Creating Non-Slip Surfaces with Epoxy Resin…

We’ve all been there at one time or another. Slipping on a wet floor, backyard or boat deck or another smooth surface. Hopefully we catch ourselves before we fall and risk injury. Prevention is the key and coating those surfaces with a mixture of epoxy resin with an anti-skid additive goes a long way towards minimizing injury risk – and maximizing peace of mind.

All too often commercial and industrial flooring is installed without giving thought to making the surface non-slip. This can be an issue with OSHA in factories, retailers and other places where customers and workers are present – making for HR, legal and insurance complications. On the residential side, pool decking, and garage floors are just two of the areas where non-slip epoxy resin can be beneficial.

There are many abrasives that may be mixed with epoxy resin to create slip resistance (especially needed when surfaces are wet), from basic sand to non-skid additives available from the hardware store. Options also include ready-mixed epoxy coating systems offering a variety of formulations depending upon application variables such as pedestrian and vehicle traffic volume, and desired resistance to chemicals and stains. Invariably, thicker coatings (or several coats) will last longer than thinner applications.

Another method to create an epoxy resin non-skid surface is to texture the polymer with paint rollers with a long nap – or other tools like rough sponges or brushes that will abrade the surface – before the curing process is complete. Keep in mind that outdoor surfaces will need to be textured a bit more heavily since epoxy resin exposed to UV light will degrade over time; therefore, you’ll want to have the ability to seal with a finish coat of paint or varnish.

Non-skid epoxy resin additives for paint and gel coats as well as ready-mixed deck paints are also available for use in marine applications. Resurfacing marine decks, walkways, seating areas and exposed cabin surfaces protects not only the surfaces, but also the occupants. Whether you choose to mix it yourself or acquire a pre-mixed coating – follow the application instructions as to amount used for area of coverage – and substrate surfaces – which usually include most metals, fiberglass and wood.