Anti-Slip Floor Paints

What is Anti-Slip Floor Paint?

Anti-slip floor paint is a specially formulated coating that includes aggregates or textured finishes to provide traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Unlike standard floor paints, anti-slip variants are designed specifically to enhance safety in areas where slipping hazards are prevalent. These coatings are critical for maintaining safe environments in high-traffic areas, wet conditions, and other situations where standard floor paints would fail to provide adequate protection. The texture created by the aggregates embedded in the paint ensures that even when wet or contaminated, the surface remains slip-resistant.

Differences from Other Floor Paints

The primary distinction between anti-slip and standard floor paints lies in their formulation. Anti-slip floor paints contain various additives that create a textured surface, significantly improving grip. These additives can include materials like polymer beads, silica, or aluminium oxide, which are evenly distributed throughout the paint to provide consistent slip resistance. This makes them ideal for environments where safety is paramount, as opposed to regular floor paints that prioritise aesthetics and surface protection.

Types of Anti-Slip Floor Paints

Anti-slip floor paints come in various formulations, each offering unique benefits and suited to different applications. Understanding these types can help in selecting the right product for specific needs:

Epoxy-Based: Epoxy anti-slip paints are known for their durability and excellent chemical resistance. They create a hard, long-lasting surface that can withstand heavy traffic and harsh industrial conditions. Epoxy coatings are ideal for warehouses, factories, and garages where chemical spills are a concern.

Acrylic-Based: Acrylic anti-slip paints are user-friendly, with easy application and quick drying times. They offer good resistance to UV light and weathering, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These paints are often used for foot traffic areas in commercial spaces, homes, etc.

MMA (Methyl Methacrylate): MMA-based paints cure rapidly, even in low temperatures, and provide exceptional durability. They are perfect for areas that require minimal downtime during application, but should only be applied by professionals for areas like car parks and transport facilities.

Polyurethane: These paints provide a flexible and abrasion-resistant finish, making them suitable for surfaces that experience movement or impact. They are often used in environments like factory floors, loading docks, and sports facilities due to their toughness and flexibility.

Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic coatings offer rapid curing and high durability. They are ideal for areas needing quick application and minimal downtime, providing excellent chemical resistance and the ability to be applied in a wide range of temperatures.

Alkyd: Alkyd anti-slip paints generally offer a good ‘all-rounder’ for basic applications and projects where nothing too technical is required or where cost is a key factor. Can be used internally and externally by consumers or professionals.

Most of these types of floor paints listed above are available in Water Based and Solvent Based variants. Water based options are generally more environmentally friendly and lower in VOCs. They tend to be better for indoor use where ventilation might be limited. They are easy to apply and clean up, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial applications.Solvent based options can be better for external or lower temperature applications and generally have higher VOCs and require proper ventilation and PPE during application.

Surfaces and Substrate Types

Anti-slip floor paints are versatile and can be applied to various surfaces and substrate types:

Concrete: Commonly used in both indoor and outdoor settings, concrete surfaces in warehouses, factories, and car parks benefit greatly from anti-slip coatings. Proper surface preparation, including cleaning and priming, is essential for optimal adhesion and performance.

Wood: Anti-slip paints can be applied to wooden surfaces like decking, stairs, and communal areas to provide a safe walking surface while enhancing the wood's appearance. Priming the wood with a suitable primer is crucial for long-lasting results.

Metal: In industrial settings, metal surfaces such as stair treads, ramps, and walkways benefit from anti-slip coatings that provide additional grip. Metal surfaces usually require a primer, such as zinc phosphate, to ensure proper adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Asphalt: Used in exterior applications like playgrounds, driveways, and car parks, anti-slip paints can prevent slips and falls. These paints are formulated to adhere well to asphalt surfaces, providing a durable and slip-resistant finish.

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic): Suitable for boats, machinery areas, and other specialised applications, anti-slip paints provide safety in environments where GRP surfaces are used. Proper surface preparation and priming are essential for ensuring the paint adheres well to GRP.

Applications

Domestic Use

While primarily designed for commercial and industrial environments, some anti-slip floor paints can be utilised in domestic settings. Steps, ramps, garages, patios and wet rooms can benefit from these coatings, providing an added layer of safety for everyday use.

Commercial Use

In commercial environments, the safety of customers and employees is paramount. Anti-slip floor paints can significantly enhance safety in various commercial settings:

• Retail Areas: Anti-slip paints are ideal for shopping centres, supermarkets, and other retail environments where customer safety is critical. These paints can help prevent slips and falls, particularly in areas that experience high foot traffic and occasional spills.
• Leisure Centres: Gyms, swimming pools, and sports facilities are prone to moisture and high foot traffic, making anti-slip coatings essential for preventing accidents. These coatings provide a durable, slip-resistant surface that can withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning.

Industrial Use

Industrial settings often involve heavy machinery, chemical spills, and high traffic, making slip-resistant surfaces crucial for safety and efficiency:

• Warehouses: In warehouses, anti-slip floor paints provide a safe working environment, reducing accidents in high-traffic areas. The durable coatings can withstand the wear and tear from forklifts, pallet trucks, and other heavy equipment.
• Factories: Manufacturing plants where spills and heavy machinery pose significant slip risks benefit from anti-slip coatings. These paints can help maintain a safe working environment, enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of injuries.
• Forecourts: Forecourts often experience high traffic and exposure to oil and fuel, making anti-slip coatings crucial for safety. These durable coatings provide a slip-resistant surface that can withstand harsh conditions and frequent cleaning.
• Fisheries: Wet environments like fisheries benefit from anti-slip coatings to prevent falls on slippery surfaces. The paints provide a durable, slip-resistant finish that can withstand constant exposure to water and other elements.
• Walkways: Both public and industrial walkways require slip-resistant surfaces to ensure the safety of pedestrians and workers alike. Anti-slip coatings can help prevent accidents and improve overall safety in these high-traffic areas.

Public Sector and Communal Areas

Ensuring safety in public sector and communal areas is critical. Anti-slip floor paints help meet stringent safety guidelines, providing a secure environment for everyone:

• Schools: In educational institutions, anti-slip coatings ensure the safety of students and staff in corridors, stairwells, and playgrounds. These durable coatings can withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning, maintaining a safe environment for learning and play.
• Public Areas: Parks, public walkways, and communal spaces can be made safer with the application of anti-slip coatings. These paints provide a durable, slip-resistant surface that can withstand various weather conditions and heavy use.
• Theme Parks and Transport Projects: Large-scale projects like theme parks and transport hubs, including underground stations and train stations, require durable, slip-resistant coatings to ensure the safety of large volumes of foot traffic. These high-performance coatings can withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy use, providing a safe environment for visitors and commuters.

Colour Options and Paint Base Types

Anti-slip floor paints are available in a variety of colours to match aesthetic preferences or safety standards. Colour-coding different areas can enhance visibility and safety, particularly in environments where clear demarcation is essential. Available in single, two, and three-component systems, each offers distinct advantages:

Single-Component: These paints are ready to use straight from the can, making them easy to apply. They are ideal for smaller projects and areas with less heavy traffic.

Two-Component: These paints require mixing with a hardener, offering greater durability and chemical resistance. They are suitable for medium to heavy traffic areas and provide a more robust finish.

Three-Component: These include the anti-slip aggregate component separately. Instead of being pre-mixed into the coating, the anti-slip additive is supplied to be either mixed in at the point of use or broadcast over the coating once applied whilst wet. Advantages include being able to control the degree of anti-slip aggregate on the finished surface and access to larger aggregate particle sizes to produce more a aggressive surface profile for higher degrees of slip resistance.

Application Methods

Anti-slip floor paints can be applied using various methods depending on the specific product and surface requirements:

• Brush: Ideal for small areas and detailed work, brushes allow for precise application and are useful for edges and corners.
• Roller: Suitable for larger surfaces, rollers provide an even coat and are efficient for covering large areas quickly. Different roller textures can be used to achieve various finishes.
• Spray: Efficient for large areas and industrial applications, spray systems allow for quick application. However, not all anti-slip paints are suitable for spraying due to the aggregate content. When using spray application, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a consistent finish.

Enhancing Anti-Slip Properties

To enhance the anti-slip properties of floor paints, consider the following tips:

• Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for ensuring the best results. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from contaminants to improve adhesion. Abrade smooth surfaces to provide a good key for the paint.
• Aggregate Addition: Some products allow for additional aggregates to be mixed into the paint to increase slip resistance or broadcast over the wet surface once applied. This can be particularly useful in high-risk areas where extra traction is needed.
• Multiple Coats: Applying multiple coats can enhance durability and slip resistance, especially in high-traffic areas. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for recoating times and ensure each coat is fully cured before applying the next.

Use on Steps and Stairs

Anti-slip floor paints are particularly beneficial for steps and stairs, providing a secure footing in areas prone to accidents. These coatings can be applied to both indoor and outdoor stairs, enhancing safety in all weather conditions. Ensure proper surface preparation and consider using a contrasting colour for nosings to improve visibility and safety. This approach is especially useful in public areas and commercial settings where clear demarcation is essential.

Importance for Health and Safety Compliance

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips and trips are the most common cause of workplace injuries, accounting for over a third of all major injuries reported. Implementing anti-slip floor paints in hazardous areas is crucial for complying with safety regulations and reducing the risk of accidents. These paints play a vital role in creating a safe working environment, helping businesses avoid costly legal liabilities and maintain a healthy workforce.

Meeting Safety Guidelines in Public Areas

Public areas, such as transport hubs, schools, and parks, must adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of visitors. Anti-slip floor paints help meet these guidelines by providing a slip-resistant surface, thus preventing accidents and ensuring public safety. By using high-quality anti-slip coatings, facility managers can enhance the safety and usability of public spaces, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall user experience.

Big Projects and Transport Applications

For large projects like theme parks and transport facilities, the need for durable, high-performance anti-slip coatings is paramount. These environments see high foot traffic and various environmental conditions, requiring paints that offer excellent slip resistance and durability. High-performance coatings ensure that even under the most challenging conditions, the surfaces remain safe and slip-resistant, protecting both users and infrastructure.

Statistics on Slips and Falls

In the UK, slips and trips account for approximately 31% of all reported workplace injuries. These incidents lead to significant costs for businesses, including lost productivity and compensation claims. The use of anti-slip floor paints is a proactive measure to mitigate these risks and create a safer working environment. By reducing the incidence of slips and falls, businesses can improve operational efficiency and maintain a positive reputation.

Slip Resistant Properties from Leading Brands

Watco: Watco's anti-slip floor paints, such as their Concrete Floor Paint Anti Slip, provide excellent slip resistance with pre-blended anti-slip particles for a uniform finish. Their products are tested to high standards to ensure long-lasting performance in various environments.

Coo-Var: Coo-Var offers a range of anti-slip floor paints, including Suregrip and Anti-Slip Acrylic Floor Paint, which are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. These products provide a durable and rough finish to prevent slips in high-traffic areas.

Rust-Oleum: Rust-Oleum's 7200NS Anti-Slip Floor Coating is easy to apply and suitable for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Their products are designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide excellent slip resistance.

Textures for Different Traffic Types

Anti-slip floor paints come in various textures to cater to different types of traffic:

• Pedestrian Traffic: Finer aggregates provide a smoother finish suitable for walking areas without compromising slip resistance. These finishes are ideal for retail environments, leisure centres, and public walkways.
• Vehicular Traffic: More coarse aggregates offer greater durability and grip for areas exposed to vehicles, such as loading bays and industrial floors. These heavy-duty textures ensure that even under the weight and movement of vehicles, the surface remains safe and slip-resistant.

Anti-Slip Floor Paint FAQs

What surfaces can anti-slip floor paint be used on?

Anti-slip floor paint can be used on concrete, wood, metal, asphalt, and GRP surfaces. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, making it a versatile solution for various environments.

Can anti-slip floor paint be used in wet rooms?

While most anti-slip floor paints are not designed for bathrooms, some can be used in wet rooms. Always check the product specifications to ensure suitability for wet environments. These paints are formulated to provide slip resistance even when exposed to water and must be suitable for the surface you have to paint.

How long does anti-slip floor paint take to dry?

Drying times vary by product, but typically, anti-slip floor paints touch dry within 4-6 hours and are fully cured within 24-48 hours. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific drying times to ensure optimal performance and durability.

What are the colour options available for anti-slip floor paints?

Most anti-slip floor paints come in a standard set range of colours, including grey, black, red, yellow, green, etc.. However, certain products can be tinted allowing nearly any colour to be produced. Colour options allow for aesthetic customisation and can enhance safety through colour coding different areas.

What is the difference between single, two, and three-component paints?

• Single-Component: Ready to use straight from the can, easy to apply.
• Two-Component: Requires mixing with a hardener, offering greater durability.
• Three-Component: A two-component product as above but with the aggregate element also provided separately.

Can I apply anti-slip floor paint myself?

Yes, anti-slip floor paint can be applied by DIY enthusiasts. However, for large or high-risk areas, professional application is recommended to ensure optimal results. Proper application techniques and surface preparation are crucial for achieving the best results.

How do I prepare the surface before applying anti-slip floor paint?

Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of contaminants. Roughen smooth surfaces to provide a key for the paint, and use appropriate primers if required. Proper preparation ensures better adhesion and longevity of the coating. Refer to the product data sheet of the product you’re intending to use for full details.

Can anti-slip floor paint be used on steps and stairs?

Yes, anti-slip floor paint is ideal for steps and stairs, providing a secure footing and reducing the risk of slips and falls. These coatings enhance safety in both indoor and outdoor staircases, making them a crucial addition to high-traffic areas.

What maintenance is required for anti-slip floor paint?

Regular cleaning with mild detergents is recommended to maintain the anti-slip properties. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the surface. Periodic inspections and touch-ups of worn areas can help maintain the effectiveness of the coating.

Is anti-slip floor paint resistant to chemicals and oils?

Many anti-slip floor paints offer resistance to oils, grease, and mild chemicals. Always check the product data sheet for specific chemical resistance information. This feature is particularly important in industrial settings where spills are common.

Can I use anti-slip floor paint in high-traffic areas?

Yes, anti-slip floor paint is suitable for high-traffic areas. Choose a product with a high durability rating for best results in such environments. These paints are designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use, ensuring long-lasting safety.

How can I increase the slip resistance of my floor paint?

Adding additional aggregates, applying multiple coats, and ensuring proper surface preparation can all increase the slip resistance of your floor paint. Following the manufacturer's recommendations can also help achieve the desired level of slip resistance.

What tools do I need to apply anti-slip floor paint?

Most commonly you will need brushes, roller sleeves, roller frames, extension poles, roller scuttles and appropriate PPE. Ensure you have the appropriate cleaning solvents for tool maintenance. Proper tools and techniques are essential for a smooth and effective application.

Are there any environmental considerations when using anti-slip floor paint?

Always follow local regulations regarding the use and disposal of paint products. Choose low-VOC options if environmental impact is a concern. Water-based paints are generally more environmentally friendly and safer for indoor use.

Can anti-slip floor paint be applied over existing coatings?

Yes, provided the existing coating is compatible, in good condition, well-adhered and the surface is properly prepared. Abrade the existing surface to ensure good adhesion of the new paint. This approach can save time and resources while maintaining a safe surface.

What safety precautions should I take when applying anti-slip floor paint?

Wear appropriate protective gear, ensure good ventilation, and follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Avoid inhaling fumes and contact with skin and eyes. Proper safety measures ensure a safe application process.

How long does the anti-slip property last?

The longevity of the anti-slip property depends on the level of traffic and maintenance. Regular cleaning and prompt touch-ups of worn areas can extend the lifespan of the anti-slip finish. High-quality paints can provide durable slip resistance for several years.

Can I apply anti-slip floor paint in cold temperatures?

Yes, but be sure to choose a product that is specifically capable of application in low temperatures. Most standard anti-slip floor paints require a minimum temperature for application, typically around 5°C to 10°C so wouldn’t be suitable. Always check the product specifications for the recommended application conditions. Proper application conditions are crucial for achieving the best results.

Are there different finishes available for anti-slip floor paint?

Yes, anti-slip floor paints are available in various finishes, including gloss, matt, and semi-gloss. The choice of finish can affect the aesthetic and maintenance characteristics of the surface - for example a glossier finish would be easier to clean than a matt one.

How do I choose the right anti-slip floor paint for my needs?

Consider the specific requirements of your application, such as the type of surface, level of traffic, environmental conditions, and desired durability. Consult product data sheets and seek expert advice from our Technical Team if necessary. Choosing the right product ensures long-lasting safety and performance.

If you have a question which has not been covered in these FAQs, or have a specific project requirement, please use the search option on the site, this category’s sidebar filter or sub-category links, or contact our Technical and Product Support Team by phone, email or live chat.

What Rawlins’ Customers Say:

Don’t just take our Technical Support Teams’ words for it, here’s what our customers have to say about anti-slip floor paint they have purchased from our store:

Totally met my expectation. I now feel safer when coming down the steps from my garden. Can thoroughly recommend this anti slip product (Coo-Var Suregrip Anti-Slip Floor Paint). Customer feedback from J.B. on Trustpilot

Excellent patio paint (Flag Heavy Duty Elastomeric Floor Coating (Anti-Slip)), prompt delivery, cheaper than ones I tried before but longer lasting. Customer feedback from Petra M on Trustpilot

Great product (Smartkote Safekote). Used on fibreglass and stuck well providing a safe non-slip surface without being abrasive. Customer feedback from Jeremy H on Trustpilot

Very pleased so far with the results. The paint (Coo-Var Anti-Slip Acrylic Floor Paint) has been used to rejuvenate and change the colour of a large stone patio. It was applied easily with minimum fuss. The results are stunning having transformed a dirty, dull patio to one with a great colour and what seems to be a robust, anti-slip surface. Only time will tell how this will fare but I am optimistic I will not be disappointed. Customer feedback from Philip on Trustpilot

The information provided above is a basic overview and is intended as general information only. It is not advice, and is given without warranty. You should always refer to the relevant data sheets and our Technical Team prior to purchase or use of any products.