Coo-Var Suregrip® Aqua is a water-based, fast-drying, low-odour anti-slip floor paint. Its pre-blended aggregate provides a slip-resistant finish for areas such as walkways, steps, ramps, warehouses and other high-traffic surfaces.
This guide explains how to prepare and apply Suregrip® Aqua to both bare concrete and previously painted floors.
Before You Start
Good preparation is essential for a durable finish. The surface must be clean, dry, sound and free from oil, grease, dust and other contamination.
You will typically need:
- Coo-Var Suregrip® Aqua
- Coo-Var Acrylic Floor Paint
- Roller suitable for floor coatings
- Paint brush for edges and awkward areas
- Clean water
- Suitable cleaning/degreasing products
- Abrasive paper or mechanical preparation equipment where required
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Floor
Remove all dirt, dust, oil, grease and other contamination from the surface.
Use a suitable degreaser or oil remover where required and allow the floor to dry thoroughly before painting.
Bare Concrete
New concrete must be sufficiently cured and dry before painting.
Smooth, polished or power-floated concrete may require mechanical abrasion to provide a suitable key for the coating.
Where required, Coo-Var Acid Etch can help remove surface contamination and provide a suitable surface profile.
Thoroughly remove all residue after preparation and ensure the floor is completely dry before painting.
Previously Painted Floors
Check that the existing coating is sound, well adhered and suitable for overcoating.
Remove any loose, flaking or poorly adhered paint, then clean and degrease the surface thoroughly.
Smooth or glossy areas should be lightly abraded to provide a suitable key. Remove all dust before painting.
If you are unsure about compatibility, carry out a test area before coating the whole floor.
Step 2: Prime Bare Concrete
Bare concrete should be primed before applying Suregrip® Aqua.
Use Coo-Var Acrylic Floor Paint, thinned by 5% with clean water, as the primer.
Mix thoroughly and apply an even coat using a suitable roller. Use a brush around edges and awkward areas.
Allow the primer to dry sufficiently before applying Suregrip® Aqua.
Previously painted surfaces do not require this primer coat when the existing coating is sound, suitably prepared and compatible.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat of Suregrip® Aqua
Mix the paint thoroughly before application.
Apply the first full coat of Suregrip® Aqua using a suitable short-pile roller. Work systematically across the floor to achieve an even finish.
Avoid overworking the coating, as this can affect the distribution of the anti-slip aggregate.
Step 4: Apply the Second Coat
Allow the first coat to dry sufficiently before applying the second.
Apply a second full coat of Suregrip® Aqua, maintaining an even application across the surface.
Pay particular attention to edges, corners and areas subject to heavier traffic.
Step 5: Allow to Dry
Suregrip® Aqua is designed to dry quickly, but drying times will vary depending on temperature, humidity, ventilation and the surface.
Typical drying times are approximately:
- Overcoat: 6 hours
- Walkable: 6 hours
- Full hardness: 3–5 days
Avoid heavy traffic until the coating has reached sufficient hardness for the intended use.
Tips for a Better Finish
- Make sure the surface is clean, dry and properly prepared.
- Remove loose or flaking existing paint before overcoating.
- Abrade smooth or glossy surfaces.
- Use the recommended Acrylic Floor Paint primer on bare concrete.
- Mix thoroughly before and during application.
- Use a suitable short-pile roller.
- Avoid overworking the coating.
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats.
- Allow the coating to fully harden before subjecting it to heavy traffic.
Need Help Choosing the Right Anti-Slip Floor Paint?
Coo-Var has a range of anti-slip floor coatings for different surfaces and environments, including industrial floors, walkways, ramps and steps.
Explore the Coo-Var Anti-Slip Floor Paint range or contact our team for free technical support, specs and site visits where required.
