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Epoxy floor tip: If you don't add grit, you just might slip

Tom McKenna, senior editor

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When applying an epoxy finish to a garage or other area that could be exposed to the weather, be safe and add grit (sand) before the final coat.

John Tetreault

A gritty surface will give you traction in all types of weather, possibly saving you from an untimely fall.

John Tetreault

When applying an epoxy finish to a garage or other area that could be exposed to the weather, be safe and add grit (sand) before the final coat.

Photo: John Tetreault

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I've lived in Connecticut for about 18 years now, so I'm used to dealing with Mother Nature's winter mood swings. Last week we got our first servings of snow and ice, which meant I had to bust out the snow shovels and snow blower to clear the abundance of white detritus that accumulated on my sidewalks, driveway, and walkways.

As I made my way to the garage, I was thinking that it was a good thing that I put down an epoxy coating on the garage floor this past summer ("Brighten Your Shop With an Epoxy Floor," FWW #202, pp. 44-47). Not only does the space look 100% better, but the floor is also sealed and free of cracks that would worsen if water were to seep in and then freeze.

Anyway, I'm thinking these happy thoughts when, WHOOSH!, one of my snow-caked boots lifts off on the slick new surface, sending my rump to the floor with a whump (yeah, I have kids who like Dr. Seuss). My first step into the garage was on an area where I missed adding sand between coats for traction. Fortunately, I have enough padding to withstand a fall (the pile of snow helped, too, I'm sure), but I'm worried about my family taking spills in the same spot. So I will recoat that area and add grit when summer returns.

In the meantime, take note. If you plan to coat a floor with epoxy, and the area will get even a glimpse of rain or snow, be sure to take the extra step and add the grit between coats. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to apply ice to my bruises again.

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Comments (4)

Tom writes: Memphis, 70s is a nice temperature range for applying epoxy. Just be sure those ducks from the Peabody don't tread on it. As for the detritus, a little calamine goes a long way toward keeping it under control.
Posted: 9:15 pm on December 25th

MemphisMatt writes: How warm does it have to be? Do I have to wait until summer? I live in the south and it can get into the 70's by April.

Oh and that detritus sounds nasty, you might want to see someone about that.
Posted: 11:17 am on December 24th

Tom writes: Exactly, but I think my language during and after the fall may have been a bit more ... colorful.
Posted: 8:54 pm on December 22nd

GEide writes: Ouch!
Posted: 5:19 pm on December 22nd

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