Mike Vander Zwaag, Regional Sales Manager – Midwest Territory, explains, “Choosing the right striping system is all about finding what works best for your crew and the job at hand. Whether you need a straightforward setup, extra paint capacity, or pinpoint precision, we have the right solution for you.”
Each system brings its own strengths and considerations. Let’s examine the key differences to help you identify the best fit for your team, your projects, and your long-term goals.
Pressure Pot Air-Atomized System: Dependable Results with Minimal Maintenance
For crews seeking low-maintenance, dependable performance and superior control with minimal complexity, the Pressure Pot System is an ideal choice. Known for its simplicity and unmatched reliability, it uses air pressure to move paint from ASME-certified tanks directly to the paint guns, eliminating the need for a pump during striping. A diaphragm pump is used only for filling the tanks, making the system straightforward and efficient to operate.
Key Advantages
- Simple to operate and maintain
- Reliable performance under varied conditions
- Precise control of paint and atomizing pressure
- Low maintenance costs
- Performs well across a wide range of vehicle speeds and paint viscosities
Primary Considerations
- Tank placement limits platform layout options
- Less flexibility with weight distribution options
- Tanks must be depressurized before refill
Pumper Air-Atomized System: Maximize Payload and Performance with Custom Options
The Pumper System relies on a diaphragm pump for both striping and filling, using non-pressurized tanks such as square, round, or manufacturer-supplied tote tanks. This system supports greater paint capacity by reducing tank weight, making it ideal for extended striping operations. This option is a good fit for crews that prioritize capacity and layout flexibility, and those willing spend a bit more time working with the system in exchange for better optimization.
Key Advantages
- Excellent paint line quality
- More flexible platform layout
- Compatible with both permanent and tote tanks
- Increased paint capacity for the same GVW chassis
Primary Considerations
- Requires a bit more maintenance due to additional components
- Diaphragm pump experiences more wear
- Paint pump runs during striping, unlike pressure pot systems
Airless System: Deliver Precision Striping for Demanding, High-Traffic Projects
For advanced operators who need high-definition line striping and fast performance (especially in demanding, high-traffic environments) airless striping systems offer a powerful solution. Using a high-pressure piston pump (800–2000 psi), these systems deliver paint through a specialized airless gun, producing razor-sharp lines with a narrow spray tip and achieving a professional finish even at high speeds.
Key Advantages
- Sharpest paint line patterns
- Efficient for high-speed striping
- Greater capacities on a smaller chassis
Primary Considerations
- Requires more advanced operation skills
- Maintenance and part replacement costs are higher
- Needs dual systems for filling and striping
- May require paint gun elevators for ease of use
The Right System Starts with the Right Fit
Choosing the right system depends on your operational goals, budget, and crew capabilities. For straightforward maintenance and reliable day-to-day operation, the Pressure Pot System is ideal. If maximizing paint capacity and layout flexibility is your priority, the Pumper System offers great benefits. And for projects demanding precision and performance at scale, the Airless System stands out.
Imran Malik, Managing Director of MB Pavement Marking, says, “We know every job is different, so we make sure to offer a range of reliable, customized striping systems that get the job done right—no matter how big or small the project.”
At M-B Companies, we’re committed to helping you find the best striping solution for your needs. As part of the Aebi Schmidt Group, we continuously innovate and improve our offerings to meet changing industry demands—without compromising safety, quality, or reliability.
