anti slip grip paint

Non Slip Paint for Stairs

A slip on a flat floor is an accident. A slip on a staircase is a serious injury. BC Paints manufactures non-slip paint for stairs that reduces that risk significantly across all settings. 

Our pre-mixed aggregate formula creates a textured, high-grip surface on concrete, metal, timber and stone staircases. It resists heavy foot traffic and harsh cleaning chemicals. Available in over 10,000 colours, with free UK-wide delivery in one to three days from our Wolverhampton facility.

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Non Slip Stairs Paint for Indoor and Outdoor Staircases

Non slip stairs paint faces different demands depending on whether the staircase is inside or out.

  • Indoor stairs deal primarily with foot traffic, cleaning chemicals and occasional wet shoes.
  • Outdoor stairs deal with all of that plus rain, frost, UV exposure and the accumulated grime that comes with external environments.

Our formula handles both. The polyurethane base resists moisture and weathering. This makes it equally at home on an exterior fire escape as it is on an internal concrete staircase.

The pre-mixed aggregate is what makes the difference on stairs specifically. On a flat floor, a person catching a slippery surface usually stays upright. On a staircase, the same slip carries momentum downward. That distinction is exactly why stairs deserve a purpose-specified coating rather than a standard floor paint with grip as an afterthought.

We supply stair coatings to facilities managers, health and safety teams, contractors and building owners across the UK. Request a quote or ask about bulk pricing for multi-floor or multi-site projects.

Stair Paint for Concrete, Metal, Timber and Stone Steps

The substrate matters when choosing stair paint for concrete, metal, timber and stone steps. Each has different surface characteristics: porosity, flexibility, existing coating history. Each responds differently to preparation and application.

Concrete stairs are the most common application and the most straightforward. Metal staircases, particularly external ones, need degreasing and a compatible primer before topcoating to ensure long-term adhesion.

Timber stairs require any loose or flaking existing paint to be fully removed. The aggregate in the topcoat bridges surface variation less forgivingly than a plain paint would. Stone stairs, particularly polished or sealed stone, need thorough keying before application.

Substrate-specific guidance at a glance:

  • Concrete stairs: degrease and apply two coats directly; prime bare or porous concrete first
  • Metal stairs: degrease, remove rust, prime with a compatible metal primer before topcoat
  • Timber stairs: sand back, remove all loose paint, apply two coats of anti-slip topcoat
  • Stone stair: thoroughly abrade glazed or sealed surfaces to create a mechanical key
  • Previously painted stairs: check adhesion first, then paint over only what is fully sound

Browse our full stair and anti-slip range online to find the right product for your substrate.

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    FAQS

    • Is there a difference between anti-slip floor paint and non-slip paint for stairs?

      Anti-slip floor paint and non-slip paint for stairs are the same product. The difference is how it’s applied and what’s at stake if it fails.

      On stairs, edge coverage on the nosing (the front lip of each step) is critical. Paint that pulls back from edges during drying leaves the highest-contact, highest-risk area of each step unprotected. Apply carefully to ensure full coverage across the tread and right to the nosing edge.

    • Can non-slip stair paint be used on both treads and risers?

      Yes, non-slip stair paint can be used on both treads and risers. However, anti-slip paint is most important on the treads (the horizontal surfaces your foot lands on).

      Risers are vertical and don’t carry weight directly. So, a plain matching colour coat on risers with anti-slip on treads is a common approach. If you want a consistent finish throughout, applying the anti-slip formula to both is perfectly fine and causes no problems.

    • How do you paint stairs that can’t be closed off completely during drying?

      This is how you paint stairs that can’t be closed off completely during drying:

      • Paint alternate steps
      • Odd-numbered steps first
      • Allow to dry
      • then even-numbered steps

      This method keeps the staircase passable throughout the process, with users stepping over the wet steps. Allow each set of steps to dry fully before the second coat. It takes longer than painting all steps at once but avoids the need to close the staircase entirely.

    • How long before painted stairs can take foot traffic again?

      Most anti-slip stair paints are touch dry within two to four hours at 20°C. However, foot traffic on stairs creates point pressure and friction immediately with each step.

      We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before allowing normal use, and longer in cold or humid conditions where cure times extend. Heavy boots or industrial footwear should wait the full 24 hours minimum.

    • Does non-slip stair paint wear faster on the nosing than the rest of the step?

      Yes, non-slip stair paint wears faster on the nosing than the rest of the step. The nosing takes the most concentrated wear because it’s where the foot lands and pivots on every step.

      In high-traffic settings, the nosing can show wear before the rest of the tread. A practical solution is to apply an additional third coat to the nosing only during initial application. This builds extra film thickness where wear will be greatest.