The Truth About Epoxy Flooring Slip Resistance
Epoxy flooring is popular for one simple reason: it works hard. It’s durable, seamless, easy to clean, and looks sharp in everything from garages and workshops to commercial kitchens and warehouses.
But one question comes up all the time:
“Are epoxy floors slippery?”
Here’s the honest answer: epoxy floors aren’t inherently slippery — but like any surface, the slip risk depends on the finish, the environment, and how the floor is specified and maintained.
Why Do People Think Epoxy Floors Are Slippery?
Most epoxy floors have a smooth, glossy finish. That clean “showroom” look can make people assume it’ll be like walking on ice when wet.
The reality is simple: any smooth floor can become slippery when water, oil, or dust is present — including tiles, sealed concrete, vinyl, and polished surfaces. Epoxy just gets blamed more often because it’s known for being seamless and shiny.
Texture Is the Game-Changer
Slip resistance comes down to one thing: surface texture.
At NZ Grinders, we can install epoxy flooring with different finishes depending on where it’s going and what it needs to handle. If the area is exposed to moisture, oils, or frequent spills, the solution is straightforward:
Anti-slip additives (often called grit, aggregate, or slip-resistant media) can be incorporated into the coating system to create extra grip underfoot.
This means you can choose:
- Smoother finishes for clean, dry areas where easy cleaning is the priority
- Textured, slip-resistant finishes for wet, oily, high-traffic, or safety-critical areas
In other words: epoxy floors can be customised for traction — you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all finish.
Are Epoxy Floors Slippery When Wet?
They can be — if the surface is high-gloss and installed without texture in an area that regularly gets wet.
But when epoxy flooring is correctly specified with a slip-resistant finish, it performs extremely well in real-world environments, including:
- Commercial kitchens and food prep areas
- Garages and workshops
- Warehouses and factories
- Entry areas and corridors
- Utility rooms and plant rooms
The key is matching the system to the use of the space. A showroom floor and a wash-down area shouldn’t have the same finish — and they don’t at NZ Grinders.
How to Keep Epoxy Floors Safe (and Looking Good)
Even the best floor system still needs basic care. Good maintenance improves both safety and lifespan.
To maintain slip resistance:
- Clean spills promptly (especially oil, detergent, or grease)
- Keep dust and fine debris under control (it can act like ball bearings)
- Use the right cleaning products (some leave residues that reduce grip)
- In high-risk areas, wear appropriate non-slip footwear
If your epoxy floor is in a commercial or industrial setting, we can also recommend a cleaning approach that won’t compromise the surface or leave it slick.
So… Are Epoxy Floors Slippery?
No — epoxy floors aren’t automatically slippery.
Slipperiness depends on the finish, the environment, and whether the floor includes a slip-resistant texture.
When epoxy flooring is installed properly with the right level of traction, it provides a safe, durable, and easy-to-maintain surface — even in demanding spaces.
Talk to NZ Grinders About Epoxy Flooring
If you’re considering epoxy flooring and want it to look great and perform safely, we’ll help you choose the right system and finish for your space.
Call NZ Grinders: 0508-694-746
We service Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Queenstown, Wanaka and the Lakes areas — and we travel throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
Website: nzgrinders.co.nz