How to Prepare an Existing Ramp Surface for a Non-Slip Finish?

Slip-and-fall incidents on ramps remain one of the leading causes of workplace and public space accidents. According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, over one million people experience slip-related injuries annually in the United States, with a significant portion occurring on inclined walking surfaces. The good news is that a properly prepared ramp surface, combined with the right non-slip finish, can dramatically reduce these risks. But preparation is not as simple as sweeping the ramp and applying a coating. It requires technical understanding, correct tools, and adherence to best practices.

Background: Why Ramp Preparation Matters

Many facility managers focus on coatings or non-slip strips, but the truth is that surface preparation determines 70% of the long-term performance of any anti-slip system (as reported by ASTM International in their flooring guidelines). An improperly prepared ramp leads to poor adhesion, premature wear, and even dangerous delamination of the coating during wet conditions. This makes the preparation stage the most critical step in the process.

For example, in a North American stone fabrication plant, a concrete forklift ramp was resurfaced with a textured epoxy coating. Because the contractor skipped deep surface profiling, the coating began peeling within six months, forcing costly rework. Conversely, when the same facility later used a Brolangt 6-Inch Bush Hammer Tool to achieve CSP 4–5 roughness, the replacement coating lasted over five years with minimal maintenance.

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment

• Check for cracks, spalling, or scaling on concrete ramps.
• Identify contaminants such as oil, grease, paint, or sealers.
• Measure surface moisture content (ASTM F2170 recommends ≤ 75% RH before coatings).

A structured inspection prevents future surprises. Even the best anti-slip coating will fail if applied over hidden moisture pockets or loose substrates.

2. Cleaning and Contaminant Removal

Surface contaminants significantly reduce adhesion. Use a combination of mechanical scrubbing, detergent degreasers, and hot water pressure washing. For oily ramps, alkaline cleaners with pH between 10–12 are most effective. Always rinse thoroughly to remove residue.

3. Mechanical Surface Profiling

This is the heart of ramp preparation. The industry standard for non-slip finishes is Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) 3–5 depending on the coating system (ICRI Guidelines). Achieving this requires specialized tools:

• Brolangt 5-Inch Bush Hammer Plate for small-to-medium ramps.
• Brolangt SDS-MAX Bush Hammer Tool for large concrete demolition or aggressive texturing.
• Brolangt 14-Inch Silent Core Milling Wheel for stone or marble ramps requiring quiet, vibration-reduced surface calibration.

These tools not only create the right texture but also remove old coatings, adhesives, and laitance that would otherwise compromise adhesion.

4. Dust Control and Cleaning Post-Profiling

According to ISO 8502-3, dust particles remaining on a prepared surface can reduce coating adhesion by up to 40%. Use industrial HEPA vacuum systems followed by microfiber mopping to ensure the ramp is dust-free. Avoid compressed air blow-off, which only redistributes fine dust.

5. Moisture and pH Testing

Before applying non-slip coatings, confirm that the surface pH is between 6–9 and that moisture vapor emission rates are within acceptable ranges (ASTM F1869: ≤ 3 lbs/1000 sq. ft./24 hrs). If values exceed these limits, consider installing moisture mitigation systems.

Correct Practices vs Common Errors

Application Recommendations by Ramp Type

• Concrete ramps in warehouses: Use bush hammer plates (5–6 inch) to achieve CSP 4. Apply epoxy grit systems for durability.
• Outdoor wheelchair ramps: SDS-Plus bush hammer tools provide precise control for overlay removal. Follow with textured polymer coatings.
• Granite or marble ramps: Diamond milling wheels are ideal to prevent glazing and ensure long-term traction. For reference, see our article on slippery step repairs.

Industry Case Study: Reducing Wheel Glazing on Granite

In a Midwest granite supplier, technicians struggled with diamond wheel glazing while preparing outdoor display ramps. The wheels overheated and lost cutting aggressiveness within hours. By switching to a Brolangt Silent Core Diamond Milling Wheel and adjusting feed pressure, glazing was reduced by 60%, extending wheel life to over 1200 linear feet of granite ramp preparation.

Common Misconceptions

• “Pressure washing alone is enough.” – Water cleaning removes dirt but not laitance or sealers.
• “Any texture improves safety.” – Overly aggressive profiles (CSP > 6) can weaken ramp structure.
• “Epoxy always sticks.” – Without correct surface prep, even premium epoxy systems will peel.

Conclusion

Preparing an existing ramp surface for a non-slip finish is not just a maintenance step—it is a technical process requiring precise assessment, the right tools, and adherence to ASTM/ICRI standards. From bush hammering to moisture testing, every stage contributes to safety, durability, and compliance. For property managers and contractors alike, investing time and equipment upfront ensures long-term savings and accident reduction.

Recommended Reading

• How to Choose the Best Anti-Slip Solution for Your Concrete Steps
• Grip Tread Covers vs Textured Coatings
• Maintaining Non-Slip Surfaces in Winter
• Non-Slip Coatings on Painted Concrete
• Best Treatments for Outdoor Ramps in Rainy Climates