Applying Anti-Slip Coating Over Paint

According to SafeWork NSW, slips, trips, and falls are the most common cause of serious workplace injuries. As such, commercial facility managers must prioritise slip safety.

When a painted commercial floor starts to lose traction, two questions usually come up right away: "Will a new coating stick to the existing paint?" And just as importantly, "Will it achieve slip resistance compliance?"

These concerns are valid, as many older floors need to be stripped of existing paint before applying anything new. Unfortunately, this process can be both disruptive and expensive.

In this article, we'll answer the most crucial questions about treating floors in painted commercial facilities. Discover how Stellmann's penetrating anti-slip formula is designed specifically for situations like these.    

Key Takeaways

• Stellmann's penetrating coating allows adhesion over most painted floors
• Peeling, bubbling, or delaminating paint must be repaired or removed first
• Anti-slip coating is compatible with epoxy-painted floors in commercial facilities
• Stellmann's installation is usually completed in a single visit, under 24 hours
• We provide a CSIRO-certified slip test certificate after application to document compliance

Does Anti-Slip Coating Actually Stick to Painted Surfaces?

Yes. Anti-slip coatings can adhere to painted surfaces, provided the existing paint is stable and the surface is properly prepared.

However, many anti-slip treatments simply sit on top as a separate layer. These lower-grade coatings behave like paint themselves and struggle to bond properly to an already painted surface.

At Stellmann, our anti-slip coatings use a penetrating formula that bonds into the existing surface structure. Rather than forming a thick topical layer, the treatments interact directly with the substrate.

Surface condition also matters — grease, dust, peeling, bubbling, or flaking can prevent adhesion. You must repair or stabilize affected areas before treatment. At Stellmann, we conduct a surface inspection before applying anti-slip treatments.

Which Painted Commercial Surfaces Can Be Treated?

You can apply anti slip treatment to painted surfaces in various commercial settings. Some common areas of focus include:

1. Painted Concrete Warehouse and Factory Floors

Line marking for warehouses and painted concrete floors helps improve visibility and reduce dust. However, these painted surfaces can become very slippery in the face of water and oil spills or constant foot traffic.

Apply clear anti-slip coatings to increase grip without changing the existing painting.

2. Epoxy-Painted Commercial Kitchens

Epoxy paint is popular in commercial kitchens because it helps maintain hygienic, low-microbial surfaces. It resists stains, is easy to clean, and some epoxy resins show significant antibacterial activity.

However, 6% of annual workplace injuries in Australia are within the foodservice industry. Frequent exposure to contaminants can still create slip hazards on epoxy floors. Apply anti slip coating over epoxy paint in high-risk zones.

3. Painted Car Park Surfaces

Most commercial car parks include pedestrian walkways and ramps for safety and accessibility. These painted surfaces are exposed to moisture and heavy foot traffic, increasing slip risk. Anti-slip coatings improve traction, especially in sloping areas.

4. Painted Loading Dock Ramps

Loading docks are a hub of constant movement — from vehicles to foot traffic. Their slope and heavy use make them a slip risk, both in wet and dry conditions. Anti-slip coating helps facility managers improve grip for safety and slip-resistance compliance.

5. Painted Aged Care Corridors

In aged care environments, slip safety is non-negotiable. High-risk areas like outdoor walkways, ramps, and painted corridor floors must be treated with anti-slip coating to improve grip.

Further Reading: Best Slip Rating for Aged Care Safety

Steps in Anti-Slip Coating Application for Painted Floors

Source

At Stellmann, we streamline our application process to reduce disruption to commercial operations. In most cases, our installers complete treatment in a single visit. Here's what we do:

1. Surface Inspection

First, we assess the condition of the existing paint. The inspection covers surface damage and contaminants to determine floor coating compatibility with painted concrete and other flooring types.

2. Thorough Cleaning

In the event of contamination, cleaning will get rid of grease, dirt, and chemical residues so that nothing interferes with adhesion. Stellmann's CSIRO-certified anti-slip coatings do not rely on grinding or acid etching.

3. Application

At this stage, installers apply the anti-slip coating to the painted surface. In most average-sized commercial facilities, the work is completed within one working day with minimal disruption to operations.

4. Slip Test Certificate

After the application is complete, we conduct a slip-resistance test and issue a written certificate documenting the result. This certificate confirms that your floors have achieved the required AS 4586 slip rating.

Facility managers rely on clear documentation to demonstrate compliance with SafeWork Australia floor safety requirements for insurance renewal and failed slip test remediation.

Will Anti-Slip Coating Pass a Slip Test After Application?

Ours will. Stellmann's anti-slip coating is CSIRO-certified, so its performance has been independently tested using recognised Australian standards. Uncertified, OTC formulations may not deliver specified slip ratings.

After application, we test surfaces in accordance with AS 4586. Depending on the location and required safety level, treated floors can achieve:

• P3 - moderate slip resistance
• P4 - high slip resistance
• P5 - very high slip resistance

P3, P4, and P5 slip ratings work for different environments. For example, kitchens and food preparation areas require high P-ratings due to grease and water exposure, while corridors with moderate foot traffic need a P3 rating.

It's important to know that Stellmann also provides a pass guarantee. If your floor doesn't achieve the required P-rating after treatment, we will repeat the installation at no extra cost until you pass slip compliance testing. 

Further Reading: How to Prevent Slips in Commercial Kitchens

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Need to Strip the Paint Before Anti-Slip Coating Is Applied?

Not with Stellmann's anti-slip coatings. If the existing paint is well adhered to the surface and still in good condition, our coating can be applied directly over it.

2. Does It Work on Epoxy-Painted Floors?

Yes, Stellmann's formula works on most epoxy-painted commercial and industrial surfaces. After cleaning and surface prep, the anti-slip coating can be installed to improve traction.

3. How Long Does Anti-Slip Coating Last Over Painted Surfaces?

In commercial environments, our treatment can provide slip protection for up to 5 years. Exact lifespan depends on factors like foot or machine traffic, maintenance routines, and exposure to contaminants. 

4. Can I Get a Compliance Certificate After Treatment?

Yes. Every Stellmann installation includes a written CSIRO-certified slip test certificate confirming the achieved AS 4586 slip resistance rating. 

Conclusion

In most cases, you can install anti-slip coatings on painted commercial floors without removing the existing paint layer. The only requirement is that the existing coating be stable and properly adhered.

Stellmann's CSIRO-certified penetrating formula is designed specifically for these situations. The treatment can be installed in a single visit, improves floor traction, and meets AS 4586 slip resistance standards.

Are your facility's painted floors due for an anti-slip coating? Book a free site assessment to confirm compatibility, discuss compliance requirements, and receive a custom quote.