Why Non-Slip Coatings Are a Goldmine Opportunity 

Across Australia, many businesses are investing in non-slip coatings to make their floors safer. However, awareness remains low as many homeowners, property managers, and business owners don't realise how effective these treatments are at meeting safety standards.  

As a tradie, that gap is your cue. 

You've likely heard clients mention slip hazards or noticed some yourself while on a job. By educating them and offering professional non-slip coating applications, you can stand out from the crowd. 

In this article, we'll explain why non-slip coatings are one of the most profitable side hustles for tradies and show you how to get started in 5 simple steps.

Key Takeaways 

• 43% of injury hospitalisations result from fall injuries caused by slips and trips 
• Low material costs and high demand make non-slip coating a high-return service 
• Anti-slip coatings need regular maintenance and reapplication 
• Stellmann offers installers premium, CSIRO-certified coatings at trade pricing 

Factors That Drive Demand for Non-Slip Coatings 

In Australia, slips, trips, and falls are the second leading cause of workplace injuries. As a result, safety regulations have tightened; businesses must now ensure their floors meet slip-resistance standards. 

These regulations, along with other key factors, have created a strong and growing demand for anti-slip coating services. Let's consider each. 

1. Strict Compliance Regulations  

The Australian government has comprehensive regulations in place for workplace health and safety. These rules cover both building standards and the legal responsibilities of persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs). We'll explore both. 

Primary Legislation 

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Acts and Regulations define a set of rules for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). Under these rules, the key responsibilities of PCBUs include: 

• Identifying hazards that may cause slips, trips, or falls.
• Regularly inspecting indoor and outdoor floor surfaces. 
• Reporting any incidents, near misses, or observed risks. 
• Ensuring that floor surfaces are suitable for the type of work activity carried out on them. 

For example, a person who operates a hotel business and employs maintenance workers is likely to be legally classified as a PCBU. They'll be required to take practicable steps to protect the health and safety of workers. 

Even smaller hosts and operations that don't qualify as a PCBU still have a general duty of care to keep the property free from hazards for guests. 

Building and Design Standards 

The National Construction Code (NCC) outlines slip-resistance provisions for pedestrian surfaces that builders, certifiers, and property owners must follow during construction or modification. 

These include: 

• Ramps, stair treads, and landings in certain classes of buildings must be fitted with non-slip or non-skid surfaces 
• In wet conditions, the slip requirements are different for each application  
  

If a property fails to meet these standards, the parties responsible are at risk of fines, insurance issues, or, in the event of accidents, potential injury claims. 

For existing buildings and other applications where the NCC doesn't mandate compliance, independent slip-testing providers and slip-resistance experts like Stellmann have higher slip rating recommendations for several areas of concern. 

2. Ageing Population 

Australia's population is ageing, with one in six Australians (16%) now aged 65 and over. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, that number is expected to rise to between 25% and 27% by 2071. 

Seniors are statistically more at risk for slips and falls, so there's a growing push for safety-compliant homes, care facilities, and public spaces. More owners are investing in non-slip coatings to reduce slip hazards and meet accessibility standards. 

For tradies, this trend presents an opportunity to offer anti-slip coating services in residential and healthcare settings, where safety is a priority. 

3. Commercial Spaces With High Foot Traffic 

Businesses in the hospitality, education, healthcare, and manufacturing industries are big markets for non-slip coating services. Flooring and tiles gradually lose traction in areas with constant foot traffic, such as shopping centres, factories, and schools. They require regular maintenance to remain safe. 

For retailers and facility managers, non-slip coatings are a cost-effective way to: 

• Prevent slips, trips, and falls 
• Protect workers, customers, and visitors 
• Stay compliant with safety standards 
• Avoid costly accidents and insurance claims 

For tradies, this creates opportunities for repeat business through: 

• New surface upgrades 
• Regular maintenance and reapplications 
• Service expansion across multiple sites 

For example, you're laying new tiles in a café when the owner mentions that customers might slip on the curb during wet weather. You suggest applying a non-slip coating once the tiles are set and the owner agrees.  

It'll only take you a little time, a few products, and some technical know-how.  But you can charge a premium price for the upgrade and earn more profit on the tiling job. 

Who Can Start a Non-Slip Coating Side Hustle? 

Do you have what it takes to offer non-slip coating services? Whether you're a painter, flooring installer, or handyman, the answer is yes.  

From surface prep to application and finishing, most trades already give you the skills you need to get started. Below are trades with the smoothest integration. 

1. Flooring Installers 

As a flooring contractor, you can naturally complement your trade with non-slip coating services. To start, offer it to existing clients who are renovating their floors. You can offer it as an upsell in specific, high-risk areas, such as a single shower, while keeping the existing tiles in the rest of the bathroom. 

Adding professional non-slip coating to your flooring services widens your offerings without requiring significant investments in equipment. It also increases your job opportunities and revenue per customer.

Source 

2. Painters & Decorators  

As a painter or decorator, you have a clear entry point into non-slip coating services because they fit naturally with the tools and techniques you already use. Most coatings are water-based and can be sprayed on or easily applied with a roller.  

Be proactive on current jobs by identifying areas prone to getting wet or heavy foot traffic, and recommending non-slip coatings to help clients reduce slip risks. 

3. Other Tradespeople 

Maintenance tradies, builders, general contractors, and other tradespeople can incorporate non-slip coatings into their portfolios.  

For instance, as a maintenance contractor servicing industrial plants, you may discover oil spills or areas that seem slippery. Since these issues tend to recur, offering to install and maintain non-slip coatings for those areas not only solves a safety concern but also opens up a steady revenue stream for you. 

Benefits of a Non-Slip Coating Side Hustle 

1. Recurring Income Stream 

Painting and plastering are one-off jobs, but non-slip coating requires routine maintenance. 

Coatings degrade or wear out over time, so the trade follows an Install → Maintain → Reapply cycle, which creates steady income. 

2. High Profit Margins 

Because clients want safety and compliance, they're often willing to pay more for non-slip coatings than for standard surface finishes. However, the cost of materials is relatively low, so most of the premium pricing goes to labour and professional application.  

Tradies get better profit margins for non-slip coating services compared to many other routine jobs. 

3. Compatibility 

Non-slip coating services align easily with various trades, enabling tradies to broaden their offerings without disrupting their core business. Compatible trades include: 

• Flooring 
• Painting 
• Property maintenance 
• Cleaning 
• Building 
• Safety inspection 

4. Minimal Setup Required 

You need minimal specialisation and equipment to start a non-slip coating service. You'll only need a bulk supplier for premium coatings and basic application tools such as rollers and sprayers. 

Often, suppliers will offer basic training to enable smooth DIY and professional applications. 

Case Study 

The trades business, Omnigrip Direct, noticed slippery tiles in the bathrooms at John Cain Arena. 

Partnering with Stellmann, they proposed a complete, non-slip coating upgrade across the stadium's bathrooms and floors. 

The team completed the project overnight using Stellmann's clear, CSIRO-certified P4 coating. The process did not disrupt staff or visitors, and by morning, the venue was fully operational, with safer floors. 

Omnigrip Direct turned what could've been a minor fix into a $10,000+ project with scheduled maintenance and reapplication cycles that will bring in ongoing revenue. 

How To Start a Non-Slip Coating Service 

Step 1: Get the Right Coatings 

Use premium anti-slip coatings certified by the CSIRO; they are designed to be safer, eco-friendly, and more comfortable to walk on. Some coatings are better suited for specific types of flooring, so it's best to consult with experts before making a purchase. 

It's also important to understand local safety regulations, WHS provisions, and slip-resistance ratings so you can give clients informed recommendations and use products correctly. Partner with a knowledgeable supplier like Stellmann, who can answer any compliance questions you have. 

Step 2: Upsell to Current Clients 

In the early stages, consider offering nonslip coating applications as an additional service to your customers for flooring, tiling, or painting projects. Highlight its benefits and clearly explain compliance regulations to create a sense of urgency.  

You can easily identify areas where the coating can be used by evaluating their risk of getting wet, oily, or greasy. Also, look out for frequently used surfaces that are prone to wear, like entryways and ramps, as well as smooth materials such as porcelain. 

Step 3: Market to a Wider Network 

Use business directories, social media, and networking events to establish connections with property owners and local businesses.   

Once you've built visibility, narrow down your target market to form more relevant connections. Focus on commercial properties, aged care facilities, schools, or other places where compliance and safety are essential. 

Step 4: Offer Professional Service 

Invest in proper application training and certification, such as the one Stellmann offers on its Certified Installer Program. Alongside training, they also provide high-grade equipment to kickstart your business. 

Step 5. Build a Recurring Schedule 

Establish maintenance contracts that cover scheduled inspections, cleaning, and reapplication of non-slip coatings to the same clients. 

FAQs 

Q1: Do I Need Special Training To Apply Non-Slip Coatings? 

Answer: 

In most cases, you don't need special training to apply non-slip coatings. Except for professional-grade or epoxy-based coatings used in industrial settings, non-slip coatings are typically DIY-friendly and can be applied with a roller or sprayer.  

Q2: How to Apply Anti-slip Coating  

Answer: 

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully to apply non-slip coatings. Here are the five main steps: 

• Thoroughly clean and prep the surface 
• Apply a primer designed to enhance adhesion 
• Prep and mix your non-slip products  
• Apply the non-slip mix in a single, uniform layer over the surface  
• Hold off foot traffic until the area is cured, and then maintain it over time.   

How to Apply Stellmann Non-Slip Clear PRO P4 

Q3: How to Remove Anti-slip Coating 

Answer: 

You can remove anti-slip coating from any floor type with these steps: 

• Identify your floor type and use a fitting chemical stripper for anti-slip coatings 
• Apply the stripper evenly across the surface and let it sit for 45-60 minutes.  
• Once the coating softens and starts to lift, gently scrape it off with a plastic scraper. 
• Wipe away loose residue with a damp cloth. 
• Mop the surface with warm water and a neutral pH cleaner to remove residual chemicals.  

Q4: Is Anti-Skid The Same As Anti-Slip? 

Answer: 

No, it is not. Anti-slip describes how resistant a floor surface is to slipping, and is commonly associated with foot traffic. Whereas, anti-skid refers to how resistant a road surface is to inducing vehicle skidding. 

Conclusion 

Non-slip coating services do more than prevent slips on pedestrian surfaces. They can help tradespeople escape the cycle of one-off jobs and unpredictable income.  

In industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and food production, where a single slip can result in WHS breaches, increased insurance costs, or shutdowns, non-slip coating services are consistently in demand. Stellmann offers trade pricing for installers to help boost their profit margins.  

Learn more about the Certified Installer Program here.