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A concrete floor, once painted, can indeed become dangerously slippery, especially when wet. This is because most paints and sealers add a thin and smooth layer, which covers the outer texture of the concrete, getting rid of the grip that it has.
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And then, when it rains or water is spilled, the surface can become super slippery, which is less than ideal.
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- ANTI-SLIP FLOOR COATING: Provide your surfaces with a durable, skid-resistant finish with FixALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Coating.
- IDEAL FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS: Formulated for high traction, this anti-slip paint is great for traffic markings, sidewalks, curbs, crosswalks, and designated walkways.
- EFFECTIVE ON A VARIETY OF SURFACES: Skid Grip can be applied anywhere you need a non-slip coating. Use it on patios, pool decks, sports courts, driveways, steps and more. Fade-resistant colors remain bright for a long-lasting finish.
- EASY TO APPLY: Offering excellent adhesion, this concrete patio and deck paint is easy to apply with a brush, roller or squeegee. Follow all directions on label for application.
- DRIVEN BY INNOVATION: Established in 1883, FixALL has consistently pushed the envelope with advanced designs and manufacturing facilities to deliver dependable coating solutions.
What they do, therefore, is use grit additives within the paint and sealers, so that the surface has some grip to it, and it is no longer a smooth and slippery surface. If the painted concrete has these grit additives, then it will not be slippery.
And in most public spaces, painted concrete will have them, and so it won’t be slippery, so it’s usually safe to assume that concrete floors are anti-slip and completely safe.
If you want to ensure that your painted concrete isn’t slippery, then you have to double-check that the paint or sealer that you are using includes a grit additive. Painted concrete floors are a great way to add a vibrant and unique touch to any room in your home.
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To cover the basics, there are three main grit additives used in concrete paint: silica sand, aluminum oxide beads, and polymer grit. So as a general rule, you should look out for either of those three for your concrete paint, to guarantee it is anti-slip.
The grit additives are usually available in different grit sizes as well, so that you can personalize the finish. That way, you can increase or decrease the surface roughness as desired, depending on how much of an anti-slip concrete you need it to be.
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- Durable, skid resistant finish anti slip paint for interior or exterior application, excellent color retention, abrasion resistance, and resistance to ponding water.
- High traffic slip resistant paint for concrete that’s ideal for stairs, walkways, patios, and more.
- Fast drying, durable, easy application that fills and seals cracks.
- 80 - 120 square foot coverage per gallon.
- On exterior applications, do not apply when rain is threatening. Not for immersion service.
Let’s take a better look at all three of the main grit additives:
- Silica sand:
Silica sand is quartz, broken down into tiny granules, that is commonly used as an additive to add grip to a surface. It’s quite heavy, and in turn, it tends to settle at the bottom of the mixing bucket, so it can be quite hard to apply evenly.
It requires a lot of constant mixing, or else the surface won’t be as anti-slip as desired. It also might slightly alter the color of the concrete or paint, so this is something to watch out for!
- Aluminum oxide bead:
Aluminum oxide beads are very similar to silica sand, in all regards. It is also on the heavy side, meaning it is extra important to properly mix the bucket so that the grip is applied evenly over the concrete surface.
It might also affect the color of the paint or concrete, so take that into account when mixing the additives in!
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- ADDS SLIP RESISTANCE: Aluminum oxide–based additive designed to increase skid resistance when mixed into epoxy, latex, or oil‑based paints or stains
- SAFE FOR MULTIPLE SURFACES: Suitable for use on concrete, wood, metal, and fiberglass without altering the coating’s performance or properties when used as recommended
- CONSISTENT, INDUSTRIAL-GRADE TEXTURE: Sand‑like particles disperse evenly throughout the coating when properly mixed, ensuring uniform anti‑skid protection
- MAINTAINS ORIGINAL COATING APPEARANCE: Formulated not to change the appearance or finish of the paint or stain it is added to when used at the proper dosage
- EASY MIXING AND APPLICATION: One 3.4 oz package treats up to one gallon of coating; simply stir in before applying the final coat and remix periodically during use
- Polymer grit:
Polymer is perhaps the most common of all three grit additives, and it is essentially micronized pieces of plastic. These pieces are super lightweight and completely translucent, so it doesn’t affect the color of the paint at all, and it’s also super easy to mix into the paint, without it going to the bottom.
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Polymer is also a lot smoother, so it’s better for walking barefoot (like for example the side of swimming pools), while still retaining good anti-grip properties. So on the whole, polymer grit is usually considered as the better grit additive!
Does painting concrete make it slippery?
Painting concrete doesn’t necessarily make it slippery, as it depends on the paint and the sealers being used. If normal paint and sealers are used, then the concrete will likely become slippery, especially when wet, which can be a big hazard risk.
However, most paint that is used on concrete, has been specially designed for use on concrete and therefore has grit additives, which will roughen up the surface so that it is anti-slip, instead of being a smooth finish prone to becoming slippery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I make my concrete floor less slippery?
If your concrete floor is slippery, whether because it’s been painted without the grit additives, or for other reasons, then you’re going to want to find ways of making it a little more non-slip.
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- Durable, skid resistant finish anti slip paint for interior or exterior application, excellent color retention, abrasion resistance, and resistance to ponding water.
- High traffic slip resistant paint for concrete that’s ideal for stairs, walkways, patios, and more.
- Fast drying, durable, easy application that fills and seals cracks.
- 80 - 120 square foot coverage per gallon.
- On exterior applications, do not apply when rain is threatening. Not for immersion service.
The first thing is to be aware that slippery concrete becomes even more slippery when it’s wet, and can become quite dangerous. This is why you will often see “wet floor” signs on concrete surfaces in public spaces!
So… avoid this kind of concrete surface if it rains!
But on a day to day basis, if you want to lessen the risk of slipping on a concrete floor that hasn’t been painted with grit additives, here are a few simple solutions you can apply:
- Clean the surface regularly:
Some believe that dirt can add a slight grip to the surface, making it less slippery and that super clean concrete is more slippery. However, this is actually the other way around!
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- CLEAR TEXTURED TRACTION: Tuff Grip Clear is a water-based acrylic polymer coating that dries clear, keeping the natural look of wood and concrete while adding a textured, high-traction non-slip finish
- WORKS ON MANY SURFACES: Use on wood, decks, stairs, concrete, painted concrete, fiberglass, tile, aluminum and metal. Suitable for interior and exterior, residential and commercial areas
- WHERE TO USE IT: Decks, stairs, ramps, walkways, aisles, entrances and exits, natural wood and smooth or stained concrete, anywhere you need a clear, high-traction surface
- WEATHER AND UV RESISTANT: Holds up outdoors with UV, weather, impact, water and stain resistance. Single component, low odor and easy to apply, with soap and water cleanup while wet
- HOW TO APPLY: Roll on 1 to 2 coats with a textured or nap roller (2 coats recommended). Recoat in 2 to 4 hours at a right angle to the first coat. Apply at 50 to 90 degrees F surface temperature. Do not thin. Allow 24 hours to dry
- Use carpets, rugs, and others:
This isn’t always possible, as it depends on where the concrete surface is, but laying down a carpet, a rug, or some sort of absorptive material, can significantly reduce the risk of slipping.
These will offer a surface with more grip, so the only challenge is making sure the rug doesn’t move around or slip on the actual concrete.
- Apply a sealer that contains grit additives:
If the concrete has already been painted, without the use of grit additives, it doesn’t mean that you simply have to live with the risk of slipping.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYou can apply a sealer as a top coating, which can go over most types of paint. Make sure the sealer has grit additives, and you’ll have a nice anti-slip concrete surface!
Check out this article on Can You Put Epoxy Floor Over Paint? by Jim Bettesworth.
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Jim Bettesworth well known for his can-do attitude and often takes jobs other companies were unwilling or unable to do. Experienced and educated in concrete construction and painting jobs. Read More.
