Can You Apply Anti-Slip Coatings on Painted Concrete Steps?

Painted concrete steps are a common feature in residential and commercial properties. They offer a finished appearance, protect against weathering, and can match the overall aesthetic of a building. However, one persistent concern remains: slip resistance. Particularly in wet or icy conditions, painted concrete can become dangerously slick. The question many contractors, homeowners, and facility managers ask is: Can you apply anti-slip coatings on painted concrete steps? The short answer is yes—but only if proper surface preparation and material selection are followed.

Background: Why Slippery Painted Steps Are a Safety Hazard

According to CDC fall injury statistics, slips and falls account for over 1 million emergency room visits annually in the United States. Painted concrete, especially when exposed to rain or snow, is one of the most common culprits. Unlike textured stone, painted surfaces often lack sufficient micro-roughness to maintain traction under foot traffic.

While paints may provide color and protection, they seldom contribute to coefficient of friction (COF). ASTM standards recommend a minimum static COF of 0.5 for walking surfaces, yet painted concrete without treatment often measures below this threshold. Hence, anti-slip coatings become not just optional but necessary for safety compliance in many settings.

Professional Explanation: Surface Preparation Is Key

Applying anti-slip coatings directly onto smooth paint rarely delivers lasting results. The bond between the new coating and the existing paint layer can fail prematurely. This is why mechanical surface preparation is critical. Tools like Brolangt 6-inch bush hammer plates and SDS-MAX bush hammers are specifically designed to roughen painted or sealed surfaces, creating a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3–5, as recommended by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI).

In fact, industry tests show that coatings applied on mechanically profiled surfaces last up to 5 times longer than those applied on unprepared, smooth paint. This demonstrates why skipping preparation is the most common cause of coating failure.

Correct Approach vs Common Mistakes

Application Advice: Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Inspection: Identify existing paint type, condition, and thickness. If the paint is delaminating, complete removal may be necessary using a 5-inch bush hammer plate.
2. Surface Profiling: Use silent-core diamond milling wheels for noise-reduced, consistent texturing of concrete steps, especially in residential settings.
3. Cleaning: Remove dust and slurry with industrial vacuum and rinse with clean water.
4. Priming: Apply primer compatible with both paint substrate and anti-slip coating system.
5. Coating Application: Apply anti-slip coating evenly, often in 2–3 thin layers. Ensure uniform distribution of grit additives.
6. Curing and Testing: Allow curing as per manufacturer’s instructions (typically 24–48 hours) before traffic use. Test COF with portable slip testers to ensure compliance with ASTM C1028 or ANSI A137.1 standards.

Industry Case Example

In a recent retrofit project at a North American stone fabrication facility, painted concrete access steps were treated with anti-slip coatings after mechanical profiling. The contractor used a Brolangt SDS-Plus bush hammer tool to achieve CSP 4. After applying a polyurethane-based anti-slip system, COF increased from 0.37 (pre-treatment) to 0.61 (post-treatment), surpassing OSHA and ADA safety recommendations. The facility reported a 40% reduction in slip incidents over the next 12 months.

Additional Considerations: Coating Selection

Anti-slip coatings vary in chemical composition, durability, and grip levels. Resin-based coatings, such as epoxy and polyurethane, dominate the market. Let’s briefly compare:

Common Misconceptions

• “Anti-slip coating can be applied on any surface without preparation.” — False. Without proper CSP, adhesion is unreliable.
• “One thick coat is better than multiple thin coats.” — Incorrect. Thick layers may trap solvents and crack.
• “Once applied, coatings last forever.” — Misleading. Even premium coatings require maintenance every 3–5 years under heavy foot traffic.
• “Any grit size works.” — Wrong. Oversized grit can reduce comfort and cleaning efficiency, while undersized grit fails to improve COF. Refer to our article on choosing grit size by stone type.

Supporting Data and External References

Industry research from Statista highlights that slips, trips, and falls account for 27% of all nonfatal occupational injuries in the U.S. Additionally, ISO 13007 standards specify slip resistance benchmarks for floor finishes, further underscoring the need for anti-slip coatings in compliance with international best practices.

Summary

Yes, you can apply anti-slip coatings on painted concrete steps, but success depends on careful surface preparation, correct coating choice, and adherence to application standards. Professional tools like Brolangt bush hammer plates and diamond milling wheels enable durable, safe, and compliant outcomes. Ignoring these steps can result in premature failure, safety hazards, and wasted investment.

Recommended Reading

• Environmental Dust Control When Using Diamond Milling Wheels
• Comparing Resin-Bond vs Metal-Bond Diamond Milling Wheels
• Surface Adhesion Benefits of Bush Hammer Before Coatings
• Using Bush Hammer Plate to Remove Non-Metallic Coatings
• CNC Bridge Saw vs Manual Milling: Pros, Cons, ROI