Concrete is hard-wearing, but quickly becomes slippery when wet or contaminated with oil, tyre rubber or fine dust – especially on power-floated warehouse floors, ramps and external areas. Whether an anti-slip solution will last on concrete depends largely on concrete moisture, surface strength, laitance and pre-treatment. This page sets out the options specifically for concrete substrates. General solutions for different industrial floors can be found under Non-slip industrial floor retrofit.
Typical slip problems on concrete
Power-floated warehouse floor
very dense, smooth surface – virtually no grip when wet or oily
Ramps and loading bays
gradient, rain and tyre rubber combine
External areas
moss, leaves, hoarfrost and ice on worn surfaces
Worn existing coatings
wheel tracks polish the surface smooth
Influence of water, oil, temperature, cleaning and loading
Water and oil
The choice depends on the type and amount of contamination, the cleaning regime and the slip resistance required. Coarse textures can be advantageous, but are no blanket proof of suitability – for oil, obtain appropriate evidence of suitability.
Temperature
Coatings have minimum air and substrate temperatures; there are dedicated systems for the colder months.
Cleaning
coarse textures offer more grip but are harder to clean – a trade-off that determines the choice.
Loading
forklift traffic requires abrasion-resistant systems and adherence to curing times before the floor is returned to service.
Checking the concrete before coating
Age
according to the manufacturer, new concrete must be at least 8 weeks old for the epoxy and asphalt coatings listed here
Moisture
according to the manufacturer, below 75 % relative humidity in the concrete; clarify the measuring method and rising damp beforehand
Surface
remove laitance, oil and grease; acid-etch or grind smooth concrete
Strength and damage
repair loose areas, cracks and spalling beforehand
Existing coating
check adhesion and compatibility on a trial area
Solutions compared
| Situation | Recommended solution | Advantages | Limitations | Suitable products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramp, loading bay, hazard zone with forklift traffic | Coarse epoxy anti-slip coating | Heavily textured, one coat, approved for forklift traffic according to the manufacturer | Application from 15 °C air / 10 °C substrate; harder to clean | DD-WTC-EPOXID-GROB |
| Indoor warehouse floor, workshop, store | Fine-textured epoxy floor coating | Easy to clean, wide choice of colours, Bfl-s1 | Indoor use only; too fine for ramps and heavy oil contamination | DD-WTC-EPOXID-FEIN |
| Work in autumn/winter, unheated hall | Cold-cure epoxy anti-slip coating | Substrate temperature from 0 °C | Longer curing in the cold; not for asphalt | DD-WTC-EPOXID-KALT |
| Car park, access road, external footpath | 2-component asphalt and concrete coating | For more heavily trafficked external areas, aggregate mixed in | Solvent-based; substrate must be dry; clarify forklift/HGV approval beforehand | DD-WTC-ASPHALT-2K |
| Individual walkways, platforms, steps, coating not possible | GRP anti-slip sheets (screwed or bonded) | Mechanically fixed, usable without curing time; removable when screwed | When bonded, allow for the adhesive curing time; suitability for forklifts only with manufacturer approval; mind the edges | DD-GRPF-8000205-YE-M, DD-GRPF-8000010-BK-IM, DD-RS-LAUFWEG |
| Small areas, markings, step edges | Anti-slip tape | Quick, inexpensive, can double as marking | Only of limited use on areas with forklift traffic; substrate must be sound and dry | DD-GRPF-3000005-YE, DD-GRPF-3000087-BY |
| Hall door where forklifts carry in water | Entrance or forklift mat | Absorbs moisture from the wheels, no building work | Must be cleaned and replaced; not a permanent floor solution | DD-MA-4253 |
Suitable products
Coatings are supplied as materials only; we do not offer application ourselves. Mechanically fixed solutions and mats do not require the curing time of a floor coating; for bonded sheets, the curing time of the adhesive applies.
Epoxy anti-slip coating for ramps and industrial floors
Item no. DD-WTC-EPOXID-GROB
Three-component, high-build epoxy coating with coarse anti-slip aggregate for heavily used areas indoors and outdoors – ramps, loading bays, hazard zones and traffic routes with forklift traffic. One coat (approx. 320 µm) produces a heavily textured surface. For concrete, stone, rigid metals and well-adhering existing coatings at least three months old; not for asphalt and galvanised surfaces. Where an easier-to-clean surface matters more, the fine-textured epoxy floor coating is the better choice.
- 2.5 l pack for approx. 5 m², one coat
- Application from 15 °C air and 10 °C substrate temperature
- Foot traffic after approx. 16 h, forklift traffic after approx. 24 h (at 20 °C)
- Pendulum value 69 PTV (BS 7976-2) according to the technical data sheet; test certificate on request
- New concrete at least 8 weeks old, concrete moisture below 75% relative humidity; pot life approx. 30 min (20 °C); hazardous substance – observe the safety data sheet
Slip-resistant epoxy floor coating with fine texture
Item no. DD-WTC-EPOXID-FEIN
Two-component, water-based epoxy floor coating with fine, rounded aggregate for workshops, warehouses and production areas indoors. The finely textured, slightly glossy surface remains easy to clean; for ramps and heavily oil-contaminated areas, the coarse epoxy anti-slip coating is the better choice. A coarse-grit version for hazard zones is available.
- 5 l pack: approx. 30 m² per coat, approx. 15 m² finished area with two coats
- Application from 15 °C air and 10 °C substrate temperature; indoor use only
- Forklift traffic after approx. 24 h (at 20 °C), chemical resistance after 7 days
- Pendulum value 54.6 PTV (BS 7976-2) according to the data sheet; reaction to fire Bfl-s1 according to manufacturer information, classification report on request
- For concrete, wood and firmly adhering existing coatings (very smooth surfaces may require a special primer); not for bare metal and self-levelling compounds
Epoxy anti-slip coating for low application temperatures
Item no. DD-WTC-EPOXID-KALT
Three-component, high-build epoxy coating with coarse aggregate which, according to the manufacturer, can be applied at substrate temperatures from as low as 0 °C – for outdoor areas, ramps and unheated halls in the cold season. A product in its own right, not to be confused with systems for even lower temperatures. For concrete, stone, rigid metals and well-adhering existing coatings at least three months old; not for asphalt and galvanised surfaces.
- 2.5 l pack for approx. 5 m², one coat (approx. 320 µm)
- Substrate from 0 °C; the data sheet also specifies a minimum air temperature of 15 °C – clarify use at lower air temperatures with the manufacturer beforehand
- Forklift traffic after approx. 48 h at 0 °C or approx. 24 h at 20 °C
- For indoor and outdoor use; pot life approx. 30 min (20 °C), store packs at 15–25 °C for at least 8 h beforehand
- Hazardous substance (hardener corrosive) – observe the safety data sheet and shipping instructions
Slip-resistant asphalt coating for outdoor areas
Item no. DD-WTC-ASPHALT-2K
Two-component, solvent-based epoxy coating with mixed-in aluminium oxide aggregate for car parks, driveways, footpaths and vehicle areas on asphalt and concrete. Designed for more heavily trafficked areas than single-component asphalt paints; a decorative coating – it does not fill holes or cracks.
- 5 l pack for approx. 15–20 m² depending on surface roughness, usually one coat
- Asphalt at least 3 months old, new concrete at least 8 weeks (according to the data sheet); substrate dry
- Application from 15 °C air and 10 °C substrate temperature; cars and pallet trucks after approx. 24 h (20 °C); avoid contact with water for the first 7 days
- Not for mastic asphalt, wood, damp or damaged surfaces
- Slip resistance value and approval for forklift/HGV traffic on request
Lightweight GRP anti-slip sheet
Item no. DD-GRPF-8000205-YE-M
Lightweight anti-slip sheet in glass-reinforced polyester with aluminium oxide grit, for covering floors, ramps, walkways and chequer plate indoors and outdoors.
- GRP with aluminium oxide grit
- Non-conductive, will not splinter or crack
Large-format GRP anti-slip sheet for industrial areas
Item no. DD-GRPF-8000010-BK-IM
Large-format GRP sheet with mineral grit for industrial surfaces, gratings and platforms. Non-conductive and maintenance-free.
- Size 2440 x 1220 mm, 3 or 4 mm thick
- Fine or medium grit
- Non-conductive, maintenance-free
Made-to-measure GRP walkway cover
Item no. DD-RS-LAUFWEG
Slip-resistant cover for walkways, platforms and access routes on concrete, steel or timber, made to your dimensions.
- Yellow, black, grey or brown
- Coarse or extra-coarse grit
- Optional directional arrows
- Minimum order: 10 pieces
Standard anti-slip tape
Item no. DD-GRPF-3000005-YE
General-purpose anti-slip tape in many RAL colours for stairs, platforms and floor areas. Quick to apply, easy to clean and also suitable for marking.
- Rolls 25/50/100 mm x 18 m
- Numerous RAL colours
- Easy to clean
Coarse anti-slip tape, black/yellow
Item no. DD-GRPF-3000087-BY
Coarse-grit non-slip tape for heavily used steps, landings and surfaces. The black and yellow version doubles as a hazard marking.
- Rolls 25/50/100 mm × 18 m
- Can be cut to size
- Non-conductive
Forklift mat for warehouse doors
Item no. DD-MA-4253
Hard-wearing fibre mat with a rubber backing for doorways where forklifts drive into the building from outside. It absorbs moisture and dirt from the wheels, reducing the slip risk inside the hall.
- SBR rubber backing with moisture barrier
- 115 × 170 cm, 8.6 mm
- Optional drainage border
Limitations and unsuitable applications
Damp or fresh concrete: coatings will not adhere permanently – observe drying times.
Coatings do not repair cracks, hollow areas or loose surfaces.
Check areas with permanently standing water or unknown chemical exposure beforehand.
Slip resistance ratings apply only to the tested build-up and correct application.
Observe the safety data sheets: several systems are hazardous substances and require protective equipment.
FAQs: making concrete non-slip
Can I coat fresh concrete straight away?
No. Depending on the system, the manufacturer specifies that new concrete must be at least 8 weeks old and below 75 % relative humidity for the coatings listed here. Otherwise the coating may delaminate.
Coating or GRP sheet – which is better?
Coatings produce seamless surfaces and are suitable for large halls and ramps. Mechanically fixed GRP sheets can be used without curing time and can be removed again – a sensible choice for individual walkways, platforms and steps.
Can I apply a coating in winter?
For low temperatures there are cold-cure epoxy systems which, according to the manufacturer, can be applied at substrate temperatures from 0 °C. Curing takes considerably longer in the cold; the data sheet also specifies a minimum air temperature – clarify use in cold conditions with the manufacturer beforehand.
Which solution for forklift traffic?
For forklift traffic, abrasion-resistant coatings rated accordingly are an option – only drive on them after the time stated in the data sheet. GRP sheets only if the manufacturer has approved the wheel load, traffic loading and fixing method.
Enquiry for your project
To prepare a suitable quotation, we need the following information:
Substrate and condition
Area in m² or number and dimensions of steps
Indoors or outdoors
Exposure to water, oil or chemicals
Pedestrian, pallet truck or forklift traffic
Required slip resistance
Site or delivery location
All prices on request. Send an enquiry now.