Non Slip Varnish

[Resolution]

My companionway steps need some serious TLC. What should one add to the varnish to provide a really non-slip finish? Sand, sugar or baking soda all ring distant bells. Suggestions please!

 

[Praxinoscope]

Hi

Both International and Hemel supply a non slip additive for paint etc.

 

[JimC]

The method with sugar is to sprinkle it onto the wet varnish and then dissolve it with hot water when the varnish has dried. This certainly leaves a non-slip finish but the thousands of tiny craters left by the dissolved crystals hold the dirt and soon look very shabby. Better to use the proper additives.

 

[saxonpirate]

I've always used non slip tape for steps/ladders, and anywhere that needs a grip. You can get various widths and colours. Easy to use, and makes a neat looking job on varnished companionway steps. Far easier, and more professional than mixing additives with varnish. Lasts a long time too, very hard wearing. There are plenty of suppliers, but here's just one below..

http://www.stopslip.co.uk/anti-slip-products/anti-slip-tape/gunwale-anti-slip-tape.aspx

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

+1 for non-skid tape. Sugar leaves small craters that catch dirt although it can be mitigated by a final coat of varnish over the craters. Worst would be sand; it becomes like sandpaper; unkind to bare feet and mauls the seat of your shorts if you sit on the treated areas.

 

[Stemar]

+1 for non-skid tape. Sugar leaves small craters that catch dirt although it can be mitigated by a final coat of varnish over the craters. Worst would be sand; it becomes like sandpaper; unkind to bare feet and mauls the seat of your shorts if you sit on the treated areas.

+ another for the tape. I've got some clear non-slip tape on my companionway steps and it looks neat and does the job.

 

[Tranona]

Ronseal Floor Varnish. Gives a matt finish that is reasonably non slip without being textured. Used it for years on both steps and tak and holly cabin sole.

 

[Yngmar]

Or add some anodized aluminium stair edging profiles. Affordable, durable, looks good (I think), very non-slippery, and keeps the varnish protected, as you step on the alu and not the varnish.

 

[Resolution]

Hi

Both International and Hemel supply a non slip additive for paint etc.

Thanks - I have found a pot of Hempel "pearls" which I will use later in the month when on the boat.

 

[jondseymour]

I think I'm late to the party but thought it was worth mentioning that Heskins offer a wide range of anti slip tapes. I'm sure you'll find the ideal solution.

 

[dansaskip]

Another suggestion is to add some treadmaster to the steps- that is what is done in my boat and works really well.

 

[jamie N]

Washed sand, sprinkled over a masked off area of fresh & wet varnish, then revarnished after drying.

 

[geem]

+ another for the tape. I've got some clear non-slip tape on my companionway steps and it looks neat and does the job.

We fitted clear non-slip tape a few years ago after we varnished the steps. It still looks great and performs well