Anti-slip appearance

[dune]

Finally moved forward on having the garage floor professionally coated last weekend. Overall the workmanship and products used seem spot on.

Of course there's an exception, the decision to add anti-slip to the estimate. I originally hadn't planned on it, but the installer recommended it and said it wouldn't be noticeable.

Well, picture attached and it is noticeable not to mention gives the floor a dirty feel. There were two grit options and I went with the less aggressive one.

Posting here as to what others think (safety over looks) and whether there would be less visible products out there. I keep reading some are more powder like than granules.

 

[boobag]

epoxy floors can get slick without grit or flakes.
that looks about the same as a floor i did. once you have stuff and cars in the garage, you wont notice it much. and its too late to do anything now, so dont stress it.

 

[Shea]

It looks like aluminum oxide granules. What type of top coat was applied? Was it a high solids epoxy or polyaspartic? Thicker coats generally will require larger grit.

When using an anti-slip grit I've always preferred a polyurethane top coat. They are much thinner which allows you to use the smaller polymer grit like Shark Grip.

 

[Garage Flooring]

It looks like aluminum oxide granules. What type of top coat was applied? Was it a high solids epoxy or polyaspartic? Thicker coats generally will require larger grit.

When using an anti-slip grit I've always preferred a polyurethane top coat. They are much thinner which allows you to use the smaller polymer grit like Shark Grip.

I think people in general need to understand that Sharkgrip is a brand of for lack of a better way of putting it plastic beads for anti skid. Aluminum oxide comes in various grits and most importantly you can get tabular alumina which is rounded and very fine and much less aggressive than Sharkgrip.....

We carry both. They both have their place and they are both installed differently. You simply have to start with the end in mind and decide what level of anti skid versus 'smooth and shiney' you want.

 

[dune]

It looks like aluminum oxide granules. What type of top coat was applied? Was it a high solids epoxy or polyaspartic?

The top clear coat is listed as a "100% solids, two-component aliphatic polyhybrid"...

The grit is suspended in the clear as the floor looked perfect just prior to the clear going on. Pretty sure it's aluminum oxide.

The installer accidentally used the more aggressive grit the first time so had to sand and refinish with a second layer of pigment and a new topcoat. I was expecting the correct grit wouldn't be as visible. It's definitely better and you don't feel it as much, but I think I'm going to have problems with mops or sponges catching.

I'll see if I can find out what anti-slip product was used. I don't really plan on having it "fixed" in some way, but when it comes time to refinish I wonder if there's other options.

Wondering if this smooths out too as the floor gets used.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Is the 'line' in the floor a function of the lighting ?

 

[dune]

Is the 'line' in the floor a function of the lighting ?

Yes, that's a 4" drop/tire stop.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

There are less visible products available. However, not invisible.
The floor is super glossy now, as you break it in, it will be less visible.

Here are some to check out:

 

[Armorpoxy]

This appears to be a pretty large sized non skid particle. Agree with above there are many products that are available that would have been much less bumpy. We offer both our very small particle and most popular Armor Grip, and a powdered metal called UltraWear. Both products reduce slippage, but are easy to clean and not gritty.

 

[dune]

This appears to be a pretty large sized non skid particle. Agree with above there are many products that are available that would have been much less bumpy.

Here's a picture to give a better idea of scale. I think I would've been happier with an ultra-fine/powder-type product.

Installer says this is 50 grit polypropylene.

 

[Shelby_sho]

I had similar thoughts when I had my garage coated.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257882

It's been down for more than a year now, no issues with a mop or squeegee. I like it now, prevents slip and falls with snow or water.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Better to see some grit then taking an unexpected ride down to the deck!

 

[workhurts]

Any chance someone can start a thread on anti slip? We have a million threads about types of epoxy but really not too much on anti slip. Every vendor has their own product and it's getting a bit frustrating differentiating between things.

I don't think I've seen a comprehensive listing of what grips goes with what product.

Even in this thread itself, all we get is we have this and we have that and this is ours .... etc.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Any chance someone can start a thread on anti slip? We have a million threads about types of epoxy but really not too much on anti slip. Every vendor has their own product and it's getting a bit frustrating differentiating between things.

I don't think I've seen a comprehensive listing of what grips goes with what product.

Even in this thread itself, all we get is we have this and we have that and this is ours .... etc.

I actually started a thread about it some time ago. The issue is there is so much variation even with the same product(s). For example one of the products I give away now with orders, we can accomplish limitless variations of texture based on how much is applied and in what coat it is applied.

Aluminum Oxide (non modified)

Is available in various grits and considered to be relatively aggressive and sharp. Can be mixed in to the coating directly.

Tabular Alumina

Is a more friendly or 'soft' product that actually is an aluminum oxide, but it is much more rounded and friendly to the feet http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1389

Again available in different grits or screen sizes and can be mixed into the coating. I would use this in thin build products where the ultimate outcome was focused on appearance. Also great on high use floors as an anti wear agent. BUT you need to pay attention to size and quantity to get adequate anti slip.

Sinks to bottom of material requiring good mixing.

Silica Sand

Typically broadcast into the coating and backrolled or embedded in another coat. aggressive and difficult to clean.

MICRONIZED POLYPROPYLENES

This is the type of product sold under the brand Shark Grip. Depending on where in the coating system, screen size and quantity it can result in a texture much like what the OP sees and even much heavier.

It can also be installed in finer combinations and embedded deeper into the coating system to result in a smoother finish. This product is more functional as an aggressive anti skid. Because of its rounded shape, it has a reputation for being easy to clean, but I find that to be dependant on how and where it is installed.

Floats to top of material, need to make sure you mix well and avoid clumps.

 

[KDXSR5]

So, can the OP soften his antiskid by applying another coat or two of clear, effectively dropping his antiskid into a deeper level if the coating system?

 

[Armorpoxy]

Topcoat as a general rule will do little to fix a floor. If you can't live with it then recoat with thick 100% solids epoxy and then re topcoat. Sand first for adhesion.


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[Garage Flooring]

So, can the OP soften his antiskid by applying another coat or two of clear, effectively dropping his antiskid into a deeper level if the coating system?

It won't hide the look of the antiskid but it will soften the texture.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

So, can the OP soften his antiskid by applying another coat or two of clear, effectively dropping his antiskid into a deeper level if the coating system?

Correct. If prepared correctly.

I want to remind all that proper usage of these grip products are subject to site conditions and installers ability. We can spec all day long. If the specs are not followed this can go to pot.

Do a brush out if the surface texture is critical, especially if you will deal with wet floors continually.