How do you non skid varnished steps

[Unclematt]

I am refinishing three sets of steps and so far all my non skid attempts have been a fail. I think I may try the sea salt method next, any thoughts?

 

[Oldersalt]

You can buy pre-made stick-on non-skid pieces from West Marine, Defender, etc. They look ok and work fine. i put some on the interior steps down to the V-berth one ny GB 32 5 years ago and they work great.
Good luck
Oldersalt

 

[Scottwb96]

I used clear non-skid tape. You can BARELY see it if you look closely. Helps A LOT when someone stupidly wears socks only...

Works well and doesn't feel like it's going to rip your feet apart either...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T4SBV9F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[koliver]

Bare teak

 

[High Wire]

I used two strips of 1 inch non skid tape per step. Available at the hardware store. Round off the corners.

 

[Choices]

I used granular sugar on wet varnish..

It does get sticky for a week or so. But that is how they did nonskid on surfboards.

As it wears the sugar away the paint structure is left, about 100 grit.

Dig down in my blog, grandbankschoices, and you can see it done with Awlwood.

 

[boathealer]

Several boats ago, I used fine sand mixed with epoxy, then several coats of varnish over the top. It worked really well.

For the teak and holly floor, I only put it on the holly parts.....

 

[Unclematt]

My first attempt was sprinkling anti skid on wet varnish with a salt shaker. Looked like crap. Second attempt was to mix the anti skid into the varnish. Looked like a bad crap. I have removed it all and need to sand and re-varnish. So far clear non skid sounds like a good idea.

 

[Bacchus]

Just thinking of alternatives...
I've used sand in wet varnish and a second coat over it.
I did not have good luck with the clear non-skid film but my problem was external and UV got to it. It might work in your case especially if done in strips or bands vs total surface.
If the "crappy" look was non- uniform surface I'm wondering if masking strips & using sand would concentrate it and provide enough grip without detracting from the overall look?? Similar to what boathealer has done and looks attractive.

 

[caltexflanc]

We used Awl Grip Griptex on some interior steps. Worked great. There are various YouTube videos on how to apply. You don't need much.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
I've also used the sand on wet varnish and over coated with a second as Mr. B. described. Worked fine for my application. 3 years on and still acceptable, to me, at least.

 

[SteveK]

We used Awl Grip Griptex on some interior steps. Worked great. There are various YouTube videos on how to apply. You don't need much.

does that have sand in it?

I remembered we used a product like this in a tub once and it worked well even though it was smooth to the touch.
Tub Grip Clear anti-slip bathtub coating.

 

[hollywood8118]

crushed walnut shells in wet varnish
hollywood

 

[FF]

If you have a router , place holly strips on the tread ,leave them proud by 3/16 or so.

That is how "Teak & Holly was done as no skid in the old days.

Gym varnish might work if there is a handrail.

Plan B would be to glue down Treadmaster. Very aggressive on bare feet but way better than a slip & fall.

 

[Cigatoo]

“If you have a router , place holly strips on the tread ,leave them proud by 3/16 or so.”
I like that. Would really make those stairs pop. Not that hard either.

 

[boathealer]

“If you have a router , place holly strips on the tread ,leave them proud by 3/16 or so.”
I like that. Would really make those stairs pop. Not that hard either.

Agree. Maybe make them a snug fit and not glued in, so that they can be replaced if/when worn down....

 

[caltexflanc]

does that have sand in it?

I remembered we used a product like this in a tub once and it worked well even though it was smooth to the touch.
Tub Grip Clear anti-slip bathtub coating.

It's little polymer beads. Clear so they don't contrast with the paint or varnish.

 

[jleonard]

You can fill the grooves with TDS 440 deck caulk. It will stand a little proud of the teak and will be non skid. I did that to the various stars and steps on my Albin and it worked great.