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Aluminum Oxide Beads vs. Polymer Grit for Slip Resistance

By Chris Sullivan – ChemSystems, Inc.

Question:

I have a customer who has a stamped concrete pool deck, but is having problems with slip resistance. The concrete is sealed with an acrylic sealer. Are #80 aluminum oxide beads for improving slip resistance compatible with acrylic sealer?

Answer:

There should be no chemical incompatibility between aluminum oxide and an acrylic sealer. But you may encounter other problems using #80 aluminum oxide beads. Aluminum oxide is heavy and when incorporated into an acrylic sealer it will tend to sink to the bottom, doing little to increase slip resistance at the surface. The other factor is the dark, opaque color of aluminum oxide, which could detract from the color and aesthetics of the stamped concrete.

A better method for increasing slip resistance is to use polymer grit additives. These fine, rough-shaped pieces of plastic are light enough to remain suspended in the sealer and they are translucent (clear). Some manufacturers provide polymer grit in different sizes for different levels of slip resistance. I encourage you to prepare a sample for the homeowner to evaluate before sealing the entire pool deck.

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