Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 30, 2000 04:03pm | #1

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   Hi Pat,

   Put silica sand in a salt shaker and sprinkle it over the steps after you have painted the treads.

   Gabe

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   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 03:20am | #2

   *Amazing how these questions bunch. I am building an ADA ramp and am looking for options to make the pressure treated deck non-slip. In the past I've used non slip tape from 3M, but it doesn't seem to last. I would rather not paint. Is there another finish that would hold Gabe's sand?Any other ideas?Thanks,Rich Beckman0~

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   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 03:29am | #3

   *Might be worth a try to take some Manowar Spar varnish and try the sand thing, just do a test on scrap PT. I havent' done this though.MD

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   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 08:52pm | #4

   *Don't know how you will preserve the ramp unless you coat it with something. Whether that something is paint or varnish or whatever you can put sand in any of them. Or, maybe you can get one of the DYI truck bed products that includes a non-slip material in the coating.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 11:08pm | #5

   *Fellas,The most important part is SILICA sand. Not regular sand, most regular sand won't work. Most hardware or building supply stores stock it or can get it.You can put it on any paint or varnish on the market. As the finish dries it holds the silica sand like sandpaper and prevent slipping. You can't see it but you can feel it.Gabe

2. 
   Guest_ | Jun 02, 2000 05:18am | #6

   *Good tip.Don't breath silica dust though.MD

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 05, 2000 12:11pm | #7

   *Marine paint suppliers sell a non skid additive for painting boat decks. From the smell, I think it is ground walnut shells. I've used it on wooden ramps and although you can't feel it, it does work.

2. 
   Patrick_Eagan | Jun 07, 2000 02:54pm | #8

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   WE've tried the silica routine but the homeowners don't care for the look. I did a commercial TI job in Seattle where the mason and the hardwood installer used a non-skid poly but I can't seem to find it. THanks for all the input.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 07, 2000 04:00pm | #9

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   We have non-skid poly here for stair treads but its only reg. poly with the silica already added.

   In commercial work, we have floor paints for concrete that is non skid but isn't very effective in the long term. The trick with silica sand is to use a very light sprinkling. This is why I recommend using a salt sprinkler for control.

   Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 08, 2000 05:22am | #10

   *Thanks all!I used spar varnish and added the silica sand to the varnish before application. Couldn't find Manowar so I used what the Ben Moore dealer had (Old Masters?). The paint store insisted that I would get more even coverage if I added it in before application. Looked OK wet.......Rich Beckman

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 08, 2000 08:59pm | #11

   *Hi Rick,The only problem with adding the silica sand to the varnish is that you have to really mix it hard before application. The silica sand will settle to the bottom and you won't get a consistent coverage.Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 13, 2000 05:10am | #13

   *Gabe,True. I was stirring up a storm with practically every dip of the brush into the can.Thanks again.Rich Beckman

4. 
   Pat_Eagan | Jun 13, 2000 05:10am | #12

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   I am looking for a clear poly or oil base non skid paint surface for a set of log hewn stairs in a custom home that we are building any ideas?