How to Read a Line Marking Quote: Understanding Pricing | Line Marking Australia Blog

How to Read a Line Marking Quote: Understanding Pricing

A facility manager in Preston showed us three quotes for the same carpark project last month. Prices ranged from $8,500 to $19,000. The cheapest quote looked attractive until we reviewed it closely. Missing: surface preparation, old marking removal, and traffic management. Those items would have added $9,000 to the final cost.

Comparing line marking quotes requires understanding what's included, what's excluded, and where hidden costs lurk. Here's our guide to reading quotes like a professional.

Key Components of a Line Marking Quote

A comprehensive line marking quote should include these elements. If any are missing, ask for clarification before accepting.

1. Material Specification

The quote should clearly state what paint type will be used: waterborne, solvent-based, thermoplastic, or epoxy. Different materials have vastly different costs and lifespans. A quote saying simply "road marking paint" is a red flag.

What to Look For:

• Specific paint type and brand
• Expected lifespan in your traffic conditions
• Colour specifications (standard white/yellow or custom)
• Application thickness (affects durability)

2. Scope of Work

The quote should itemise exactly what work is included. A lump sum with no breakdown makes comparison impossible and leaves room for disputes.

Standard Line Items:

• Bay lines (quantity and dimensions)
• Directional arrows (quantity and sizes)
• Symbols (disabled, no parking, etc.)
• Text (STOP, SLOW, numbered bays)

3. Surface Preparation

This is where cheap quotes often cut corners. Surface preparation is essential for paint adhesion but easily excluded to lower the headline price.

Often Excluded (Check Carefully):

• High-pressure water cleaning
• Oil/grease removal and degreasing
• Old line marking removal
• Crack and surface repairs

Understanding Pricing Structures

Per Lineal Metre

Common for straightforward line work. Typical rates for waterborne paint range $3-6 per lineal metre for 100mm wide lines. Thermoplastic typically costs $8-15 per lineal metre.

Per Bay

Common for carpark remarking. Typical rates range $25-45 per bay for waterborne, $60-100 per bay for thermoplastic.

Per Item

Used for symbols, arrows, and text. Typical rates: disabled symbols $80-150, directional arrows $40-80, STOP text $60-120.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Quotes significantly lower than competitors (usually missing scope items)
• No material specification (what paint type exactly?)
• No breakdown of quantities (how can you verify?)
• Preparation excluded or vague
• No warranty or guarantee stated

Questions to Ask Before Accepting

1. What paint type and brand will be used?
2. What surface preparation is included?
3. Is old line removal included if needed?
4. What warranty do you provide?
5. Do you have current public liability insurance?

Request a detailed, itemised quote for your project

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do line marking quotes vary so much?

Material choice, preparation scope, and included services create the biggest variations. A quote using premium thermoplastic with full preparation will be 3-4 times higher than budget waterborne with minimal prep.

Should I always choose the cheapest quote?

Rarely. Calculate total cost of ownership: a $10,000 thermoplastic job lasting 6 years costs less than a $4,000 waterborne job repeated three times.