Slipping too Often? Here's a Solution for that

Slip-resistant epoxy flooring

Epoxy coatings are non-porous so the surface you will create using this be very smooth, almost like glass in some cases. This type of surface is fine when dry, but it can become as slippery as an ice rink when introduced to any liquid. So it is better to determine the type of slip-resistant coating that you can use.

You can achieve slip resistance through introducing roughness to the floor to create positive traction. This will prevent the possibility of slipping and falling that you want to avoid especially in industrial and commercial facilities. Thus, the only way to do this is to apply non-slip additives to your epoxy floor resins. Pieces, flakes, or grains placed between layers of epoxy coating comprise non-slip additives or aggregates to create minuscule bumps for added floor grip.

Here are the most common types of aggregate:

1. Colored Quartz - These are made of real fine granules of quartz. Therefore, it adds a high decorative element to the floor without waiving the floor resistance. It also comes in different colors and sizes to achieve different textures and level of slip resistance.

2. Polypropylene spheres, plastic media, and glass spheres - This type of aggregate provides ample amount of slip resistance in areas with lighter foot traffic. It is not as aggressive as others, but it is easier to clean. This is suited for facilities like pharmaceutical plants and supermarkets that need to maintain cleanliness yet need a non-slip epoxy floor.

3. Silica sand - Contractors use this in areas that are prone to oil and lubricant spill or usage as sand can provide positive traction, making it slip resistant. You will disperse this on the top of the coat before the final top coat. It is advisable to use a colored top coat because the sand granules will be visible in a clear one. Also, the surface could be similar to a fine sandpaper that makes it harder to mop and clean. This type of aggregate has the tendency to break down after some time causing small cracks and pockets in the surface.

4. Walnut shells – You can use walnut shells with epoxy materials to create positive traction for a non-slip effect. It is like silica sand but is useful in creating a spark-proof floor for parking floors, airports, and facilities alike.

5. Aluminum oxide – This is a more aggressive slip resistant epoxy needed in places with extreme traffic and extremely slippery conditions like slaughterhouses. However, this kind of additive is not friendly to bare feet and skin. This anti-slip epoxy can also hinder cleaning as grits may trap mop strings and dirt.

Take note that the more aggressive the slip resistance on the floor is, the harder it is to clean. This is because the floor aggregate is larger and more angular than others. The more angular the surface is, the more difficult it is to clean. Moreover, if your final coating is thick, you will need to go with larger grits as small ones may just sink below the surface making it less effective. Whatever type of coating you choose, it's good to consult a coating professional for this type of coating.