Engineered for the Harshest Work Zones
Discover ORALITE® Marathon™—the premier microprismatic reflective sheeting for temporary traffic control. Exceptional durability. MUTCD compliant. Manufactured in the USA.
What is ORALITE Marathon?
Unlike rigid aluminum signs, roll-up signs require specialized material that can be continuously rolled, folded, and deployed without compromising optical performance.
Microprismatic Brilliance
Advanced microprisms return significantly more light to the driver than traditional glass-bead materials, guaranteeing maximum nighttime visibility.
Fluorescent Daytime Safety
Converts invisible UV light into visible light, commanding driver attention during dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions.
Unyielding Flexibility
Heavily fabric-reinforced Class 5 backing survives constant rolling, folding, and deployment without cracking or delaminating.
The Science of Visibility
Traditional "Engineer Grade" materials use glass beads that scatter light, losing critical visibility at a distance. ORALITE Marathon is built differently. It relies on thousands of microscopic, three-dimensional prisms.
When a vehicle's headlights strike the sign, light enters the prism, bounces off its internal walls, and is directed precisely back toward the driver's eyes—a process known as Retroreflection.
Engineer Insight
"At highway speeds of 65 mph, a vehicle travels roughly 95 feet per second. High retroreflectivity buys drivers an extra two seconds of recognition time. That’s 200 additional feet to brake."
How Marathon Compares
Understanding ASTM D4956 classifications is critical for specifying the right material.
| Specification | ORALITE Marathon (Type VI) | High Intensity Prismatic (Type III) | Engineer Grade (Type I) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Flexible Microprismatic | Rigid Microprismatic | Glass Bead |
| Application | Temporary Roll-Up Signs | Permanent Aluminum Signs | Low-Speed/Parking |
| Flexibility | Exceptional (Rollable) | None (Rigid) | Low |
| MUTCD Compliant | Yes (Work Zones) | Yes | No (For highways) |
Maximize Your Investment
Protecting your signs ensures they last through their full 3-year outdoor durability rating.
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- DON'T stack heavy traffic cones or brackets on top of folded signs.
- DON'T use abrasive scrub pads to clean the sign; they scratch the UV topcoat.
- DON'T roll up the sign while soaking wet for long-term storage (causes mildew).
✓ Storage Best Practices
- DO roll the sign tightly with the reflective face pointing inward.
- DO wash with mild detergent, water, and a soft sponge.
- DO use mineral spirits for heavy road tar, followed by a soap rinse.
Technical FAQs
Is Marathon better than standard flexible vinyl?
Yes. Standard non-reflective vinyl provides zero nighttime visibility and is illegal for nighttime highway work. Marathon's microprismatic technology returns maximum light to the driver, ensuring round-the-clock MUTCD compliance.
Does ORALITE Marathon meet MUTCD requirements?
Yes. It meets all Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and MUTCD requirements for nighttime and daytime visibility in temporary traffic control zones, classified under ASTM D4956 as Type VI.
How long does a Marathon roll-up sign last?
ORAFOL rates the outdoor durability at 3 years. However, with proper care, cleaning, and storage in Eastern Metal sign storage tubes, many crews achieve extended service life.
Ready to Upgrade Your Work Zone Safety?
Speak with an Eastern Metal Signs & Safety product specialist to order MUTCD-compliant ORALITE Marathon roll-up signs.
Talk to a Specialist