How Much Does Line Marking Cost?
- Matt Silcock
- Jul 2
- 3 min read

When planning a line marking project—whether for a car park, warehouse, road, or sports court—understanding the costs involved is crucial. The price of line marking, also known as line painting or white lining, can vary significantly based on a range of factors including labour, surface preparation, materials used, and project size. In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs associated with road markings and surface painting, explore how labour is priced, and look at the price points of different marking products such as thermoplastic, acrylic, 1-pack epoxy, and high-durability options like MMA and 2-pack epoxy.
Factors Affecting Line Marking Costs
Labour Costs
Labour is typically priced based on either an hourly rate, day rate, or a per-linear-metre rate, depending on the scope and complexity of the job. Key considerations include:
Project Size
Larger line painting projects often result in a lower cost per metre due to economies of scale.
Site Accessibility
Difficult-to-access locations may require additional labour hours, specialised equipment, or safety provisions, increasing the cost.
Preparation Time
If the surface needs cleaning, grinding, or priming, these preparation tasks can raise the labour costs.
On average, line marking labour can cost between £40 to £80 per hour, or £1.50 to £8 per linear metre, depending on the complexity and location. For full-day projects, contractors may offer a day rate ranging from £400 to £650 per day. The day rate also acts as a call-out charge, ensuring a minimum project value is met even for smaller or remote jobs.
Material Costs (Product Only)
The type of material used significantly influences the overall white lining cost. The prices below reflect product-only costs, with labour priced separately.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is a durable and reflective material often used for road markings. It requires heating before application and provides long-lasting results.
Product Cost: £1 - £1.50 per metre
Pros: High durability, quick setting, ideal for high-traffic areas
Cons: Requires specialised application equipment
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic is one of the most economical options, suitable for car parks, warehouses, and low-traffic areas.
Product Cost: £1 - £1.25 per metre
Pros: Cost-effective, fast drying, easy to apply
Cons: Lower durability, may require frequent reapplication
1-Pack Epoxy
This is a single-component epoxy resin, providing improved adhesion and wear resistance compared to acrylic.
Product Cost: £1.75 - £2.50 per metre
Pros: Better durability than acrylic, moderate price point
Cons: Still not as durable as 2-pack systems
2-Pack Epoxy
This system involves mixing two components to form a stronger, more chemical-resistant coating.
Product Cost: £2.50 - £3.50 per metre
Pros: Excellent durability, chemical and abrasion resistant
Cons: Requires careful mixing and application
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
MMA is a premium product known for its outstanding durability and fast curing times, often used in industrial line painting projects.
Product Cost: £3.50 - £5.50 per metre
Pros: Superior longevity, fast curing, resistant to harsh environments
Cons: High cost, strong odour during application, specialist handling required
Additional Considerations
Surface Preparation
Before any line painting is applied, surfaces may need to be cleaned or primed. These steps can add £0.75 - £2.50 per metre to the total cost.
Custom Stencils or Symbols
If your road marking or car park marking project includes custom logos, symbols, or text, this may involve an extra charge ranging from £40 to £160 per stencil.
Ongoing Maintenance
Durability varies between products, so it’s important to consider long-term maintenance. Acrylic may need reapplication every 6–12 months, while MMA or 2-pack epoxy can last several years.
Summary Table of Line Marking Product Costs (Excluding Labour)
Material | Product Cost per Metre | Durability | Ideal Use Case |
Thermoplastic | £1 - £1.50 | High | Roads, high-traffic areas |
Acrylic | £1 - £1.25 | Low | Car parks, light-use |
1-Pack Epoxy | £1.75 - £2.50 | Moderate | Warehouses, concrete surfaces |
2-Pack Epoxy | £2.50 - £3.50 | High | Warehouses, factories |
MMA | £3.50 - £5.50 | Very High | Industrial, chemical areas |
Final Thoughts
Understanding line marking costs helps in budgeting accurately and selecting the most suitable materials for your specific needs. While initial costs can vary widely depending on labour and materials, investing in the right product for your environment can reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
For a tailored quote or consultation, it's best to contact a professional line painting or road marking company that can assess your site and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution.