One of the biggest concerns of our clients is a slip-resistant surface. When we use urethane for the flooring treatment, there are several options available to create a slip-resistant finish. The information below is for smooth coatings such as a clear urethane sealer or a tinted urethane sealer as part of an epoxy floor coating. For information about slip resistance on polished concrete floors, click here.
The grit used in our final urethanes is a fine grade aluminum oxide additive. This additive is mixed integrally with the catalyzed urethane resulting in a fully encapsulated mixture for long-term durability. This grit offers better traction than a standard finish and is a must in wet areas such as a shower, kitchen, or a wash area. The grip additive is ideal for areas that are subject to the constant presence of liquids such as showers but isn’t always suitable for areas that have brief spills such as garages and locker rooms.
The grit additive seems like it would be a good fit to use for most slip-resistant surface applications, ie. safety requirements. It will, however, retain dirt as opposed to a surface that does not have the slip resistant application. The floor surface is smooth enough to mop and clean but may need some additional cleanings or a more aggressive method (such as spraying, or scrubbing) to achieve a pristine look. The grit additive is only available in the Satin finish but once mixed and applied it will have a more matte appearance.
When deciding whether or not to use the grip or not, it’s best to have our design team review with you and assess the liquids used in the area and the safety standards that are required or essential to you. Physical samples of each option are available during this review. The finishes available in a urethane sealed system include Gloss, Satin, Satin w/ Grip (matte sheen).
Summary of Grip Additive in Urethane Topcoats
- Increased Safety and Slip Coefficient
- A must for wet areas
- Can track dirt and require more aggressive cleaning methods such as scrubbing with a rotary scrubber or manual deck brush.
- Satin w/ Grip (matte sheen)
- Other grip options are available in epoxy systems such as sand broadcast.
- No cost upgrade