The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Paint for Marking
Posted by Ryan C. Holm on Dec 16th 2024
When it comes to forestry marking, trail blazing, or even marking animals in the wild, choosing the right paint makes all the difference. The Nelson Paint Company has been the trusted leader in the industry for decades, offering durable, high visibility marking solutions tailored to every need. Here’s your comprehensive guide to selecting the best paint for your job.
Boundary Mark: Set It and Forget It
- Durability: 6-8 years (but often longer; cases of marks lasting 20+ years have been documented!)
- Why Choose It? When permanence is key, Boundary Mark is the gold standard. Designed to create marks that last for years in challenging conditions, it’s perfect for boundary lines, property markers, and critical long-term applications.
- Available Options:
- Gun Type F-Style Oblong Gallons: Easy pouring for backpacks and quart cans.
- Brush Type Gallons: Ideal for brush-on applications.
- Gun Type Cone-Top Quart Cans: Pair with D-103 and LT-104 Guns for effortless marking.
Nel-Script: Write Your Mark
- Durability: 6-8 years
- Why Choose It? Need to write letters, numbers, or detailed information? Nel-Script’s thick, full-bodied formula resists sagging and adheres to wet or rough surfaces. Perfect for trail markers, signage, or identification marks.
- Available Options:
- Resealable 6 oz tubes in two colors for easy and convenient application.
Aero Spot: Spray and Go
- Durability: 4-6 years
- Why Choose It? The ultimate in convenience, Aero Spot requires no transfer to guns—just shake, spray, and dispose responsibly. Ideal for quick, straightforward marking.
- Available Options:
- 16 vibrant colors in 12 oz spray cans.
Wet Rock Aero Spot: Built for the Elements
- Durability: 4-6 years
- Why Choose It? Designed for wet conditions, Wet Rock Aero Spot excels in challenging environments. Its ease-of-use mirrors Aero Spot’s shake-and-spray simplicity.
- Available Options:
- 3 colors in 12 oz spray cans.
Super Spot: The Industry Standard
- Durability: 4-6 years
- Why Choose It? Super Spot is the go-to paint for professionals seeking long-term marks without the longevity of Boundary Mark. It’s easy to clean up with soap and water when wet.
- Available Options:
- F-Style Oblong Gallons: Compatible with backpacks or quart cans.
- Cone-Top Quart Cans: Perfect for D-103 and LT-104 Guns.
Latex Based Hydro Spot: Solvent-Free Solution
- Durability: 2-3 years
- Why Choose It? Minimize your exposure to solvents with Hydro Spot’s environmentally friendly formula. This paint offers water clean-up while maintaining excellent visibility and longevity.
- Available Options:
- Plastic Gallon Jugs: For easy transfer and use.
- Great for D-103 and LT-104 Guns
Pellet Mark Oil-Based Paintballs: Aim and Mark
- Durability: 4-6 years
- Why Choose It? Hard-to-reach targets? No problem. These oil-based paintballs can be fired from paintball guns to mark trees, animals, or distant objects from across ravines, streams, or even from horseback or helicopters. Durable even in wet conditions.
- Available Options:
- 7 vibrant colors that adhere to animals and objects alike, making them a favorite for foresters, ranchers, and marine biologists.
Log Mark: Specialty Marks for Loggers
- Durability: 4-6 years
- Why Choose It? Designed for marking log ends, this specialty paint also serves the railroad industry for marking maintenance-required ties. The pint-sized cans with felt daubers ensure precise application.
- Available Options:
- 7 colors for bright, highly visible marks.
Econo Spot: Budget-Friendly and Effective
- Durability: 2-3 years
- Why Choose It? Perfect for short-term needs, Econo Spot delivers excellent visibility at an unbeatable price. Ideal for temporary markings.
- Available Options:
- 4 colors in F-Style Oblong Gallon cans.
Choosing the Right Paint
When selecting a marking paint, consider these key factors:
- Longevity: How long do you need the mark to last? Boundary Mark offers decades of durability, while Econo Spot is ideal for short-term needs.
- Application Method: From brush-on and spray cans to pellet paintballs, choose the format that suits your project best.
- Environment: Wet conditions? Go for Wet Rock Aero Spot or Pellet Mark Oil-Based Paintballs.
- Purpose: For trail marking, signage, or writing, Nel-Script excels. For quick and easy application, Aero Spot or Super Spot are unbeatable.