Traction Options for Concrete Coatings: Pros, Cons, & What to Expect

When it comes to concrete coatings, safety and performance go hand in hand. One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects is traction — the level of grip your flooring provides underfoot. Whether you’re coating a garage, warehouse, commercial kitchen, or patio, choosing the right traction option can make all the difference in durability, safety, and comfort.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common traction options for concrete coatings, discuss their pros and cons, and help you understand what to expect during installation and maintenance.

Why Traction Matters in Concrete Coatings

Slippery concrete surfaces can be hazardous. When a coating is too smooth, it increases the risk of slips and falls — especially in areas exposed to water, oil, or heavy foot traffic.

The right traction level provides:

• Safety for employees, customers, and residents
• Compliance with OSHA and ADA safety standards
• Durability by resisting wear from wheels, shoes, and machinery
• Aesthetic appeal that matches the surrounding environment

By customizing traction, you can achieve both safety and style without compromising performance.

Common Traction Options for Concrete Coatings

Depending on your environment and desired finish, several traction-enhancing materials can be added to epoxy, polyaspartic, or urethane coatings. Let’s break down the main ones:

1. Silica Sand

Silica sand is one of the most cost-effective traction options available. Mixed directly into the coating or broadcast on top, it provides a rough texture that increases grip.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and easy to apply
• Creates excellent traction for industrial or outdoor surfaces
• Works well with epoxy and polyurea systems

Cons:

• Can feel too rough underfoot for residential or decorative spaces
• Difficult to clean if not sealed properly
• May wear unevenly over time

Best For: Warehouses, driveways, garages, and loading areas.

2. Aluminum Oxide

For extreme durability, aluminum oxide is the go-to option. This additive is harder than sand and ideal for areas that experience heavy traffic, machinery, or chemical exposure.

Pros:

• Highly resistant to wear, chemicals, and abrasion
• Offers long-lasting traction
• Great for industrial or commercial environments

Cons:

• Can create a very coarse surface
• Harder to clean due to its aggressive texture
• Slightly more expensive than silica sand

Best For: Manufacturing plants, warehouses, and outdoor walkways.

3. Polypropylene or Polymer Beads

These small, rounded beads are perfect if you want a balance between traction and comfort. Unlike sand or grit, polymer beads produce a gentler texture that’s safe for bare feet.

Pros:

• Smooth but slip-resistant finish
• Comfortable and easy to clean
• Aesthetic-friendly for decorative spaces

Cons:

• Not ideal for high-load industrial zones
• Can reduce grip when wet if over-sealed

Best For: Pool decks, patios, showrooms, and retail areas.

4. Glass Beads

Glass beads are popular for decorative concrete coatings because they add a subtle sparkle while improving traction. They reflect light beautifully and enhance the visual appeal of floors.

Pros:

• Attractive and decorative
• Provides light traction
• Works well with clear topcoats

Cons:

• Less durable than oxide or sand-based options
• Can lose traction properties over time in high-traffic zones

Best For: Decorative spaces, lobbies, basements, and showrooms.

5. Rubber Additives

Rubberized additives create a soft, flexible surface with moderate grip. These are especially useful where comfort and noise reduction are priorities.

Pros:

• Comfortable underfoot
• Reduces noise and vibration
• Ideal for gyms, recreation centers, and family spaces

Cons:

• Less chemical and abrasion resistance
• Not suited for heavy machinery or industrial use

Best For: Gyms, daycares, recreation centers, and offices.

How Traction Is Applied

Adding traction isn’t just about mixing in grit — the application process matters too. Here’s how professionals like Sealwell handle it:

1. Surface Preparation: Concrete is cleaned, repaired, and ground to ensure adhesion.
2. Base Coat Application: A primer or base epoxy layer is applied.
3. Additive Broadcasting: The chosen traction media (sand, beads, oxide, etc.) is either mixed into the coating or evenly broadcast over it.
4. Topcoat Sealing: A protective clear coat locks in the additive while preserving the desired texture and gloss.

This step-by-step process ensures durable, consistent traction across the entire floor.

What to Expect: Performance and Maintenance

The longevity of your traction finish depends on both material and maintenance.

Performance Expectations:

• Industrial additives like aluminum oxide can last years even under constant forklift use.
• Decorative or light-duty options (like polymer or glass beads) typically last 2–5 years before needing refreshment.

Maintenance Tips:

• Sweep or mop regularly to prevent buildup that reduces grip.
• Avoid harsh acids or solvents that could damage the coating.
• Schedule professional inspections to assess wear and reapply traction as needed.

A properly maintained coating provides lasting safety and beauty, even in demanding environments.

Choosing the Right Traction for Your Space

Not all coatings — or spaces — require the same traction. Here’s a quick comparison to guide your decision:

For the best results, always work with a professional concrete coating contractor who can evaluate your surface and environment.

The Sealwell Advantage

At Sealwell, we specialize in custom concrete coating systems that balance performance, safety, and visual appeal. Our experts can recommend the ideal traction additive for your unique space — whether you’re upgrading a commercial facility or industrial warehouse.

We use high-performance epoxy, polyaspartic, and urethane systems designed for long-lasting protection, superior traction, and easy maintenance.

Ready to Upgrade Your Floor’s Traction?

Your concrete floor deserves more than just a coating — it deserves a solution tailored to your environment and safety needs. Whether you need light grip for decorative spaces or industrial-strength traction for high-traffic areas, Sealwell has the expertise and materials to deliver lasting results.

Contact Sealwell today, and one of our flooring experts will connect with you within 24 hours to schedule an on-site visit, provide a personalized flooring plan, and offer a free quote.

SEALWELL INC

 Phone No– +1 (844)-443-2844

Email- in*******@se*********.com

Let’s Connect:  www.sealwellinc.com