Concrete Protective Sealers
Slip Resistance
> Slip Resistance of Concrete Finishes Table
> Additives to Enhance Traction
In general, application of a sealer will reduce the slip resistance of the surface it is coating. The overall slip resistance of the concrete however, is far more dependent on the profile and texture of the concrete surface than the coating that is placed on it.
As a guide, in-house slip resistance tests on broom finished concrete were evaluated in accordance with AS/NZS4586.1999 (Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials Appendix A - Wet Pendulum Test Method). The tests showed a reduction in slip resistance from a rating of 56 MBPN (mean British Pendulum Number), before sealer application, to 54MBPN after application of two coats of CCS Hardseal (two coats typically only produce a film thickness of 0.04mm).
Slip Resistance of Concrete Finishes Table
| Concrete Finish | Mean BPN Value | Contribution to the risk of slipping when wet |
| Broom finish | 66 | Very Low |
| Broom finish with sealer | 65 | Very Low |
| Hard steel trowel with sealer | 26 | High |
| Smoothly honed finish with sealer | 33 | High |
| Machine polished with sealer | 26 | High |
| Exposed aggregate finish | 56 | Very Low |
| Exposed aggregate with sealer | 54 | Low |
| Acid etched and sealed | 60 | Very Low |
| Salt rock finish and sealed | 56 | Very Low |
| Stamped concrete and sealed | 39 | Moderate |
| Stencil concrete, broom finish, sealed | 59 | Very Low |
| Resurfacing compound, sealed | 58 | Very Low |
Results from in-house tests on different floor surfaces evaluated in accordance with AS/NZS4586.1999 (Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials Appendix A - Wet Pendulum Test Method)
If slip resistance is a key issue, the concrete must be finished in an appropriate manner - so that, regardless of whether a sealer is applied, the surface maintains an adequate slip resistance level for the purpose it is being used for. Because they don't alter the texture of the concrete, penetrating sealers such as CCS Streetscape Sealer are ideal for horizontal surfaces requiring effective slip resistance.
As concrete is a custom made product, on-site trials and the production of samples are the only way of ensuring that a project meets slip resistance guidelines.
Additives to Enhance Traction
To aid traction, crushed glass or specially manufactured synthetic powders such as CCS Sealer Grip can be used with most sealers. Additives however cannot be used in conjunction with non-film building, penetrating sealers such as CCS Streetscape Sealer.
With crushed glass the applicator broadcasts the material into the first coating of sealer while it is still wet. As a rule, crushed glass such as CCS Glass Beads are used in Epoxy and Urethane Coatings only. A second coating of sealer is then applied to lock the grit into the surface.
In contrast, special additive powders such as CCS Sealer Grip are mixed with Solvent based sealers such as the range of CCS Acrylic Sealers, prior to the final coat. The degree of slip resistance is directly relative to the amount of additive per litre of sealer mix. Therefore, it is recommended that a sample be specified prior to commencement of the project.
Please Note: The above additives will only aid traction. Existing smooth surfaces that do not satisfy Australian Standards for slip resistance cannot be rectified by adding CCS Sealer Grip. It is also important to note that as the sealer wears, the traction additives will also diminish in effectiveness.