How lettering goes
Say it clearly,
where it gets read.
- 1
Decide what it has to say
Wording matters more than people expect. A legend that is ambiguous gets ignored, and one that is too wordy does not get read at all at driving speed.
- 2
Size it for the reader
Lettering read from a moving vehicle has to be larger than lettering read on foot. We size it for the distance and the speed it will actually be read at.
- 3
Place it square
Legends and numbers sit inside stalls, aisles, and approaches, and crooked lettering is the thing everyone notices. It gets laid out before it gets painted.
- 4
Expect plow wear
Pavement lettering takes abrasion from plow blades and sanding every winter up here. It is worth inspecting each season rather than every few years.
What properties actually use it for
The common ones are stall numbering for tenants and units, RESERVED and VISITOR stalls, loading and delivery zones, EV and compact designations, and directional legends like ENTER, EXIT, ONE WAY, and STOP where a lot's traffic pattern is not obvious.
There is also the compliance side: accessible stall markings and signage and NO PARKING FIRE LANE lettering, both of which have requirements attached and are covered on their own pages.
Custom stencils
Beyond standard legends, we cut and paint custom stencil work — property names, unit numbers, and simple marks. How well a design reproduces depends on how much fine detail it carries, since pavement is a coarse surface and thin detail closes up. Send us what you have in mind and we will tell you honestly how it will come out.
Common questions
Can you paint our logo on the pavement?
Simple, bold designs reproduce well. Fine detail does not, because pavement is a coarse surface. Send us the artwork and we will tell you plainly how it will look before you commit to it.
Can you number our parking stalls?
Yes. Stall numbering for tenants, units, and reserved spaces is routine work and batches with any other striping on the property.
Do you paint ENTER, EXIT, and STOP legends?
Yes, along with arrows and other directional markings. These matter most in lots where the intended traffic pattern is not obvious to a first-time visitor.
How long does pavement lettering last here?
Less than you would expect, because plow blades and sanding abrade painted markings every winter. Most properties refresh lettering on the same cycle as their striping.
More in the pavement FAQ and the guides.