You can buy clear plastic grit in different sizes, depending on the level of traffic exposure and how much surface traction is needed. In the case of the slippery walkway, simply re-applying a thin coat of sealer with polymer grit additive should do the trick.
Answer. Using grit additives has become the most common method for reducing slipperiness when sealing decorative concrete flatwork on exterior walking surfaces. Mix the grit additives into the sealer, then apply the gritty sealer to the concrete.
Invest in durable non-slip coatings
Whether your driveway is long and straight or slightly curved, non-slip coatings are the ideal solution to add traction to the entire surface.
A thick coating of sealer can make a surface slippery, so it's important to apply the appropriate amount. (In addition to creating a slippery surface, a thick coat of sealer can also create a whitish film on the surface of your concrete.)
Grit Paint: B+
Grit paint is an excellent way to reduce slip and fall hazards on both bare concrete and finished concrete ramps. A high-quality grit paint, like Slip Doctor's Dura Grip and Tuff Grip epoxy paints, can greatly improve the safety of a concrete surface if it's applied meticulously and maintained properly.
Apply an Anti-Slip Coating
In addition to epoxy sealant, there are other types of anti-slip coatings that you can add to the floor, including those that are epoxy based. You can create a non slip epoxy by including anti-skid additives to reduce the probability of slipping even more.
Start with medium sandpaper to remove the most noticeable irregularities. Finish by fine-tuning with light sandpaper, until the surface is perfectly smooth. We recommend using a hand planer to smooth and compact the surface.
The water sits on the surface of the concrete or coating, and when you walk or run across the surface, you can have a slip hazard. Typically, unsealed concrete isn't slippery because porous concrete often leaves you with a rough surface.
If you need a flooring that is non-slip we would recommend doing a Grind and Seal method of polished concrete or another type of coating like an epoxy. With these flooring options we can add a grit to the top layer which can give a non-slip finish.
Simply keeping your polished concrete free of dust helps keep it non-slip even when wearing shoes. If you have a grind and seal, which is a replica form of polished concrete, in the topcoat of the sealer, a non-slip grit or non-slip additive can be added to help prevent slipping.
To further increase slip-resistance and create a long-lasting protection, applying a non-slip epoxy coating or industrial resin finish can be beneficial, as these specialized coatings create an invisible anti-slip barrier that seals out moisture and dirt while offering a permanent solution.
For as long as there has been concrete, people have been using brooms to make it slip-resistant. For many years broom finishes have provided a high-traction surface on concrete pathways and driveways. The way to do it is to run the broom on the wet concrete surface from one side to another without stopping in between.
QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.
It's not uncommon for concrete patios and sidewalks to develop mildew or layers of dirt over time. Vinegar will kill the mildew and cut through the grime and dirt. You can use vinegar to clean your concrete patio or sidewalk, with or without a pressure washer. Be sure to choose a day with mild temperatures.
If you need to get rid of rust from concrete, your best bet is to use some WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and some elbow grease. WD-40 is specially formulated to be a penetrant, so when you spray it on a rusted surface, it gets to work right away by getting under the rust.
For new concrete, allow it to cure for at least 28 days before sealing it with any kind of sealer. You can seal old concrete any time as long as no old sealing products are apparent. To know when to reapply topical concrete sealers, look for signs of wear, flaking, or discoloration.