Antislip

Antislip refers to a range of products, coatings, and surface textures designed to increase traction and reduce the risk of slipping in pedestrian or vehicular contexts. The term is commonly applied to floors, stairs, footwear, and vehicle tires, as well as to mats, tapes, and coatings intended to improve grip.

How antislip works varies by approach. Some solutions create roughness or patterns on a surface to disrupt a thin water film and increase friction. Others incorporate abrasive grains or durable fillers into coatings to provide immediate traction. Certain treatments modify surface energy so that liquids spread less easily, while others rely on specialized tread patterns or studded surfaces. The goal is to maintain grip under wet, oily, dusty, or icy conditions and across a range of temperatures.

Common forms include non-slip coatings (such as epoxy or polyurethane formulations), self-adhesive anti-slip tapes and stair nosings, abrasive mats and runners, and grit-enhanced toppings. Anti-slip features are also integrated into footwear and into vehicle tires where traction is critical.

Applications span many sectors, including commercial and residential flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, schools, manufacturing facilities, and public transit areas. Safety considerations include proper installation, maintenance, and periodic testing to ensure ongoing effectiveness, as coatings wear and mats accumulate debris. Testing methods typically measure the coefficient of friction under dry and wet conditions using standardized equipment, with regional standards guiding evaluation and classification.

Limitations should be noted: antislip measures reduce but do not eliminate slip risk and may wear over time. Regular inspection and refurbishment are often required to maintain performance.