Anyone used SML anti-slip beads?

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SlowlyButSurely

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I've just painted part of my deck with these beads mixed with paint at the recommended ratio and the results are pretty awful. Is there there some technique to get a good finish?
 
I would suggest talking to sml marine paints .They are extremely knowledgeable and helpfull.
 
It might help if you define: 'awful' and describe what you have done, paint used and preparation. Maybe even pictures.

I'd follow through with Rappey's recommendation - and SML will want the same information.

Jonathan
 
I used SML Lustre low sheen top coat with the beads mixed in and brushed it on after preparing the surface as per instructions from SML. The finish is patchy and rough with the beads not evenly distributed in the surface.

Maybe the finish I have achieved is acceptable to some but I am used to Interdeck which produces a uniform smooth finish when I use it. I was hoping to hear from others who have used the SML beads but maybe I'm the only one.
 
There are some very knowledgeable bods over at SML - definitely ask them.

I've used Lustre but not the beads. My only thought is that, perhaps, it is asking a bit much of a self-mix to replicate the finish of the dedicated International product. Not to knock SML's stuff at all - we've got 13 coats of variously Jotun and SML own brand epoxy/bottom paint on ours! - but it is aimed more at the bulk/commercial market (into which they generously welcome and support us DIYers!). In short, it wouldn't surprise me if it takes some fettling to get right. But then, I presume you're saving a lot on the equivalent cost of Interdeck?
 
I have recently used Hempels non slip deck paint and it went on very well, The guy at Hempel said it is best to put a generous coat on do not brush it out too much, Keep squeezing the excess paint out of the brush and keep stirring the paint in the tin. Previously on another job I ha d used Hempels gloss paint with their non - slip pearls, I found it gave a very uneven finish. I think it is very difficult for the amateur to get a good mix on the paint.

David MH
 
dankilb said:
There are some very knowledgeable bods over at SML - definitely ask them.

I've used Lustre but not the beads. My only thought is that, perhaps, it is asking a bit much of a self-mix to replicate the finish of the dedicated International product. Not to knock SML's stuff at all - we've got 13 coats of variously Jotun and SML own brand epoxy/bottom paint on ours! - but it is aimed more at the bulk/commercial market (into which they generously welcome and support us DIYers!). In short, it wouldn't surprise me if it takes some fettling to get right. But then, I presume you're saving a lot on the equivalent cost of Interdeck?
Click to expand...

I think you are probably right. The idea was to reduce the number of different cans of paint as well as saving money. I may have to use Interdeck after all.
 
davidmh said:
I have recently used Hempels non slip deck paint and it went on very well, The guy at Hempel said it is best to put a generous coat on do not brush it out too much, Keep squeezing the excess paint out of the brush and keep stirring the paint in the tin. Previously on another job I ha d used Hempels gloss paint with their non - slip pearls, I found it gave a very uneven finish. I think it is very difficult for the amateur to get a good mix on the paint.

David MH
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, matches my own experience with the SML beads.
 
Looked at various options built on sme principle -and a handful of boats already treated.

Then went for KiwiGrip which is like rolling youghurt on the surface. I little technique required to get the anti skid level you want, in my case (cockpit) it is fairly slick, like many factory made GRP deck surfaces. After 5 seasons I'm now going to give it a single refresher coat as the white colour over time got blemished in spots from dirt, leaves et al.
3 x 2 m cockit floor, should take an hour or so incl. masking tape.
 
Thinking of Kiwigrip (and if you've got topcoat spare to experiment/test) you might consider thickening the paint with a small volume of cab-o-sil/silica to try and hold the beads more evenly in suspension. (The hot weather at the moment otherwise mightn't help, especially down South, as it'll further thin the paint!)

Again, I would ask SML. They've always humoured my queries about 'experimenting' with their coatings!

Presumably Kiwi is thickened paint (silicone-based?) with the clever roller?
 
Kiwi is water based, no mention of silicone on the tin.

Youtube has a bunch of vids but I apparently went for a thinner coat than most as it really went a long way. If you need a heavy coat to produce highest traction, you need to put more on. Much like the structure wall paint that was popular decades ago.

I was very happy to at the same time permanently fix a handful of spider cracks.
 
I used Hempel MultiCoat with added anti-slip granules on my coachroof and the result was poor.

I stripped it off and repainted with International deck paint (which has the granules in it) and the result was excellent.

Could be that I didn't do it properly but for others who maybe can't do it properly, I'd recommend the International paint.
 
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