Non-skid additives help transform glossy gelcoat into safer, high-traction surfaces without dramatically altering color. This guide highlights top-rated options suitable for gelcoat, epoxy, and related coatings, with a focus on durability, ease of use, and consistent results. Use these additives to improve grip on floors, decks, stairs, docks, and wet-area surfaces while preserving aesthetic appeal and coating performance.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Skid Paint Additive (Coarse) | Fasco Epoxies | Coarse anti-slip particles | High traction with color retention |
| Non-Skid Paint Additive (Fine) | Fasco Epoxies | Fine anti-slip particles | Subtle texture and even wear |
| FAS-Grip Anti-Slip (Fine) | Fasco Epoxies | Fine non-skid particles | Easy application with durable grip |
| MasonryDefender Fine Grit Anti-Slip | MasonryDefender | Fine grit additive | Clear, keeps color; good for sealers |
| Zinsser ST30 Skid-Tex | Zinsser | Non-skid additive | User-friendly, interior/exterior use |
Fasco Epoxies Non-Skid Paint Additive – Coarse
Brand: Fasco Epoxies. This quart additive is designed for 5 gallons of coating. It uses coarse anti-slip particles that provide strong traction on floors, stairs, decks, walkways, and industrial surfaces. It’s suitable for 2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoats, and enamels. A unique polymer helps the color stay true as the coating wears, maintaining a consistent appearance while delivering durable grip.
Fasco Epoxies Non-Skid Paint Additive – Fine
Brand: Fasco Epoxies. This quart for 5 gallons features fine anti-slip particles for a more subtle texture. Like the coarse option, it’s compatible with 2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoats, and enamels, and it preserves the paint color as it wears. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use on floors, stairs, docks, and industrial surfaces where a less aggressive grip is preferred.
FAS-Grip Anti-Slip Paint Additive (Fine)
Brand: Fasco Epoxies. This half-pint (for 1 gallon) option uses fine non-slip particles. It’s designed to pair with 2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoats, and enamels, offering a durable grip and the same color retention as the surrounding coating. Suitable for floors, stairs, decks, walkways, factories, inclines, boat decks, and docks.
MasonryDefender Fine Grit Anti Slip Additive
Brand: MasonryDefender. This 4 oz additive is designed for mixing with 1 gallon of paint or sealer to create a slip-resistant surface. It remains clear and non-altering to color, with chemical and detergent resistance for long-lasting traction on concrete, masonry, and other substrates commonly subjected to moisture and traffic.
Zinsser ST30 Skid-Tex Non-Skid Additive
Brand: Zinsser. This user-friendly additive blends into interior and exterior floor paints to reduce slip risk. It’s designed for paints and can help deliver reliable traction without dramatically altering color or texture, making it suitable for workshops, kitchens, entryways, and other high-traffic areas.
Additional Product Considerations
Non-skid additives vary in grit size (coarse vs. fine), compatibility (epoxies, urethanes, gels, enamels, or paints), and color impact. Coarse granules deliver higher traction and are well-suited for outdoor decks, docks, and wet environments, while fine granules offer a more subtle texture ideal for interior floors and painted surfaces. Some additives are designed to stay clear, preserving color, and others might slightly alter texture or sheen. Always verify surface compatibility and cure times with the coating system you plan to use.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations
- Surface compatibility: Ensure the additive works with your coating system (gelcoat, epoxy, urethane, or enamel) and coating thickness.
- Grit size and texture: Choose coarse for high-traction needs (exterior decks, docks) or fine for lighter traffic areas (interiors, stairs).
- Color retention: Some additives are color-neutral; others may slightly tint or affect gloss. If color accuracy matters, select neutral or clear options.
- Application method: Look for additives that mix smoothly without clumping. Consider pot life and mixing ratios to avoid premature setup or waste.
- Durability and maintenance: Consider exposure conditions (sun, moisture, heavy foot traffic) and whether the additive is resistant to chemicals and cleaning agents.
- Coverage and yield: Check the coating’s coverage rate per gallon with the additive to estimate how many coats you can apply per project.
- Safety and handling: Review any safety data regarding inhalation, skin contact, and disposal, especially for outdoor or marine environments.
- Availability and compatibility with existing products: If you use a specific brand ecosystem, sticking with the same brand can simplify mixing and cure behavior.