MMA: The Game-Changer in Pavement Markings
How MMA is Redefining Road Safety
What if the lines beneath your tires were engineered not just for today, but for ten years of rain, snow, traffic and night-time visibility? That’s exactly what methyl methacrylate (MMA) pavement markings are doing — and why SWARCO Road Marking Systems is putting this innovation front and center in road safety.
What is MMA - and why does it matter?
Despite the name, this isn’t about Mixed Martial Arts. This is about durable, high-visibility road markings that perform under harsh conditions. SWARCO MMA pavement markings are engineered for strength, safety, and longevity. Applied as a liquid, MMA hardens into a dense, durable surface that bonds strongly to asphalt or concrete. The result? Pavement markings that can last 10 years or more, maintaining visibility through traffic wear, sunlight, moisture, and freezing temperatures.
Today. Tomorrow. The days ahead.
MMA markings are designed to perform in every condition, with outstanding retroreflectivity and long-term clarity. That translates to clearer, brighter lane lines that help drivers stay centered and safe, whether it’s a dark, rainy commute or a foggy morning drive. By maintaining consistent brightness year after year, MMA improves reaction time, reduces accidents, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.
Why MMA stands out
SWARCO MMA is revolutionizing road infrastructure by delivering what other materials can’t:
- Superior adhesion and wear resistance
- Enhanced UV and color stability
- Long-lasting brightness and retroreflectivity
- Reduced life-cycle costs and environmental impact
In short, MMA markings stay visible and effective long after conventional paints fade. That means fewer maintenance cycles, lower costs, and safer travel for all road users.
Versatile Applications Inside and Out
While MMA is best known for its performance on highways and urban roadways, its versatility extends far beyond traditional traffic markings.
MMA’s tough, chemically resistant surface makes it ideal for large-area applications, including playgrounds, bike lanes, bus lanes, and crosswalks, even in regions exposed to snowplows and heavy seasonal wear.
It’s also a reliable choice for indoor environments, where durability and visibility are critical. In high-traffic warehouses, logistics centers, and manufacturing facilities, MMA creates long-lasting safety lines that can endure forklift traffic, spills, and daily operations without fading or peeling.
General Manager
“Unlike other liquid coatings, SWARCO MMA is the versatile option for both asphalt and concrete applications where safety is the number one priority. It is an ideal solution for warehouse markings that can last with high forklift traffic and various manufacturing processes, as well as outdoor applications such as bike lanes, bus lanes, and other roadways with high traffic and snow plows are needed.”
The Winning Combination
TThe most powerful performance comes when SWARCO MMA is paired with SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads.
SWARCO DURALUX delivers exceptional reflectivity and durability in both wet and dry conditions, achieving retroreflection values exceeding 1000 mcd/m²/lx in white and maintaining brilliance even after years of traffic exposure.
Together, SWARCO MMA and SWARCO DURALUX form a one-two punch for visibility and endurance, producing some of the best wet-night retroreflectivity results in the industry. This combination has proven its value on global projects, including high-traffic highways, intersections, and city roadways.
A Smarter Investment in Road Safety
SWARCO’s MMA systems have demonstrated success across continents, from dense urban centers to heavy-use highways. Field performance and NTPEP test decks confirm that SWARCO MMA markings maintain their integrity and brightness for over a decade, even under extreme conditions. By reducing maintenance and extending service life, agencies and contractors can keep roads open, limit lane closures, and allocate budgets more effectively. Sustainability and safety go hand in hand, and SWARCO MMA is proof of that.
Get Started
Contact the SWARCO Road Marking Systems team to learn how MMA can be incorporated into your next project. With premium materials, advanced formulations and proven field performance, MMA is not just a marking, it’s an investment in safety.
About SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.