TA Paints’ Ultimate Guide to Anti-Slip Floor Paint

The colder months have finally arrived, but are your floors prepared? While our favourite snowy weather is just around the corner, we aren’t looking forward to the hazardous implications of it. Say ‘no more’ to slips and falls with anti-slip floor paint.

But what is anti-slip paint and how can it help you? This article will be your ultimate guide to understanding how non-slip floor paint can benefit you and save lives.

What Is Anti-Slip Floor Paint?

Slip-resistant paint provides a rougher surface texture that increases your grip on the floor, be it a shoe or tyre. Its purpose is to prevent accidents by reducing the risk of slipping. This could be due to spillages, condensation, or harsh weather conditions.

How Is Non-Slip Floor Paint Made?

Anti-slip floor paint contains high quantities of aggregate, a coarse material that consists of a mass of fragments that increases the grip of the paint once mixed in. This makes the paint appear grainy, but the texture varies. The aggregate is mixed with a polyurethane resin or epoxy paint.

For example, some non-slip floor paints are made of a recycled and crushed glass additive, creating a slip-resistant effect that is clear upon application and is perfectly safe to walk on.

Why Is Anti-Slip Floor Paint Important in Winter?

Non-slip floor paint is a saving grace for anyone battling low temperatures causing condensation and snowy weather during winter. It can stop accidents of all kinds, including painful falls leading to potential lawsuits and time off work, just by having a rough-textured surface.

You’ve likely been a victim of falling on your driveway or slipping down the stairs while just trying to complete your daily tasks. But cold temperatures are dangerous not only for passersby but drivers too, causing potential car accidents.

Even if the air is warm, the floor won’t be, and water is slower to evaporate during these colder temperatures. If anti-slip paint is not an option, grit is used in its place, making the roads safer for all.

Why Shouldn’t I Paint My Floor in Winter?

Despite how important anti-slip floor paint is during winter, you should never actually paint the ground during cold temperatures. While it depends on what type of paint you choose, a whole host of problems could occur, such as:

• Peeling
• Scratches
• Stains
• Tyre marks
• Blooming
• Glossy finish becoming matte

Water-based epoxy paints release water when curing and will bloom if the floor is not properly cured. Whereas, solid epoxy paint will only partly cure because the temperature is too low to completely dry.

Partially cured epoxy paint can peel off the floor and stick to other objects. It’s also prone to scratches, stains, and marks. Lastly, glossy finishes will become matte and patchy. To reduce these risks, you should paint during spring instead.

What Is the Average Floor Paint Drying Time?

In humid weather, the average floor paint drying time is within 24 hours. Oil-based paint will be dry to the touch in six to eight hours. However, you will have to wait at least 16 hours to either recoat or walk on it. For optimal results, you should refrain from using the floor for seven days so it can fully cure.

What Are the Different Types of Non-Slip Floor Paint?

There are two types of slip-resistant paint: epoxy paint and urethane paint.

Epoxy paint provides a more durable, and long-lasting finish suitable. This epoxy resin paint offers the most chemical and weather resistant with the most durable finish.

Whereas, 1K polyurethane paint will do the same job but depending on how heavy the traffic will be in the area may become uneconomical as painting will have to be done more often.

What Are the Benefits of Anti-Slip Floor Paint?

Both types of non-slip floor paint have several advantages, including:

• Easy application
• Durability
• Long-lasting
• Chemical-resistance
• Reduced risk of accidents
• Suitable for exterior and interior applications
• Perfect for the majority of floor materials
• Available in a variety of colours
• Both rough and smooth textures
• Affordability
• Withstands harsh weather conditions
• Increased grip even when wet

What Materials Can Non-Slip Floor Paint Be Used On?

There are infinite ways to use anti-slip floor paint. It can be used on a variety of materials, including:

• Wood
• Metal
• Concrete
• Fibreglass
• Masonry
• Stone
• Brick

This multifunctional slip-resistant paint can also be used on both exterior and interior surfaces, such as:

• Commercial flooring (e.g., retail)
• Residential flooring (e.g., garage)
• Industrial flooring (e.g., warehouse)
• Playgrounds
• Steps
• Ramps
• Pathways and pavements
• Roads
• Trailers
• Boats
• Marine equipment 

It may seem unnecessary to apply slip-resistant paint for just one season, but it’s particularly useful during any cold weather, whether that’s snow, rain, fog, or just a generally cold day. No matter how much condensation you wipe away, it will continue to build up, but anti-slip floor paint ensures less accidents.

For example, even spilling some water on a normal surface on a hot day could cause someone to slip and hurt themselves, but you could save yourself a potential hospital trip with a rough-textured surface. When you think of it that way, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

What Should I Consider When Choosing Anti-Slip Floor Paint?

There’s not really a right or wrong answer whether epoxy or urethane paint is right for you, but they may have different strengths and finishes you’d prefer. Before applying non-slip floor paint, we recommend you read the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidelines.

This is what you should consider when choosing non-slip floor paint:

• Surface (material) suitability
• Type of finish
• Durability (climate)
• Ease of use and reapplication
• Ingredients used
• Dry/cure time
• Colour availability
• Affordability
• Chemical resistance
• Product quality

What Happens Next?

Now that you understand how important it is to safeguard your floors during colder temperatures, it’s time to implement your next DIY project. It’s still not too late to buy our non-slip floor paint and start protecting you and your floors now.

At TA Paints, we manufacture and supply only the highest quality paint. We have a range of anti-slip floor paint available for discounted bulk orders for warehouses or a singular garage. You can choose from 10 colours, from your iconic black and yellow to more neutral tones.

Contact us today with any questions about our stock or read our previous blog to discover the importance of anti-slip paints for businesses.