues last as expected, follow these tips for proper application.
How Do You Apply Pre-Cut Floor Marking Kits?
First, ensure the location will accommodate floor marking tape. Our Superior Mark™ products are designed for a long-lasting application, even in areas with heavy traffic, but a free floor marking tape sample kit lets you test the intended application area. You may find that another method is better suited in areas with uneven, cracked, or rough floors.
After you’ve decided that adhesive-backed floor markings will work for you, gather the necessary equipment:
- Pre-cut floor marking kit
- Floor cleaner
- Clean mop
- Tamping cart or handheld roller
For most floor marking kits, the steps are similar. Because the kits are already measured and include puzzle-cut edges, you can avoid having to measure and cut butt splices. However, you must ensure your tape application lines up and joins properly—no overlapping or crossing tape edges—to ensure the best adhesion.
- Ensure the application area is free from old paint and tape or adhesive residue. Use a paint remover or degreaser to clean away oils and grease, if necessary.
- Spray the application area with 70- to 90-percent Isopropyl Alcohol, then clean to remove dirt and debris. Absorb excess liquid with a clean mop, allow the floor to dry, then inspect to ensure no contaminants remain.
- Before removing the adhesive backing, align the tape pieces to ensure they’ll fit as required. Do not peel away the backing until you are ready to apply the pieces. Mark the floor to indicate the application area.
- Refer to the following sections for specific application requirements, then apply your tape following the instructions.
- For all application methods, use a tamping cart or apply at least 150 pounds to the applied floor marking tape to activate the adhesive.
How to Install Egress and Exit Markings
When installing egress and exit markings, follow the cleaning steps above, then begin your application by laying the tape to create the outer border. First, apply one long edge, then align the tape strips for the sides and the lower long edge. After the border has been applied, arrange the inner stripes—each is cut at the appropriate angle to fit within the border markings.
Installing Pre-Cut Health and Safety Messages
Similar to the egress markings, health and safety kits include pre-measured lengths of tape to create a border, as well as a floor marking sign to provide important information. To apply these kits near a fire extinguisher, eye wash station, electrical panel, or other safety location, arrange and mark the area where the border will be applied, then measure and mark the intended location where the sign will be applied within the border. After your application area is marked, begin by applying the outside border—the puzzle-cut edges are designed to fit together easily—then peel the backing away and apply the sign within the border. Our custom 5S Safety School training kits are installed similarly, with one exception: The signs are printed on strips of Superior Mark® tape and applied edge-to-edge for a more durable application perfect for busy entry locations.
Pallet Border and Arrow Floor Markers
Applying floor markers, such as pallet border markers, T-, L-, or X-shaped markers, dashes, footprints, or arrows, follow the steps found above—but refer to these tips to improve the application process.
- L-shaped markers come in two-piece puzzle cut or one-piece options. When applying puzzle-cut markers, ensure the pieces do not overlap. For one-piece markers, peel and stick, then tamp for best results.
- Before placing arrows and directional cues, consider the amount of space left between the floor markings. Too much space and visitors may not see their next cue easily enough. Too little space between markings may be confusing or look cluttered.
- Marking pallet space on the warehouse floor improves organization, but lines may be damaged by forklift traffic and pallet dragging. To avoid torn or otherwise damaged tape, pallet markers are an easy option—but you must measure before application to ensure there is enough space for maneuvering loads. Leaving 6 inches of clearance surrounding each pallet may work well. If more space or a new layout is necessary, our floor markers peel away easily so you can re-mark your warehouse floor.
Pre-cut floor marking kits save time and prevent wasted materials. While they’re easy to apply, these application tips For floor marking tips and information about how to create a visual communication plan in warehouses, production facilities, and public areas, explore our Resource Center.
