Selecting a non-skid additive for gelcoat coatings requires evaluating grit size, compatibility with epoxy and gelcoat systems, and the intended environment. The following products are popular options for improving traction on floors, decks, stairs, and other gelcoat applications, while aiming to preserve color and finish. This guide reviews five well-regarded choices, highlighting what each option offers for boat decks, garages, and high-traffic surfaces.
| Product | Grit Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasco Epoxies Non-Skid Paint Additive – COARSE | Coarse anti-slip particles | 2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoat coatings | Color-stable texture with durable wear resistance |
| Fasco Epoxies Non-Skid Paint Additive – FINE | Fine anti-slip particles | 2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoat coatings | More subtle texture with consistent color retention |
| Zinsser ST30 Skid-Tex | Fine to medium grit | Interior and exterior paints | Easy-to-use, helps prevent slips in multiple settings |
| MasonryDefender Fine Grit Clear Anti Slip Additive | Fine grain, clear finish | Paints and sealers for slip resistance | Clear, color-neutral texture |
| Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Non-Skid Additive | Medium grit | Epoxy and coating projects | Customizable skid resistance with enhanced grip |
Note: Each product is designed to integrate with gelcoat or related resin systems. Always follow manufacturer mixing ratios and cure schedules for optimal performance and safety.
Fasco Epoxies Coarse Non-Skid Additive – 1 Quart
Designed for 2-part epoxy systems, urethanes, gelcoats, and enamels, this coarse anti-slip additive embeds a durable texture into the coating while preserving color. The polymer structure helps ensure the additive remains embedded as the coating wears, making it suitable for floors, stairs, decks, walkways, and industrial environments. The product is marketed for heavy-traffic areas such as docks and boat decks as well as factory floors and inclined surfaces. Coarse grits provide noticeable traction without compromising coating integrity, making it a versatile option for surface safety enhancements across marine and industrial applications.
Fasco Epoxies Fine Non-Skid Additive – 1 Quart
This fine-grit option is intended for similar coatings (2-part epoxy, urethane, gelcoats, enamels) and aims to produce a smoother texture with long-term color stability. Ideal for applications where a more understated non-slip surface is desirable, such as interior floors and boat decks that require a refined appearance. The polymer system is designed to remain visually consistent as wear occurs, reducing noticeable changes in color on high-traffic surfaces. It suits stairs, decks, and entryways where a balanced traction profile is important without a pronounced texture ride.
Fasco Epoxies FAS-Grip Anti-Slip Additive – Half Pint
FAS-Grip is offered in a half-pint size designed for smaller applications or for testing in a single project. It is compatible with 2-part epoxy systems, urethanes, gelcoats, and enamels, with a polymer absorbing method to keep the coating color consistent as wear occurs. The additive is appropriate for floors, stairs, decks, walkways, and high-traffic areas such as factories and docks. Its mid-level grit provides reliable traction while maintaining a smooth overall finish, suitable for both residential and commercial marine environments.
MasonryDefender Fine Grit Clear Anti Slip Additive
Designed to mix with paints or sealers, this clear anti-slip additive adds grip without changing the color of the base coating. The fine grit provides a tactile texture suitable for interior and exterior surfaces where a discreet, water-friendly non-slip solution is desired. It resists chemicals and detergents, making it appropriate for garage floors, workshops, and living spaces that need dependable traction without visible grit. The product is especially compatible with acrylic sealers and other resin-based coatings commonly used on concrete or stone surfaces.
Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Non-Skid Additive (Medium Grit)
Stone Coat Countertops offers a medium-grit non-skid additive designed for epoxy countertop systems and similar gelcoat-based projects. It provides a durable grip enhancement while maintaining a pleasant aesthetic for living areas, bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and other high-traffic rooms. The additive is intended to be integrated into epoxy coatings to achieve a customizable level of traction, aligning with home improvement projects that require both safety and visual appeal.
Duratec Clear Hi-Gloss Additive for Gelcoat
This pint-size additive is designed to enhance gelcoat gloss and flow, promote smoother leveling, and minimize porosity and surface defects. It also aids spray and application performance by thinning and conditioning gelcoat for easier application. While primarily marketed for gelcoat finishing, it can complement non-skid strategies by improving the base coat’s surface characteristics, potentially enabling a more uniform skid texture across the final layer.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Coating compatibility: Confirm the additive works with the resin system you’re using (gelcoat, epoxy, urethane, or enamel) and whether it’s suitable for interior or exterior use.
- Grit size and texture: Coarse grits provide stronger traction but can alter the finish more noticeably; fine grits yield subtler texture and color stability.
- Color retention: Some additives are designed to remain color-neutral as they wear, which is important for maintaining a uniform appearance on visible surfaces.
- Application environment: For high-traffic areas, consider additives with chemical and detergent resistance to ensure long-term performance.
- Volume and coverage: Choose packaging size based on project scale. For larger projects, quart sizes may be more cost-effective than smaller options.
- Finish aesthetic: If the surface appearance matters (glossy, semi-gloss, or matte), select an additive that does not compromise the desired look.
- Safety and compatibility notes: Follow manufacturer directions for mixing ratios, cure times, and ventilation requirements, particularly for boat decks or garages filled with resin-based coatings.
- Maintenance and cleanup: Consider post-application care, including cleaning methods and the potential need for re-coating or reapplication after wear.