Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Good morning, All~
A friend just asked me what I used for anti-skid on floorboards in gunning boats. I have used two different approaches - mild and robusto?
The milder version is what's available from many sources - a fine sand or other inert granule intended to be added to paint or epoxy. I had the sand in the bag since my days on Long Island - probably bought it at a paint store in Patchogue in the mid-80s. I finally used it up and bought a small tub of Skid-Tex. [CLICK to enlarge]
View attachment FB 03 - Sand for non-skid.JPG
I used it here on the top of a rope locker which doubles as step when getting into the cockpit on a big cabin boat. This vessel is used during the warmer months and feet could be bare - and some could sit on it in bathing suits (or less?).
View attachment CASSIOPEIA Rope Locker.JPG
I do not add the "sand" to the paint. Instead, I mask the edges before rolling on my final coat of epoxy - then sprinkle the sand on with a salt shaker I keep for this purpose. I then put 2 coats of paint over it once the epoxy cures (and has been washed to remove any amine blush).
I have also used playground sand - in bags from the hardware store - for a coarser grip. As duckboats are typically used only in colder months with heavily-booted feet, the superior traction is generally welcome.
Such sand is typically damp from the bag. I let a batch dry in the sun - then sprinkle from a can covered with 1/8-inch hardware cloth as a shaker.
View attachment FB 06 - Non-skid.JPG
These floorboards (aka duckboards) are for a South Bay. I mask areas unlikely to be trod upon.
View attachment FB 04 - Floorboards with non-skid.JPG
So - other approaches? I gather many use heavy foam mats intended for shops and such. And, I know 3M has long made self-adhesive non-skid tapes and patches for smaller areas.
All the best,
SJS
A friend just asked me what I used for anti-skid on floorboards in gunning boats. I have used two different approaches - mild and robusto?
The milder version is what's available from many sources - a fine sand or other inert granule intended to be added to paint or epoxy. I had the sand in the bag since my days on Long Island - probably bought it at a paint store in Patchogue in the mid-80s. I finally used it up and bought a small tub of Skid-Tex. [CLICK to enlarge]
View attachment FB 03 - Sand for non-skid.JPG
I used it here on the top of a rope locker which doubles as step when getting into the cockpit on a big cabin boat. This vessel is used during the warmer months and feet could be bare - and some could sit on it in bathing suits (or less?).
View attachment CASSIOPEIA Rope Locker.JPG
I do not add the "sand" to the paint. Instead, I mask the edges before rolling on my final coat of epoxy - then sprinkle the sand on with a salt shaker I keep for this purpose. I then put 2 coats of paint over it once the epoxy cures (and has been washed to remove any amine blush).
I have also used playground sand - in bags from the hardware store - for a coarser grip. As duckboats are typically used only in colder months with heavily-booted feet, the superior traction is generally welcome.
Such sand is typically damp from the bag. I let a batch dry in the sun - then sprinkle from a can covered with 1/8-inch hardware cloth as a shaker.
View attachment FB 06 - Non-skid.JPG
These floorboards (aka duckboards) are for a South Bay. I mask areas unlikely to be trod upon.
View attachment FB 04 - Floorboards with non-skid.JPG
So - other approaches? I gather many use heavy foam mats intended for shops and such. And, I know 3M has long made self-adhesive non-skid tapes and patches for smaller areas.
All the best,
SJS
