What Is Anti-Slip Paint & How Does It Work?

Wet warehouse floors and oily workshop bays cause thousands of workplace falls every year. Fixing that risk doesn't have to mean ripping up flooring or fitting expensive matting.

So, what is anti-slip paint? It's a specialist coating that adds grip to a surface without changing how the space is used. Anti-slip paint is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to make a floor safer. It's a product TA Industrial Paints manufactures in-house for exactly that purpose.

How Does Anti-Slip Paint Work?

Anti-slip paint works by suspending an aggregate, usually fine sand or grit, throughout the paint film. Once applied, that aggregate creates a textured, gritty surface instead of a smooth one.

This texture increases friction between feet, tyres and the floor. It's the same principle behind grip tape on a skateboard, just spread across a much larger area.

Every anti-slip floor paint TA Industrial Paints supplies uses this pre-mixed aggregate approach. There's no separate additive to measure out or mix in yourself. That cuts prep time and reduces the risk of an uneven finish.

The aggregate is bound directly into the paint film as it cures. That means the grip doesn't wash away after a single clean, unlike some anti-slip sprays or temporary treatments.

What Anti-Slip Paint Options Does TA Industrial Paints Supply?

TA Industrial Paints manufactures two main types of anti-slip coating:

• Single-pack polyurethane anti-slip paint:

Ready to use straight from the tin, touch dry in as little as 2-4 hours, ideal for light to medium foot traffic.

• Two-pack epoxy anti-slip paint:

A heavy-duty option for busy factory and warehouse floors, designed to withstand heavy use and vehicle traffic while offering greater chemical resistance. 

Both types suit concrete, primed metal, wood, stone and brick. Products come in 1L, 2.5L and 5L sizes, with up to 10 colour options depending on the range.

Specific products include the Anti Slip Floor Paint for garages and factories. There's also the Epoxy Anti Slip Concrete Floor Paint for heavy-traffic areas. Dedicated options exist for decking, steps, metal floors and marine decks too.

Not sure which type suits your site? As a general rule:

• Single-pack polyurethane is ideal for lighter footfall areas, external applications where UV resistance is important, and for marking out walkways or designated areas.

• Two-pack epoxy is a heavy-duty option suitable for factories, warehouses, workshops and commercial garages where forklifts, vehicles or heavy machinery are in regular use. It’s also a great choice for home garages, including areas used for cars and motorbikes, where a tougher, more durable finish is required.

If you're still unsure, our team can talk through your surface and budget before you order. 

What Colours Does Anti-Slip Paint Come In?

Anti-slip paint isn't limited to grey or black. TA Industrial Paints offers up to 10 standard colours across its anti-slip range, including safety yellow.

• Safety yellow highlights hazard zones, step edges and walkway boundaries

• Standard shades suit garages and general industrial floors

• Custom RAL colour matching is available in single-pack Polyurethane Anti-slip paint for branded or colour-coded schemes

Choosing a bright colour for high-risk areas, like ramps or loading bays, makes hazards easier to spot at a glance. It's a simple way to combine safety with visibility. Browse the full Paint Colour Charts to see what's available before you order.

Where Can You Use Anti-Slip Floor Paint?

Anti-slip paint works almost anywhere a wet or oily surface poses a risk. 

Common applications include:

• Warehouse and factory floors

• Garage and workshop floors

• Fire escapes, ramps and steps

• Balconies and external walkways

• Boat decks exposed to spray and rain

• Loading bays and delivery entrances

Unsure which surface type applies to your project? TA's Industrial Floor Paint range and Concrete Paints category cover most common substrates.

Why Does Slip Resistance Matter For UK Businesses?

Slips and trips are the most common cause of major workplace injuries in the UK. They account for around half of all major injuries reported each year (HSE). Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to keep floors safe

Anti-slip paint is a low-cost way to meet that duty without a full floor replacement. For sites with a history of near-misses, it's often the quickest improvement a facilities manager can make.

How Do You Apply Anti-Slip Paint?

The application of anti-slip paint is straightforward with the right preparation.

• Clean the surface thoroughly and remove grease or dust

• Repair cracks or uneven patches before painting

• Apply by brush or roller, working in manageable sections

• Allow full cure time before returning the area to heavy use

For a complete walkthrough, TA's Ultimate Floor Paint Guide covers surface prep, application and drying times in more detail.

Most single-pack products need no primer, since the paint itself primes, seals and protects in one coat. Two-pack epoxy systems generally perform best over a primed concrete surface. 

How Long Does Anti-Slip Paint Last?

Anti-slip paint typically lasts anywhere from six months to over three years. Lifespan depends on foot and vehicle traffic, plus how well the surface is maintained.

Two-pack epoxy anti-slip paint tends to outlast single-pack polyurethane in high-traffic areas, thanks to its harder, more chemical-resistant finish. Regular cleaning and prompt repair of worn patches will extend the coating's working life.

FAQs

Can You Apply Anti-Slip Paint Over Existing Floor Paint?

Generally, yes, provided the existing coating is sound, clean and free from flaking. Lightly abrade and thoroughly clean the surface before application. If the old paint is peeling, strip it back first. Two-pack epoxy anti-slip should not be applied over existing single-pack paints, as it will attack it.

Does Anti-Slip Paint Make Floors Harder To Clean?

No, anti-slip paint does not make floors harder to clean, but the textured finish does need a slightly different approach. A stiff broom or scrubber, rather than a flat mop, lifts dirt from the aggregate texture better. 

Can Anti-Slip Paint Be Colour-Matched To Your Branding?

Yes. For larger orders, our single-pack polyurethane anti-slip can be manufactured in the full BS 4800, BS 381C and RAL Classic colour ranges. For epoxy anti-slip colours, please enquire with the relevant colour code and we can check availability. 

Get In Touch

Whether you're protecting a factory floor or a boat deck, TA Industrial Paints has you covered. Our coatings are built for UK conditions and backed by genuine technical advice. Contact us with any further queries about the right product for your project.