How to Start a Line Striping Business: 10-Step Guide

Learning how to start a line striping business could be your best move in 2026. Setup costs are low, profit margins are high, and nearly every commercial property needs your services. This guide walks you through every step.

How to Start a Line Striping Business: A Quick Overview

Why Start a Line Striping Business?

Line striping stands out among small business opportunities for several reasons. The barriers to entry are low, and you don't need years of training or expensive certifications. Typical startup costs range from $5,000 to $15,000, with basic setups costing even less.

Why line striping works in any economy:

• Consistent demand: When the economy is strong, new parking lots get built. When times are tight, property owners still pay for fresh lines to keep lots safe and presentable.
• Built-in repeat business: Parking lot markings wear out from traffic, weather, and time. Property owners need restriping every one to two years, depending on use.
• Strong profit margins: Owner-operated businesses see margins between 30% and 60%, with industry professionals earning around $50 per hour.
• Premium rates available: Weekend and night jobs command 25–50% higher rates.

Land one commercial client, and you have a customer for years. That's the kind of business model that builds long-term income.

How to Start a Line Striping Business: Step by Step

1. Learn how to line stripe

You don't need formal certification to start striping parking lots. But you do need to know what you're doing before you take on paying customers.

Start with restripes if you have no experience. The old lines serve as your guide and make for good practice.

Online courses teach the technical aspects, from equipment operation to proper layout techniques. Many successful stripers learned through hands-on practice combined with self-study.

You need to understand parking lot layout standards, ADA requirements for accessible spaces, and proper surface preparation. Jumping in without this knowledge leads to crooked lines and unhappy customers.

2. Choose your business structure

Your legal structure affects taxes, liability, and how your business can grow.

Here are your main options:

• Sole proprietorship is the simplest to set up, but you're personally liable for any debts or legal issues.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) protects your personal assets while remaining simple to manage. Most striping businesses start as LLCs because of this liability protection.
• Corporation offers the most protection for personal assets but involves more complexity and potential double taxation.

Talk to a business advisor or attorney if you're unsure which structure fits your situation. The right choice now saves headaches later.

3. Get licensed and insured

Every legitimate striping business needs proper licensing and insurance. Contact your city's business licensing department for specific requirements, as some areas require contractor licenses while others only need general business permits.

For insurance, you'll need:

• Commercial general liability insurance covers accidents, injuries, and property damage. Most commercial clients require proof of at least $1 million in coverage.
• Commercial auto insurance covers damages and liability if you use a vehicle for business purposes. Note that standard commercial auto insurance covers the vehicle itself but not loose tools or equipment inside.
• Tools and equipment insurance protects your striping machines and supplies transported in your vehicle.
• Workers' compensation insurance applies when you have employees. Some states require coverage with just one employee, while others set different thresholds. Check your state's specific regulations.

4. Fund your business

Startup money covers equipment, supplies, insurance, and operating expenses until revenue starts flowing.

Most small business owners use their own savings to get started. According to the Chamber of Commerce, 78% of entrepreneurs fund their ventures with personal money.

Other funding options include:

• Bank loans with various terms and interest rates
• Credit cards for smaller purchases (watch out for high interest)
• Loans from family and friends
• Business financing programs specific to asphalt and pavement contractors
• Government grants (competitive but available)

Be realistic about how much you need and what you can repay. Starting deep in debt makes the early months harder than they need to be.

5. Purchase the right equipment

Quality equipment determines the professionalism of your finished work. Here's what you need:

1. Striping machine is your primary tool. Walk-behind models work well for smaller lots and cost less to start with. As your business grows, ride-on machines increase speed and reduce fatigue on larger commercial projects.
2. Measuring tools and layout chalk keep your lines straight and properly spaced. A measuring tape, chalk line, and marking paint help you establish layouts before final striping. Standard parking stalls measure 8.5 to 9 feet wide by 16 to 20 feet long, with 24-foot drive lanes between rows.
3. Traffic paint comes in two main types. Water-based paints dry in 30 to 60 minutes and produce fewer fumes, making them ideal for quick turnaround jobs. Oil-based paints hold up better in high-traffic areas but take longer to dry.
4. Stencils create crisp handicap symbols, arrows, and lettering. Start with essential stencils and add to your collection as needed.
5. Safety gear includes traffic cones (at least 28 inches tall for high-speed areas), high-visibility vests meeting OSHA standards, and reflective tape.

6. Understand ADA requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act sets standards for accessible parking spaces. The Department of Justice can impose penalties up to $75,000 for first violations and $150,000 for repeat offenses. Many states add their own fines on top of that.

Number of accessible spaces required:

For every six accessible spaces, at least one must be van-accessible.

Other key requirements:

• Dimensions: Standard accessible spaces must be 8 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle. Van-accessible spaces must be 132 inches wide (11 feet) with a 60-inch aisle (5 feet), or 96 inches wide (8 feet) with a 96-inch aisle (8 feet).
• Slope: Cannot exceed 1:48 (about 2%) in any direction.
• Pavement markings: Spaces must display the International Symbol of Accessibility. Access aisles need diagonal striping.
• Signage: Mount signs at least 60 inches above the ground.
• Location: Accessible spaces must be on the shortest route to the entrance.

Some states impose stricter standards than federal guidelines. Always check local regulations.

Note: For detailed stall sizes, ADA rules, and color codes, check out our guide on parking lot striping standards, measurements, colors, and more.

7. Set up your business finances

Mixing personal and business finances creates a mess that's hard to untangle. Set up separate bank accounts from day one.

• Operating account handles day-to-day expenses like supplies, equipment, gas, insurance, and marketing.
• Income account receives all your earnings, making it easy to track total revenue.
• Tax account holds money set aside for taxes.

Set aside a portion of each payment for taxes and use a simple bookkeeping system to track income and expenses. You don't need anything fancy, but you do need accurate records.

8. Create a business plan

A business plan serves as your roadmap. It doesn’t need complex details, but it should cover:

• What services you offer
• Your target market
• Startup costs and funding sources
• Pricing strategy
• Marketing approach
• Financial projections for the first year or two
• Plans for growth

Writing this down forces you to think through the details before you spend money. It also helps if you need to apply for loans or financing.

9. Build your online presence

Your online presence drives local customers to your services. Start with these essentials:

Google Business Profile puts your business on the map. A complete profile with photos and reviews makes it much easier to find you. Customers searching online for “parking lot striping near me” will find you, read reviews, and contact you directly through Google. This is free and takes about 30 minutes to set up. 

A simple website doesn't need complex features. Focus on your services, service area, contact information, and before-and-after photos of your work.

Include a clear call to action for potential customers.

10. Find a reliable supplier

Your supplier relationship matters more than you might think. A supplier who can't keep up with your needs puts your business at risk.

Look for these qualities:

• Quality products, including both water-based and oil-based traffic paints
• Solid reputation among other line stripers
• Capacity to deliver quickly, especially during peak season
• Transparent communication about inventory and delivery times
• Secure ordering process if you buy online

Test products before committing to a supplier. Purchase a bucket of paint and try it on a practice surface. Better to find out about quality issues before you're on a paying job.

Note: For a full list of recommended paints, striping machines, stencils, and layout tools, read our guide on the best parking lot striping supplies for contractors.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Line Striping Business?

Starting a line striping business costs between $5,000 and $15,000 for most operators. Bare-bones setups can cost less, while high-end operations may invest $35,000 or more.

Here's how the costs break down:

Note: Need help pricing jobs? Check out our parking lot striping estimate template and example for a free estimate sheet, sample numbers, and simple tips to quote work with confidence.

How Much Can You Earn Striping Parking Lots?

Per-job pricing typically runs $4 to $8 per parking space for standard stalls. Handicap spaces with stenciled symbols bring $25 to $40 each. Directional arrows, fire lanes, and other markings add to your total.

• A standard parking lot with 100 stalls at $5 to $8 per space brings in $500 to $800 for basic stall lines. Add specialty markings, and the total project value climbs higher.
  

• Hourly earnings average around $50 per hour for experienced stripers. Weekend and night work often commands 25–50% premiums.
  
  
• Annual income varies widely. Part-time operators might earn $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Full-time stripers with steady work can reach $60,000 to $100,000 or more.

Note: For strategies to find customers, grow your local presence, and earn repeat work, check out our guide on how to get parking lot striping jobs.

How to Get Clients for Your Line Striping Business

Building a client stream requires targeting the right properties and using proven outreach methods.

1. Target the best locations first: Churches and strip malls offer repeat business with multiple parking areas needing regular maintenance. HOAs manage multiple properties requiring consistent striping services. Real estate agents need presentable lots for property showings and can provide referrals.
2. Cold outreach works: Identify commercial properties with faded markings. Walk in or call property owners with a simple pitch and printed materials. Offer free evaluations or introductory discounts for multi-property accounts.
3. Partner with sealcoating and paving contractors: Most don't self-perform their own striping. Reach out to local contractors and let them know you're available to stripe for them. This creates a steady stream of referral work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes stripers need to avoid include underpricing, skipping layout planning, working uninsured, running out of paint, and poor surface prep, which lead to crooked lines and paint failure. These mistakes also come across as unprofessional and can create major financial risk.

New stripers often fall into these traps:

1. Underpricing jobs happens when you forget to factor in all costs. This includes gas, insurance, equipment wear, and marketing expenses. Calculate your true overhead and desired profit margin before quoting any job.
2. Skipping layout planning leads to crooked lines and uneven spacing. Take time to measure, chalk line, and verify dimensions match local codes and ADA requirements.
3. Not prepping surfaces causes paint failure. Paint won't adhere properly to dirty or wet asphalt. Always sweep debris and make sure surfaces are dry before striping.
4. Running out of paint mid-job looks unprofessional and wastes time. Buy materials in bulk and carry extra supplies to handle unexpected additions without leaving the job site.
5. Working without insurance puts everything at risk. One accident or lawsuit could destroy your business and personal finances.

Note: Not sure which paint to use? Read our guide on the three best striping paints for parking lots to compare dry times, durability, and cost so you can choose the right paint for every lot.

Scale Your Striping Business without the Chaos

Getting line striping jobs is one thing. Running a profitable operation from lead to invoice is another.

If you’ve already learned how to start a line striping business, the next step is mastering how to manage and grow it efficiently. Most stripers begin with spreadsheets and basic tools, but as your business grows, you need a platform built for contractors like you.

That's where OneCrew comes in. OneCrew serves paving and striping contractors, not plumbers or electricians. 

• Accurate estimates, fast: Use aerial maps to measure parking lots, then apply your pricing templates to generate professional bids in minutes.
• Scheduling for day and night work: Coordinate crews across shifts without spreadsheet chaos.
• Real-time profit tracking: See where you make money and where you lose it before the job ends.
• One platform for everything: From proposal to payment, OneCrew replaces the disconnected apps most striping businesses juggle.

Your striping skills got you this far. OneCrew helps you go further. Book your free demo today.

FAQs

1. What type of paint is best for asphalt striping?

Water-based acrylic traffic paint works well for most applications because it dries quickly (30 to 60 minutes) and is environmentally friendly. Oil-based paints last longer in high-traffic areas but require more drying time. Some regions have strict regulations regarding air quality and solvent-based paints, so always check local requirements.

2. How do I get my first line striping client?

Identify commercial properties with faded markings and offer a free evaluation. Many contractors start with small businesses, churches, or property managers they already know. Partnering with local sealcoating and paving contractors provides another steady source of referral work.

3. Do I need special permits to stripe commercial lots?

Requirements vary by location. Some cities require contractor licenses, while others only need general business permits. Always check with your local business licensing department before starting work.

4. Can I do this part-time or on weekends?

Yes, many property owners prefer work done after business hours. Weekend and night striping also commands premium rates because it causes minimal business disruption.

5. How often do parking lots need to be restriped?

Parking lots need restriping every 18 to 24 months, depending on traffic volume and weather exposure. High-traffic retail lots may need annual touch-ups, while low-traffic lots can last up to five years.