This page is an authoritative resource for procurement teams, contractors and distributors searching for road marking paint manufacturers in South Africa. It covers local manufacturers and distributors, typical factory prices (USD), import options from China, and practical partnership models including OEM, private label and joint ventures. Where useful we link to supplier websites so South African buyers can verify claims and contact manufacturers directly.
Market context — why the right manufacturer matters
South Africa’s road network and urban infrastructure projects demand marking materials that balance durability, retroreflectivity and cost. Choosing the right manufacturer affects long-term maintenance costs, tender compliance and on-site performance. Many contractors combine local sourcing for speed with factory imports for cost efficiency and OEM opportunities.
Current factory price ranges (USD)
Below are the standard factory price bands used by buyers for budgeting. These are factory or FOB-level references (2024–2026 market guidance) and exclude freight, duties and inland delivery:
- Thermoplastic (hot-melt) road marking paint:USD 270 – 700 per ton
- Two-component / Cold Plastic paint (high-performance):USD 2,100 – 3,000 per ton
- Water-based road marking paint:USD 150 – 250 per ton (typically the most economical option)
Note: final landed cost in South Africa depends on shipping (container vs LCL), customs duties, VAT, inland freight to Durban/Cape Town/Johannesburg and local handling.
Verified South African manufacturers & suppliers (real, verifiable)
These manufacturers and distributors have public presence or established operations in South Africa. Links are provided so you can verify credentials and request datasheets, test reports and references.
Company | Location / Hub | Product Focus | Notes & Website |
Plascon | South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town) | Water-based & solvent paints; local road marking lines (distributor for international lines) | Established paint brand in SA; local distribution network. https://plascon.co.za |
Medal Paints | Cape Town / National | Alkyd / solvent road marking paints, parking & runway applications | Known local supplier for municipal & airport maintenance. https://medalpaints.co.za |
Wondercoat Paints | Gauteng / National | Acrylic, alkyd, waterborne road marking formulations | Local coatings manufacturer with SABS/SANS-aligned products. https://wondercoatpaints.co.za |
Africote | South Africa | Solvent-based and alkyd modified line paints | Fast local supply for urban projects. https://africote.co.za |
Universal Paints | South Africa | Local manufacture of alkyd / solvent road marking paints | Municipal and contractor focused availability. https://universalpaints.co.za |
Lanino Traffic Markings (Pty) Ltd | Pretoria / Nationwide | Thermoplastic, MMA, cold-screed, beads & reflective systems | Supplier for SANRAL projects and regional highway works. (verify via company contacts andproject references) |
International manufacturers that commonly supply South Africa
For high-volume or OEM needs many South African contractors import from established international manufacturers. These firms have verified export experience to African markets:
- TIANHUA Traffic (China) — Thermoplastic, glass beads, application equipment. Factory prices USD 270–700/ton; offers OEM/private label and distributor support. tianhuatraffic.com
- Ennis-Flint / PPG — Global leader in pavement marking materials and reflective solutions; positioned at premium performance level. https://www.ppg.com
- Swarco — European road safety & marking systems with strong reflective product range. https://www.swarco.com
- Geveko Markings — European supplier of thermoplastic and cold-applied materials; strong in standards compliance. https://www.geveko.com
How to verify a manufacturer or supplier (practical checklist)
- Request the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and batch test reports.
- Ask for independent third-party lab reports for retroreflectivity (RL) and skid resistance (SRT), and check the test lab accreditation.
- Confirm production & export references — ask for recent project names and contactable referees in South Africa or nearby markets.
- For imports, confirm HS code, typical lead time, shipping port (FOB origin), and estimated CIF to Durban / Cape Town.
- Consider a small trial order or applied field panel before awarding large tenders.
Partnership & commercial models available
Manufacturers and suppliers commonly offer the following cooperation models for South African buyers:
- Factory-direct supply (FOB / CIF): Best for large buyers who handle local clearance and distribution.
- Local distributor model: Suppliers maintain stock in South Africa for faster delivery and smaller MOQs.
- OEM / private label: Manufacturers produce branded product for South African distributors under the buyer’s label.
- Joint venture or local blending: For high volumes, manufacturers may partner to set up local blending or packaging facilities to reduce duties and logistics cost.
TIANHUA Traffic — how we support South African buyers
TIANHUA Traffic supplies thermoplastic road marking paint, glass beads and application equipment with factory pricing and export experience to South Africa. Key services for South African partners include:
- Factory price range: USD 270–700 per ton for thermoplastic formulations.
- OEM and private label packaging in 25kg bags or jumbo FIBC (1 ton).
- Sample program and third-party testing support for tender submission.
- Logistics coordination to Durban and Cape Town ports and support with documentation.
- Distributor terms including technical training and marketing support; open to joint venture discussions in Durban / Johannesburg.
Buy local or import — a practical recommendation
Choose local suppliers if lead time, small order quantities and rapid on-site support are your priority. Choose factory imports for competitive unit cost, OEM branding and large-volume tenders. Many contractors use a mixed strategy: import bulk thermoplastic for major routes and keep local stock for maintenance and urgent works.
Estimate material needs & cost
Use our project calculator to convert line length, width and target thickness into estimated material consumption and cost: Thermoplastic Road Marking Paint Calculator.
Conclusion
This directory and guide are designed to help South African procurement teams and contractors identify manufacturers and suppliers that meet technical and commercial needs. For direct factory quotes, OEM inquiries, samples or JV discussions with TIANHUA Traffic, please contact our sales team or request sample documentation via our website.
Disclaimer: Supplier websites and contact details change over time. Always verify certifications, test reports and recent project references directly with the supplier before award.