Non-slip for cabin sole (varnish or similar) ?

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prv

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Working at the galley or chart table while under way in Kindred Spirit was quite easy because the cabin sole was only about 18" wide so I was always wedged in position. Ariam has a much bigger expanse of sole, and a few times this summer I found myself sliding away from the cooker or the charts, especially when things were a bit damp. So I want to add some grip to the sole boards.

Being rather an AWB, the surface is actually some kind of plastic laminate rather than solid wood or even veneer. I guess maybe it originally had a texture, which has worn smooth and slippery over fifteen years of chartering. I'm happy enough with its appearance, so ideally I just want to paint something more or less transparent over it which will give decent grip. Obviously just slapping down some Treadmaster or black non-slip tape would solve the slipping problem instantly, but this kind of thing is really not acceptable from an aesthetic point of view.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Pete
 
Just redone my sole boards with Ronseal Floor Varnish. Seems non slip and slightly matt finish. Looks like milk when it goes on but cures very quickly to transparent. Mine are teak and holly ply, so don't know if it will work on laminates. Rather expensive stuff per tin although coverage is good as only 3 coats needed.
 
I'd be tempted to try some epoxy and either sprinkle non-slip additive on it or lay over something with the desired pattern embossed in it, like a piece of rubber mat, vinyl flooring or a baking impression sheet and weight it down. You'd need to experiment to see whether your chosen texture material releases epoxy or whether it would need a release agent of some kind.

http://www.globalsugarart.com/diamond-plate-impression-mat-by-ck-p-29707.html
 
My last boat had teak/holly flooring. Alternate stripes had been varnished with silver sand added. It was done when I bought the boat and was still grippy when sold after 8 years, probably used 2 pack varnish.
 
We had the same problem, teak and holly sole throughout, varnished. The easy solution was Turtle Mats. They are rubber backed with a "grippy" texture and they hold relentlessly to the smooth varnished surface. The other side is effectively a carpet surface so provides good boat shoe hold. They're washable in the washing machine and unaffected by damp. They are also fabulous at soaking water off shoes so when you come down below with wet feet the moisture is quickly absorbed by the mat. Not cheap, granted, but very good for the boat.
 
A friend tried a number of non-slip solutions on his dinghies...

Number one (if you're treading on it, not sat on it) is sliver sand sprinkled onto the wet varnish. Works a treat and the substrate still looks good. Don't try sitting on it as it will rip the bum straight out of your sailing kit...

Number two (safe for sailing kit) is granulated sugar sprinkled onto the wet varnish. Once the varnish is very dry simply scrub it a few times to get the sugar off and then you're left with a lovely rough varnish. Miss the scrubbing? Yes, you get a very sticky boat...
 
langstonelayabout said:
A friend tried a number of non-slip solutions on his dinghies...

Number one (if you're treading on it, not sat on it) is sliver sand sprinkled onto the wet varnish. Works a treat and the substrate still looks good. Don't try sitting on it as it will rip the bum straight out of your sailing kit...

Number two (safe for sailing kit) is granulated sugar sprinkled onto the wet varnish. Once the varnish is very dry simply scrub it a few times to get the sugar off and then you're left with a lovely rough varnish. Miss the scrubbing? Yes, you get a very sticky boat...
Click to expand...

I masked off lines and painted epoxy onto my sole. Then sprinkled finely broken seashells into it. Got them at the shoreline of my local beach. The cream of the shells contrasts nicely with the wood and it works really well
 
Salty John said:
You can get non-slip clear finish that they use for sports halls and the like. Sadolin is one make, there are others.
Click to expand...

Ta, that sounds like the stuff. I don't want to put down any mats or carpets, and while varnish with bits in was always a plan C option, I suspect it would be too visible (also a bit of a faff).

Pete
 
I've used Screwfix no nonsense floor varnish over my entire saloon/ galley floor. Works fine with non slip surface in med conditions. Thought I might need to add sand in a top coat but it never proved necessary.
 
We use clear floor paint; B & Q used to do one but no longer so we have to use the branded makes . As each coat dries quickly we try to organise to do it on a dry day when we can get on with outside jobs in between coats and on the last day so the final coat is put on just before we leave and its rock hard when we next go down.
 
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