How to Make Nonslip Paint
- 1). Purchase paint for your job. Plan on using approximately 1 quart of nonskid additive for each gallon of paint.
- 2). Locate the right nonskid additive for your project. Additives range from ground nutshells to sand to crushed pumice stone, ground rubber and, recently, polymer spheres. Nonskid surfaces can be heavily or lightly grained. For stadium steps, for example, the right choice would be a heavy grit that stands up to weather and the friction of boots and shoes. Lighter grains and less abrasive grits are essential for barefoot swimmers. Boat use probably determines the exact degree of nonskid protection and the substance used; a racing yacht, for example, needs more secure protection on more surfaces than a small boat used for weekend fishing or entertaining.
- 3). Mix the nonskid additive with your paint, according to package directions, and 1 gallon at a time. Plan to stir the mixture frequently during painting. Grit, although suspended in the paint, will tend to sink to the bottom of the can. Therefore, mixing a can at a time and stirring frequently as you paint will ensure the most even and safest nonstick surface.
- 4). Obtain a custom level of nonskid protection by scattering, or broadcasting, the nonskid grit over fresh wet paint, rather than mixing it into the paint. This process lets you control the nonslip texture, but it may involve a second stage. Find out before you use the broadcasting method whether you will need extra paint or a sealer to cover it.
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