Anti-slip coating: types, characteristics, choice

The operating conditions of outdoor flooring often cause users inconvenience and even pose a threat of injury. This applies to materials, the surface of which when wet becomes slippery and dangerous for walking. Although manufacturers produce special lines of coatings with corrugated and abrasive surfaces, a considerable part of the homeowners still decorate the paths and steps with the help of beautiful glossy materials. But at the first collision with the threat, security issues come first. Eliminate the existing flooring from the unpleasant effect will help anti-slip coating, which is presented on the market in different designs.

Basic characteristics of anti-slip materials

If we are talking about panels and all kinds of overlays, the key characteristic is the size of the corrugation or abrasive. Due to these elements, friction of the material is reduced, and in some cases water is drained off in a certain direction. The height of the corrugation varies on average from 2 to 10 mm. In this case, much depends on the location of the installation. Also, the overall dimensional parameters of the material are taken into account, since in any design the anti-slip coating increases the height of the base deck. Usually the thickness of such additions is 0.5-1 cm. But this applies to solid materials. In the case of tapes and liquid treatments, the height will be much smaller. True, and the anti-slip effect will decrease.

Anti-slip agents and liquids

Targeted to combat snow slides and ice on the sidewalk and access road, technologists develop household reagents. Such products hamper the processes of icing and the formation of ice crust, and depending on the consistency of the abrasive can act as a factor of reducing friction. Modern anti-slip coating for tiles of this type is ecologically safe, therefore it can be safely used in places where children and animals can be.

A slightly different principle of action for liquid coatings. They give the surface anti-skid for a long time - usually up to 3 years. This can be a product based on paint or lacquer or latex. To the virtues that a liquid anti-slip coating possesses, one can attribute universality. The composition is suitable for processing ceramics, metals, stone, wood, PVC and other plastics.

Profiles with anti-slip coating

There are different versions of such elements, but they are all aimed at combating the "wet" sliding of surfaces. By design, this element usually resembles a wooden bar. However, he has many characteristic differences. This is primarily a composition that includes silicon carbide and polyester resins as a binder component. At the same time, the rubber profile can be completely free of additional coatings, since its structure in itself minimizes friction. In order to increase the reliability of the basis of such panels, manufacturers use rubber only as an active coating. The function of the supporting substrate can be performed by fiberglass or an aluminum platform. Also the features of anti-slip profiles include the installation method. Technologists provide both a self-adhesive method of fixing the panel, and a mechanical fastening. Quite common are the shapes of the pads that mimic the construction of the steps. They literally overlap the ladder, thus forming a protective layer.

Anti-slip tape

For a reliable grip with shoes, you can also use friction-reducing tapes. In terms of correcting the structure of the floor covering, this option can be placed between the silicone liquid formulations and profiles. The tape practically does not raise the level of the base material and at the same time provides sufficient adhesive properties. Also, the advantages of the material include the possibility of creating decorative effects. In the process of care, the anti-slip tape does not cause any inconvenience. If the panels and pads are usually used outdoors, the film abrasive is also suitable for laying in the premises. And most importantly, it can be washed with ordinary means. There are modifications with rounded grains of abrasive, which do not exert a destructive mechanical effect on rags, sponges and brushes.

What kind of anti-slip coating is preferable?

The materials for forming the anti-slip layer are quite diverse, which facilitates the choice. So, to improve the characteristics of outdoor surfaces, it is preferable to use plastic pads. This option, perhaps, is the best solution for concrete and wooden steps. Inexpensive solution of the same family will be a rubber profile on a plastic base. He is not demanding in the care, easy to clean and serves for years. True, the decorative qualities of such panels are very modest. For interior finishing, it is desirable to use liquid and tape materials. They will form an effective abrasive coating, which will protect against falls, and in some versions also provide aesthetic design surface appearance.

Conclusion

Of course, the optimal solution to the problem of wet sliding surfaces is the initial purchase of flooring with abrasive coating. But it is not always possible to realize this, and in such cases it is necessary to choose anti-slip coatings. The price of this material in the form of panels varies on average from 1.5 to 3 thousand rubles. Within these limits, you can find a pretty attractive exterior and at the same time a long-lasting profile, which itself will act as a separate element of decoration. As for tapes and liquid mixtures, they are approximately in the same price range. In particular, an anti-skid composition of 0.5 liters will cost about 2 thousand rubles, and the tape will cost from 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles. It is important to take into account that the film and the liquid coating will be sufficient for a large area in comparison with solid panels.