Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery?

Looking at the high gloss surface of any epoxy flooring, you'd say in an instant that it will be slippery. However, looks can be deceiving. And, epoxy floors are not as dangerous as you think.

Compared to most commercial flooring aids, epoxy is less slippery. In other words, you'd rarely experience any slip scare on an epoxy floor under normal circumstances.

Now, you'd ask, how about abnormal circumstances? Is epoxy flooring slippery every time? If not, when is it so? Most importantly, what can you do about it?

This article contains all the answers you seek!

Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery Every Time?

Short answer: no!

By default, epoxy floorings come with anti-slip materials. And depending on your preferred epoxy type, you can even enjoy more anti-slip functions.

However, the anti-slip material of epoxy floorings is only functional when they are dry. When they are wet, you'll slip and fall. And it won't matter if you use a flake, mortar, or quartz epoxy. The outcome is constant: falls and injuries.

So, to answer the question, an epoxy floor is not slippery all the time. It is only so when wet – like all flooring.

Note: the nature of the wetness of your epoxy flooring also determines the extent of your slip. For example, water is not as much a slip risk as oil. The latter is naturally slippery.

That said, should you now avoid epoxy in an environment that will most likely be wet? Should you use epoxy flooring at all?

Despite the scare of slipping and likely injuries, epoxy floors remain attractive and durable. They are a perfect fit for commercial spaces. So, if you operate in such an area, use the flooring by all means. But what about the slips?

Good news: you can still install epoxy flooring in a moist environment. But, you must take a few careful steps to avoid injuries.

Reducing The Slipperiness Of A Wet Epoxy Floor In 5 Simple Steps

1. Use The Best Epoxy Flooring

"Best" is a relative word. In other words, the best epoxy floor for your garage might be a poor choice for a hospital floor. In essence, consider your condition and the location of your flooring. Doing so will help you start off on the best foot.

And while you're at it, ensure you hire a professional to install your epoxy flooring.

2. Clean Liquids And Dirt Immediately

Even with the right epoxy flooring, prevent liquid from spreading all over your floor. Nip the potential damage at the bud; clean any grease, oil, or water immediately it spills.

3. Invest In Rubber Mats

In addition to instant cleaning, you can further reduce the slip on your epoxy floors with a synthetic rubber mat. With one, you can soak liquid spillage and prevent the spread.

Fortunately, the mats come with anti-slip backings. So, you don't have to worry about slipping off on the safety material itself.

4. Use A Containment Mat

Unlike rubber mats, containment mats are best suited for extreme wet environments. Plus, they are big – they can reach 9ft-by-22ft.

So, if you stay in areas with constant snowfall, containment mats are your best bet to prevent slips. They are big and sturdy enough to handle all the melting action.

5. Apply An Anti-slip Coating

Note: coating your epoxy flooring is the last resort. And it can be expensive because you have to apply it to all the floors. In some cases, you might even need to prime your flooring first.

6. Nonetheless, the anti-slip coating is effective!

Overall, don't overthink the cost of reducing the slipperiness of your epoxy flooring. You stand to reap the benefits in the long run. Just follow the steps we listed, and you'll be fine.