If you own a garage, the epoxy garage floor is the ideal way to guard your floors and make them look attractive. Epoxy is extraordinarily resistant, making it perfect for areas that experience severe conditions or constant foot traffic. Plus, since epoxy surfaces are non-porous, they tend to be extremely smooth; however, when exposed to excessive water spills, oils, or mud, they become dangerously slippery over time. For permanent slip-proof and safe epoxy floors, anti-slip additives are available for epoxy flooring.
Considerations Before Application of Non-Slip Additives
Weather or climate is one of the considerations if you need non-slip additives or not. Adding slip-proof qualities to your epoxy garage floors is important in areas prone to rain or snow. If the climate is usually dry and relatively warm, you should be all right without them. However, for extra security against spills, oils, or other liquids on the floor, add non-slip additives.
How to Keep An Epoxy Garage Floor From Slipping?
To keep your epoxy garage floors from slipping, mix some non-slip additives into the epoxy flooring before applying it.
SharkGrip
This anti-skid additive can infuse paint, concrete stains, or sealers to create a non-slip surface. This micronized polypropylene evenly distributes itself in clear topcoats of driveways, garage floors, and patios – to name a few! Its smooth composition makes it easy to clean and gives the perfect amount of friction even when walking barefoot. Nevertheless, it is less effective if used on thicker final coats as it tends to sink below the surface.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is an affordable and easily obtainable additive commonly used to form a non-slippery surface. It should only be applied on epoxy floors more than ¼ inch thick due to its abrasiveness, but once done, you can rest assured that wet areas will remain slip resistant! Unfortunately, over time the sharp edges of silica sand may erode from regular foot traffic, which could lead to a decrease in the grip – making it less sustainable as an option down the line.
Containment Mats
Containment mats are ideal for those who live in wet, snowy regions. By installing them on epoxy garage floors, you can prevent liquid and dirt from pooling and staining the surface—and after catching excess water or fluids, they can be easily removed and hung to dry faster. Plus, because of their slip-resistant properties, these temporary mats provide additional safety when parking your vehicle; however, it would be wise to get at least two sets so you have an alternate waiting as one dries off
Carpet runners for Indoors or Outdoors
Carpet runners provide an economical solution if you want to avoid investing in a full-fledged epoxy garage floor. These soft mats are easy to install and remove when needed and are especially useful for slippery areas, such as stairs or the entrance of a garage. Plus, they come in attractive colors and textures that will enhance the look of your garage. Just remember to choose a mat that is resistant to moisture, as this will help keep it from slipping on wet surfaces.
Aluminum Oxide Additive
An ideal choice for an epoxy garage floor, aluminum oxide is an exceedingly dependable and durable fine powder suitable for your floor’s topcoat. Not only does it provide incredible grip with long-term slip protection, but it also connects flawlessly with a coating so as not to alter its properties. Unfortunately, this strong material has a coarse texture that makes it harsh on both skin and feet. Cleaning, too, becomes more challenging due to dirt adhering by mop strings clinging onto its rougher surface.
Which Non-Slip Additive is Best for an Epoxy Garage Floor?
Whether to go for a permanent or temporary solution on your epoxy garage floor depends greatly upon the condition of your floor, budget limits, climate changes in your region, and lifestyle preferences. Ultimately it should come down to what works best for you! Although if you find that the epoxy coating is becoming slippery over time, then resolute action needs to be taken; more often than not, this would involve choosing a permanent solution.
Best to consult an epoxy flooring company to determine the right non-slip additive for your epoxy garage floor. They should be able to advise you on the best additives based on your individual needs and requirements. Our expert team at Epoxy Flooring Pros Pasco County guides you in getting a safe and durable epoxy garage flooring solution! Get in touch with us today if you have any questions.
