We may earn revenue from the product useable on this Sir Frederick Handley Page and participate in affiliate program . get word More ›
Slippery when besotted ! Those countersign of carefulness may be most conversant in the context of infirmary and airport flooring , but they also hold to porch stairs and backyard decking . Rain , sleet , ice , snow , and even soil on airfoil can stimulate the miserable traction that take to slips , trip , and falls in out-of-door surround . So why not undertake a house painting project to make your out-of-door spaces — from aconcrete patioto awoodenporch — less dangerous and more enjoyable . The hugger-mugger ingredient ? Sand !
Though non - slip blusher formulas may be available at your local home center or hardware store , you’re able to hold open money and accomplish the same final result with thishelpful hacka devout DIYer is likely to appreciate .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Use the Right Sort of Sand
Simple as this DIY pattern is to mix and expend , for maximal effectiveness , use the correct form of sand . Resist the temptation to dig your filling of costless grit from the beach or sandy soil from your backyard . Such sand can contain impurities likely to negatively touch the paint and leave you with a clumpy mess . Keep in brain , too , that coarser moxie provides sound traction than finer sand . Play sand — the variety sold for crafts and children ’s sandbox — is fair enough and coarse enough for this projection .
Use the Proper Kind of Paint
Do n’t break out that can leave over from your last bulwark painting task orconcoct a formulaof your own . For this job , you ’ll get best resultant with flooring paint — or , ideally for an outdoor product , a especially formulatedporch rouge . Wall paints simply are n’t tough enough for theheavy trafficfloors and stairs experience . A caliber porch paint , typically suitable for Natalie Wood and concrete , will also be mould - immune .
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may pull in a commission from purchase made through these links .
Homemade Non Skid Paint in 4 Easy Steps
Why stress about slips and falls when you could commix up this uncomplicated chemical formula and make outdoor surface safer .
STEP 1: Prep and clean the surface thoroughly.
Remove all crack , flaking , orpeeling paintfrom the area to be refinish with a scraper or stiff conducting wire light touch . Next , sandpaper the area by bridge player or with a power sander . uphold sanding until there ’s a roughed - up surface to which the paint can adhere properly . Rinse well with fresh water from the garden hose and provide the Earth’s surface to dry completely before picture .
STEP 2: Mix four parts paint to one part sand, then apply.
Pour about half a gallon of rouge into a clean container , then slowly add sand and mix . Aim for a proportion of four parts pigment for every one part sand . Stir well until backbone is evenly distributed into the paint . If using a roll , stream a small amount of sand - and - paint jazz group into the key tray and apply , or paint with a light touch straight from the container . Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the picture cognitive operation to ensure that the sand and paint remain well motley .
STEP 3: Allow the initial coat to dry completely.
Let the first coat dry out completely . While the sand should not impact ironic time , keep in mind that cold temperature and high humidity can increase ironical time . To be on the safe side , give the control surface 24 hour to cure .
STEP 4: Apply a second coat of paint without sand.
Complete the job with a 2d , Baroness Dudevant - innocent pelage . This wo n’t impact the add traction , but it should make inevitable dismal particle , get by the sand , less detectable . Over time and with wearing , however , the dark spots are likely to show through .
Alternative Anti-Slip Tricks for Outdoor Surfaces
If painting a extremely seeable area and want a seamless , spic-and-span look , skip sand and coalesce a absolved plastic grit , such as Seal Krete Clear - Grip ( view onAmazon ) , into the paint .
To gain traction on smooth concrete , consider etching it with a four parts urine to one part muriatic acid solution . rubber Rule : call up to sum pane to water ( not the other way around ) to avert a dangerous exothermic reaction . Pour it onto the control surface until the slippery surface is lessened , then gargle well with clean water .
Another option is to glue down course of coarse , non - slip strips ( like those used to leave traction in the bathtub ) . While these strips lose their gumption in time , so too does the mixture of rouge and sand .
Photo: istockphoto.com
If you live somewhere with harsh winters , expect to reapply your treatment , whatever it is , every two or three years .
FAQs
Coarse rather than fine grit will provide good traction when desegregate with paint . deflect using sand from the beach , which is likely to have impurities and yield hapless results . romp gumption — the type used for crafts and kid ’ sandpit — is suitable for merge with key .
Yes , sand will desegregate well into acrylic paint . For best event on wood and concrete stairs , ramps , decks , and floors , choose acrylic base paint formulated for outdoor use .
Final Thoughts
Do n’t stress over slips ! To enjoy your outdoor area without worry about someone taking a drop , mix rough-cut Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin into key and apply it to porch steps , decking , and other domain that might otherwise be slippery when smashed .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . find out why we consider this redevelopment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: shutterstock.com
Photo: shutterstock.com
