Make Slippery Wood Stairs and Floors Less Slippery
Looking for a way to improve traction on wood stairs or floors? SKID SAFE™ is a clear anti-slip sealer designed for a range of surfaces, including wood. The right application depends on whether the wood has an existing finish and whether the area is indoors or exposed to rain.
Start by checking the condition of the wood and its finish. A coating needs a clean, dry, sound surface. Test a small, inconspicuous area to confirm compatibility, adhesion, and the appearance you want.
Which system fits your wood surface?
| Surface | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Finished indoor wood floor or stairs | Review SKID SAFE™ and test it over the existing finish. |
| Exterior wood stairs or walkway exposed to rain | Review the No-Slip SKID SAFE System™ with ND AGGREGATE™ for added texture. |
| Bare, weathered, peeling, or damaged wood | Contact us with photos before selecting a treatment. Surface preparation needs to be confirmed. |
The existing finish matters. If it is peeling or poorly bonded, a new coating cannot correct that underlying problem.
How does this non-slip coating work for WOOD?
SKID SAFE™ forms a clear coating over a compatible, sound wood finish to improve traction while keeping a smooth feel. For outdoor wood stairs or frequently wet areas, ND AGGREGATE™ can be added to create a textured surface.
Test a small area first to check adhesion and appearance.
Indoor wood floors and stairs
For a sound, finished indoor floor, SKID SAFE™ is designed to improve slip resistance while keeping a smooth feel. It is available in glossy and satin finishes. The finished appearance can vary with the wood and existing coating, so test a small area before treating the full floor.
An existing wood finish in sound condition may not need to be stripped. Clean it as directed and verify compatibility first. The SKID SAFE™ finish will only hold as well as the coating underneath it.
Outdoor wood stairs and wet areas
Exterior stairs face rain and repeated moisture. We recommend ND AGGREGATE™ with SKID SAFE™ on exterior surfaces to add physical texture. The grains are broadcast into the wet first coat, then secured with additional coats.
This system will feel textured underfoot and may be visible depending on the aggregate colour and wood finish. Test a small area to assess both appearance and traction.
See the No-Slip SKID SAFE System™
What should you check before applying a coating?
Surface condition: Check for loose boards, peeling finish, rot, cracks, or water damage. Repair these issues before proceeding to coat.
Existing finish: Identify whether the wood is painted, stained, or sealed. Test SKID SAFE™ for compatibility and appearance.
Water exposure: For outdoor stairs and frequently wet areas, assess drainage and the need for ND AGGREGATE™.
Time out of service: Plan to keep people and water off the surface during drying and curing.
The general SKID SAFE™ directions specify four coats without aggregate or six coats with aggregate, allowing each coat to dry before the next (10-15 mins.). The full cure time is listed as 96 hours. Follow the product data sheet for the system you select.
Frequently asked questions
Will SKID SAFE™ hide the wood grain?
SKID SAFE™ is a clear sealer, and will not hide any wood grains or original colour. However, the sheen on top can be selected as glossy or as satin. Test a small area before applying it broadly.
Will it feel rough on indoor stairs?
SKID SAFE™ alone is designed to dry smooth. ND AGGREGATE™ adds texture, which we recommend for exterior and other challenging wet areas.
Can I apply it over an old finish?
Possibly, if the existing finish is sound and compatible. Clean and test the surface first. A peeling or failing finish must be addressed before coating.
Can it repair damaged or rotting stairs?
No. Repair structural and surface damage before applying any coating.
How should the finished floor be cleaned?
We recommend a neutral pH cleaner for SKID SAFE™ surfaces. Follow the maintenance instructions for the selected system.
Get help choosing the right treatment
Use our SKID SAFE Project Selector Tool to identify what you need. Or alternatively, send us photos of the wood surface, describe its existing finish, and say whether it is indoors or exposed to rain. Include the approximate square footage or number and size of stair treads.
