Paint & Marking

100+ products

Expected delivery: Tue, Nov 17

Paint and marking supplies cover touch-up, protective coating, layout and identification work in plants, shops and on job sites. This category includes paint and coatings such as spray paint, primers, enamels and inverted marking paint, marking tools like paint markers, soapstone, crayons and scribes, and brushes, rollers and supplies for applying and cleaning up. Maintenance crews, fabricators, utility locators and contractors use them every day.

How to choose paint and marking products

  • Prepare the surface first. Paint lasts only as long as the surface beneath it is clean and sound. Remove oil with a degreaser from penetrants, cleaners and solvents and loose rust with wire brushes and wheels.
  • Use a primer made for the surface. Bare steel, galvanized metal, aluminum and concrete each have primers suited to them. Check the topcoat label for compatible primers.
  • Pick marking paint by how it sprays. Inverted marking paint sprays with the can upside down for ground and layout marks. Many facilities use colors that follow the APWA uniform color code for underground utilities.
  • Match the marker to the surface and temperature. Paint markers work on metal, wood and plastic. Soapstone and heat-resistant markers suit welding and fabrication. Some markers write on oily or wet surfaces. Browse marking tools.
  • Choose brushes and rollers by coating type. Synthetic bristles suit water-based paints, natural bristles suit oil-based coatings, and roller nap length depends on how rough the surface is.

For repeat purchases of marking paint and paint markers across several crews, a business account keeps billing on one set of terms. For larger quantities of a specific color, ask for a quote.

Common questions

What do the marking paint colors mean?

Under the APWA uniform color code, red marks electric lines, yellow marks gas and oil, orange marks communications, blue marks potable water and green marks sewer. White marks a proposed excavation. Always follow your local one-call rules.

Can I paint over galvanized steel?

Yes, but galvanized surfaces need cleaning and a primer or paint labeled for galvanized metal. Many ordinary paints do not bond well to new galvanizing.

What should I use to mark steel for welding?

Soapstone and heat-resistant paint markers are common for layout on steel before cutting and welding. Check the marker's temperature rating for your process.

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