Polished concrete is sleek, stylish, and incredibly durable — but it can be slippery in areas exposed to water, oils, or foot traffic with smooth-soled shoes. If you're working in restaurants, entrances, washrooms, or external walkways, applying an anti-slip treatment is essential. This guide explains how to apply anti-slip to polished concrete the right way — with solutions that preserve your gloss and don’t destroy your work.
Start by assessing the level of slip risk. Is the floor high-gloss? Is it located near water sources or used by people in smooth-soled shoes? Does the client require an anti-slip rating? Based on these factors, decide whether you need a temporary treatment, permanent additive, or light micro-etching to add grip.
You have three main options: 1) Add a fine grip additive into your guard or sealer, 2) Apply a topical anti-slip treatment (invisible grit), 3) Use a micro-etch that chemically alters the surface tension. Each offers different levels of slip resistance and longevity. Avoid gritty coatings designed for bare concrete — they ruin polished finishes.
Before applying anything, the floor must be fully polished, sealed (if needed), and dry. Vacuum, dust mop, and remove any residue. If applying anti-slip as part of a guard product, ensure the surface is clean and unburnished — it must bond or embed evenly to prevent patchiness or dull zones.
If using an anti-slip additive, follow the product’s mix ratio and stir well before applying. Use ultra-fine glass bead or polymer grip — coarse silica is too aggressive for polished surfaces. Apply with a microfiber mop in thin, even coats. Let dry fully before burnishing (if required). Avoid overloading the additive — too much creates a cloudy, gritty appearance.
For already-polished floors, you can use an aftermarket anti-slip spray or wipe-on product. These contain micro-polymers that increase friction without affecting gloss. Apply using a microfiber cloth or sprayer and allow to cure. These are best for areas like showrooms, shops, or stair landings where added safety is needed without sealing over.
A micro-etch is a mild acid solution that slightly increases surface tension by altering the microscopic texture of polished concrete. It reduces gloss and reflectivity, but permanently improves grip. Use only where required — like outdoor polished slabs or wet commercial zones — and neutralise thoroughly after application.
After curing, test slip resistance using a slip meter or conduct a wet foot test. You should feel a noticeable improvement without losing clarity or smoothness. If the surface still feels slick, consider reapplying or increasing additive concentration (in a small test area only).
Anti-slip surfaces must be maintained like polished ones — no harsh chemicals, degreasers, or abrasives. Use a pH-neutral cleaner to keep grip intact and avoid residue build-up that could make the floor slick again. Reapply topical anti-slip products every 6–12 months depending on wear.
If you'd rather skip the stress and get a flawless concrete floor polished by professionals, we’ve got you covered. From precision prep to polished perfection — we handle it all.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote on polished concrete flooring:
Or fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you with honest advice and a competitive quote.