Chequer plate and tread plate are considered slip-resistant – as long as they are new, clean and dry. In practice, they quickly lose their effect: the raised pattern wears down along the walking lines, oil and moisture settle in the gaps, and in winter ice forms on the smooth base surface. A slip-resistant coating for metal surfaces restores grip permanently – without replacing the component.

Why chequer plate alone is not enough

Slip resistance comes only from the raised pattern of lugs or ribs, not from the surface itself – between the raised areas, the plate is smooth.
Oil, grease, swarf, mud and cleaning agents fill the gaps and effectively cancel out the pattern.
Moisture, hoarfrost and ice turn the smooth parts of the surface into a sliding surface.
On walkways, the raised areas wear flat after a few years.
Bright or galvanised plates are also prone to glare, which impairs sure footing when walking against the light.

Methods at a glance

Several methods are available for permanent slip resistance on metal. The choice depends on the load, the size of the component and whether the work is done on site or in the workshop.

Polyurea-based spray coating: two-component, cures within seconds to minutes and forms a seamless, elastic and at the same time extremely abrasion-resistant layer. Slip resistance up to R13 depending on system and aggregate, with test certificate. Temperature, UV and chemical resistance depend on the respective system; details according to the manufacturer’s data sheet on request. Suitable for large areas and complex geometries.
Epoxy or polyurethane coating with broadcast aggregate: proven solution for stationary surfaces with a predictable curing time; very good adhesion to prepared steel.
Self-adhesive anti-slip coating: prefabricated, contour-accurate cut-to-size pieces for individual steps, tread plates and platforms – the quickest retrofit without spraying or painting.
Screwed-on profiles and sheets: where mechanical loads are very high or later removal should remain possible.

Properties of a polyurea spray coating

Seamless: no joints, edges or seams where moisture can creep underneath.
Fast: can be walked on within a short time, resulting in very short downtimes.
Elastic and impact-resistant: absorbs deformation of the substrate without cracking – important for steel components that move.
Additional protection: a closed layer can keep water and salts away from the metal; how well it protects against corrosion depends on surface preparation and the coating build-up.
Adjustable slip resistance: from a fine texture for walkable indoor surfaces up to R13 for outdoor and wet areas.
Durability: service life depends on use, substrate and care; the manufacturer provides system-specific information.
Colour: full-surface or as contrasting marking of hazard and edge areas.

Typical components and applications

Chequer plate floors on platforms, landings, walkways and maintenance levels
Steel stairs, treads, lean-to ladders and access steps on machinery and plant
Load beds, access ramps and running boards on commercial vehicles and trailers
Scaffold boards and working platforms
Steel structures, bridge decks and suspended walkways in bridge construction
Locks, jetties, pontoons and water industry facilities
Offshore and port facilities with permanent saltwater exposure
Manhole covers, shaft covers and drainage gratings

Surface preparation determines adhesion

Almost every coating that fails prematurely fails not because of the material but because of the preparation. On metal, the following applies:

Completely remove loose rust and old coating residues, usually by blasting to the required degree of cleanliness.
Degrease oil, grease and release agents without residue – including in the recesses of the chequer plate.
Check moisture and dew point; the surface temperature must be sufficiently above the dew point.
Use a suitable primer on galvanised surfaces, as zinc is a special case.
Apply the coating within the time window specified by the system manufacturer after preparation.

A slip-resistant coating does not replace structural safeguards. It is the right measure where an existing, load-bearing surface needs to be made safe to walk on.

Standards and assessment criteria

German standard DIN 51130 – slip resistance R9 to R13 for work areas where footwear is worn.
DIN 51130 / displacement volume V4 to V10 – relevant where liquids or swarf must be able to drain away.
ASR A1.5 – requirements for floors and traffic routes in workplaces (German Technical Rule for Workplaces).
ASR A1.5 – floors in workplaces; Annex 2 assigns slip resistance ratings to work areas (the former DGUV Rule 108-003 has been withdrawn).
DIN EN ISO 12944 – corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems, including corrosivity categories.

Retrofit or replace? A calculation

Replacing a corroded chequer plate floor means dismantling, new fabrication, transport, installation and plant downtime. A coating, by contrast, is applied to the existing component:

No removal, no welding or screwing on load-bearing parts
Work carried out section by section, often during planned maintenance windows
Simultaneous corrosion protection extends the service life of the component
Additional benefit from colour marking of edges and hazard points
Lower weight than an overlay of sheets or gratings

Conclusion

A slip-resistant coating for chequer and tread plate permanently restores sure footing on metal surfaces and at the same time protects the component from corrosion. Properly prepared and applied, it is considerably more economical than replacement – and works exactly where chequer plate reaches its limits: in wet, oily, icy and worn conditions.

Frequently asked questions about anti-slip coatings for chequer plate

Why is chequer plate slippery when wet?

The raised pattern only provides grip at certain points. With wear, oil, water or ice, slip resistance drops significantly. A coating creates a closed, grippy surface.

Does the plate have to be derusted before coating?

Yes. Rust, grease and loose parts must be removed. On galvanised surfaces, a primer is required depending on the system. Preparation determines durability.

Is a coating cheaper than replacement?

Often yes, because dismantling and downtime are avoided. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the condition of the plate. In the case of severe corrosion, replacement may make more sense.

Anti-Slip Coating for Chequer Plate and Tread Plate