Floor Marking: Tape, Paint or Shape Symbols?
Whether it is an aisle, a storage bay or 5S housekeeping, tape, paint and shape symbols each have their strengths. This guide covers how to choose by application, the colour logic behind safety marking and the durability you can expect on each floor type.
View floor markingTape, paint or shape - which fits when?
Industrial floor marking comes in three forms: self-adhesive marking tape, applied floor paint and pre-cut shape symbols such as corners, dots and arrows. The right choice depends on load, floor type and how often the layout may change.
Tape is fast to lay, clean and walkable immediately with no drying time - ideal when layouts still evolve. Paint withstands heavy mechanical wear the longest but needs preparation and curing time. Shape symbols mark bays and corners precisely for 5S without drawing full lines.
What does each colour mean under ASR A1.3?
Colour choice follows the German workplace rule ASR A1.3 and DIN EN ISO 7010, which are widely used as a reference across the EU. Aisles are usually marked with a continuous line, while hazards are highlighted with yellow-black or red-white diagonal stripes.
- Yellow or white: boundaries of traffic and pedestrian routes.
- Yellow-black diagonal: permanent obstacles and hazard points.
- Red-white diagonal: temporary hazards and keep-clear zones.
- Red: locations of firefighting and fire-protection equipment.
- Blue: mandatory and information areas, often material supply.
- Green: first-aid and escape-route areas.
What durability do I get on each floor?
Service life depends more on the substrate and preparation than on the product alone. A clean, dry, oil-free floor and firmly rolling the tape for full adhesive contact are decisive.
Under heavy forklift and pallet traffic, a high-grade industrial tape on sealed concrete typically lasts three to five years. On raw or oily concrete tape lifts far sooner, so paint is the more durable option. Bevelled tape edges reduce tearing caused by wheel loads.
Frequently asked questions
Tape or paint for forklift lanes?
For very high continuous load and rough floors, paint lasts longer. On sealed concrete a high-grade industrial tape is a fast, changeable alternative with a 3 to 5 year service life.
Which colour for hazard points?
Under ASR A1.3, permanent hazards are marked yellow-black and temporary hazards red-white with diagonal stripes. Traffic routes are usually bounded in yellow or white.
How wide should a route line be?
The marking line is typically 5 to 10 cm wide. Route width itself depends on use: at least around 80 cm for pedestrians, and vehicle width plus a safety margin for vehicles.
How do I prepare the floor?
Clean thoroughly, degrease and let it dry fully, then roll the tape down firmly. A clean, sealed substrate is the single biggest factor for long durability.
Looking for floor marking for your site?
We supply marking tape, floor paint and shape symbols for aisles, storage and 5S - matched to your floor and to ASR A1.3.
Per ASR A1.3
Colour code and contrast follow the technical workplace rules.
For any load
From light vinyl tape to industrial tape under forklift traffic.
Matched to floor
A recommendation for each substrate - concrete, PVC, epoxy or outdoors.
Expert advice
Our specialists help with system and colour selection.