How Do You Make a Resin Floor Anti-Slip?

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How Do You Make a Resin Floor Anti-Slip?

Slip-resistant resin floors are essential for industrial environments where slippery floors can lead to severe accidents. Such as in the emergency services, medical facilities, commercial kitchens, research laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

If epoxy gets coated in oil or water, the surface of the floor can feel like an ice skating rink.

Applying a high-quality anti-slip resin flooring system can dramatically increase safety and also increase the productivity of your employees.

Anti-slip flooring can help maintain compliance with regulations, reduce liability risks, and enhance the overall operational efficiency and reputation of your business. So, how do you make a standard epoxy resin floor surface anti-slip?

The Different Methods Used to Make a Resin Floor Anti-Slip

• Using Aggregates

Using aggregates to make a resin floor anti-slip involves mixing coarse materials into the resin before applying it to the floor surface. Aggregates provide the texture and grip needed to create slip resistance.

Different types of aggregates include sand, quartz and aluminum oxide.

The aggregate process involves adding a small amount of aggregate to the resin mixture and gradually increasing it until the desired texture is achieved.

• Additives and Coatings

Using additives and coatings to create an anti-slip floor involves incorporating specialised products into your existing resin floor system. These additives and coatings enhance the surface’s traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Different types of additives and coatings include aluminum oxide, silica, polymer beads and clear topcoats with anti-slip properties.

The additive process involves adding the chosen anti-slip additives to the mixed resin gradually whilst stirring continuously to ensure an even distribution.

The coating process involves applying a clear protective coating with anti-slip properties over the surface of the cured and cleaned resin floor.

• Surface Treatments

Using surface treatments to create an anti-slip floor involves applying mechanical or chemical methods to alter the resin surface texture and enhance traction.

Different types of surface treatments include shot blasting, grinding and chemical etching.

The shot blasting and grinding process involves operating the equipment over the entire floor surface, creating a textured profile. This involves removing a thin layer of the existing surface to expose aggregates or create texture.

The etching process involves applying the etching solution to the floor surface using a sprayer or roller, working in small sections. Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time, which typically ranges from a few minutes to half an hour. Then use a scrub brush to agitate the surface and after the required time, rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove the etching solution.

Safety Standards & Regulations

The Pendulum test is the preferred method of testing by the Health and Safety Executive for measuring slip resistance in the UK. For floor coverings to be used in public places in both wet and dry conditions, the HSE recommends a minimum score of 36 or more.

For more information on industrial floor safety you can refer to Section 12 of The Workplace Regulations 1992