Non Skid Paint Additive

[rognvald]

Any opinions on what achieves the best results for applying non skid beads to paint? I am repairing a small 3x8" area of deck and will use Petit Monopoxy and Petit Non Skid additive. Should you add the beads to the paint and thoroughly mix or sprinkle over the fresh paint? Thanks for any personal experience.

[David M]

How-To Apply a Non-Skid Deck - YouTube

I have done the same as in the video but used Awlgrip with Awlgrip coarse texture non-skid. The coarse texture went on a work boat where I wanted really good grip. The coarse is pretty rough so you might like the fine texture better. The results looked professionally done.

I would definitely experiment first on something other than your deck and on a surface that does not absorb paint, like bare wood does. The results on wood might turn out different than the results on a material that does not absorb.

[barnakiel]

We did not mix in. We painted and then sieved the sand all over (thick).

When the job was dry, we brushed the excess away.

Came out not too pretty but super non-skid.

b.

[David M]

If you mix the nonskid into the paint it will not apply evenly. I made that mistake once before.

[Roy M]

Ditto David M. The particles that are in contact with the surface of the paint will adhere when the paint dries. The covering particles can be largely brushed away afterwards and reused. Vacuuming the beads (not talking about sand here, rather the hollow silica spheres) ends up in waste because you can't separate the dust and other debris from the pure beads. I haven't tried it, but I'll bet they can be separated by pouring the debris in water. The glass beads will float (but so will some of the debris) and they can be dried and salvaged later.

I tend to use sand, but there always seems to be a distinct border between new and old surfaces. Still, it's better than redoing the entire deck for a small repair.

[bgallinger]

We use crushed walnut shells for non-skid surfaces although it may be too course for your liking.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by David M

If you mix the nonskid into the paint it will not apply evenly. I made that mistake once before.

Unless you apply by spray, then it gives the most even pattern of any method.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

We did not mix in. We painted and then sieved the sand all over (thick).

When the job was dry, we brushed the excess away.

Came out not too pretty but super non-skid.

b.

Don't forget to finish with a final coat of paint. This makes sure all particles are encapsulated and adds some paint millage for added longevity and better looks. If the skid is a bit too aggressive for your taste you can do two or more top coats to fill in the coarseness a bit. Works great. I blow off excess first, but that's because I do it pretty fresh to catch a chemical bond for the final topcoat. A brush would damage it at that stage.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by David M

I have done the same as in the video but used Awlgrip with Awlgrip coarse texture non-skid. The coarse texture went on a work boat where I wanted really good grip. The coarse is pretty rough so you might like the fine texture better. The results looked professionally done.

I would definitely experiment first on something other than your deck and on a surface that does not absorb paint, like bare wood does. The results on wood might turn out different than the results on a material that does not absorb.

Awlgrip's skid product is called Griptex. It comes in Fine, Coarse, and Extra-Coarse. For non commercial applications I like a 50/50 mix of Fine and Coarse. This provides an extra grippy surface that is still comfortable to lie on (as nonskid goes). Do not use Extra Coarse unless you want to remove skin. I only use it on commercial boats. Griptex lasts longer than any other skid product I've ever used.



I'd take that video with a grain of salt. I didn't watch it, but anyone who would roll mixed skid with a 3" roller is a rank amateur in my eyes.

[bobconnie]

Paint and sand for me ! I apply the sand blast sand with a large commercial salt shaker, bought years ago at Sams Club, just put on when paint is wet, works for me and a lot cheaper and looks way better then rolled on! at least it did for me! add a couple of more layers of paint and when dry your ready to go bare foot LOL

[frank_f]

I got the same results as Bob and Connie.

I masked off the non skid areas and applied a base coat of paint. I then used play sand from Home Depot and a fine sieve, then one topcoat.

It really needs two or more topcoats because the sand colour comes through the paint (light blue) and makes the deck look dirty. Winter project.

I'm trying a negative on the Columbia to see what happens. I'm going to put down the paint and then sprinkle and dry roll epsom salt on and let it dry. I will then spray down the decks with water. The epsom salts will dissolve and leave hollows in the paint surface so the raised portions of paint will actually be the non-skid.

I'll let everyone know how it works.

[David M]

Originally Posted by minaret

I'd take that video with a grain of salt. I didn't watch it, but anyone who would roll mixed skid with a 3" roller is a rank amateur in my eyes.

In the video the nonskid was not mixed in with the paint. A base coat was applied. The nonskid was sprinkled over it, allowed to dry and the excess vacuumed up. Then a second coat was applied over the nonskid. A three inch roller would be useful in tight spots but probably not a good idea over larger areas.

[westsail42]

I have applied it by sprinkling it over a wet coat. When dry, brush off excess. The final coat of paint over it.

50/50 of coarse and fine with good results.

Use an aquarium fish net to sprinkle the stuff over the paint.

I used this method with both AwlGrip and Sterling LPUs. works great.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by westsail42

I have applied it by sprinkling it over a wet coat. When dry, brush off excess. The final coat of paint over it.

50/50 of coarse and fine with good results.

Use an aquarium fish net to sprinkle the stuff over the paint.

I used this method with both AwlGrip and Sterling LPUs. works great.

I like a flour sifter, the kind with a trigger so it can be operated one-handed.

[jkleins]

I have had excellent results from the Interlux products (Brightside mixed with the anti-skid additive). You do need to let the stuff sit for a while but I mixed it every few feet as you went along and noticed good even mix and no clumping. I just did a touch up coat after a few years and it went over easily and mixed in well without being able to tell where I repainted. I did use the mix in about double the recommended proportions just because I wanted more grit.

Jim