When it comes to acid etching of tiles, because of the way the procedure works, there is no need to clean tiles before we start. While sweeping the tiles to get rid of leaves and debris before we start would help, it is not necessary.

Although not all treatments will be the an acid etch, we would prefer that we clean the tiles before we do the treatment. Our cleaning procedure ensures that we have a thorough deep clean.

Cleaning anti slip surfaces is extremely important, it is critical that the surface is kept free from contaminants. Surface modification changes the surface from smooth to textured and increases the coefficient of friction and therefore gives contaminants a place to lodge. If the recesses which have been created are allowed to fill with dirt, dust oils or detergents, the floor might become slippery again. 

Weekly;

• Use an enzyme-based surfactant free cleaner or vinegar to wash your surface (here is a example of one)

• Mix as directed using hot water

• Apply to surface and scrub vigorously with deck (strong bristle) brush

• Using a wet vacuum, remove cleaner and dirt or use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to rinse off.

Alternativley, use a mechanical cleaner with brissles to clean surface. (not a floor polisher or over aggressive brushes, this may scrub out the texture on the surface)

Biannually;

• Use a pressure cleaner to ensure deeply lodged contaminants are removed for the surface

• Do not use Detergent or cleaners with surfactants in as they evaporate and leave a slippery film on the surface

• Do not use an abrasive mechanical cleaner or polisher on the treated surface

Yes, a pressure washer can be used on treated surfaces. In fact, it is recommended. Using a pressure washer is a simple and easy way to clean tiles well. They are also fairly cost effective.

Here is an example of one that you can get from Bunnings, is well priced, and that works well too.

Although the cleaning procedure is very similar to how you would normally clean your tiles, staying away from detergents that can build up on your tiles to create a slippery film is important.

Using an enzyme based cleaner like the one in this link for example, will ensure that your tiles stay slip resistant.

Using vinegar is also a good alternative that is cost effective. Although it does not clean as well as an enzyme based cleaner.

When the friction of the tile is increased, it is only natural that dirt grips to it too.

In saying that, there is a simple solution. Having the tiles sealed with an ultra high quality sealer will help. We do offer this service too and is recommended for after treatment. Although it is not essential, it helps to keep tiles clean.

Sealing the tiles also prevents staining from liquids like coffee or wine.

Anti slip treatment is usually a fairly quick process that can be done in a matter of hours depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of treatment used.

For a small area like a shower for example, treatment should take about half an hour. As a rule of thumb, again depending on the treatment, treatment will be around 50 sqm per hour.

We have the ability to scale up massively to around 200 sqm per hour or more depending on the customer needs. 

Walking on the treatment is immediate. When we leave the project site, foot traffic can be handled instantly. If the tiles are sealed too, there will be a 12hr cure time before foot traffic is allowed on.

Once the tiles have been treated, a permanent change to the tiles happens. When the micro tread is created it should last the lifetime of the tile. 

There are some exceptions to this though. With areas that have unusually heavy foot traffic, the micro tread may wear down over time. 

Another reason that the tiles may become slippery again is that there is a build up. When there is a build up of particles like dirt or grime, this will fill the micro treads and leave the surface smooth under a microscope.

Cleaning the treated surface and keeping it clean is important. When there is a build up of grime, degreasing the floor might have to be done. That is why it is important to keep the area clean and dirt free.

Slip Solutions offer a 2 year warranty with the treatment for your peace of mind.

Treating tile with an anti-slip generally does not alter the look of the tile.

When it comes to some dark tiles however, acid etching may not be the way to go. Dark tiles tend to lighten up and in some cases may lighten up dramatically.

Slip Solutions have different formulas to treat different tiles and as such will minimise the colour change. 

In the case that colour change is unavoidable, we offer different solutions like a tile coating instead. 

The reaction of our customers always tend to be the same…”wow, that worked well.”

It can be deceiving since the look of the tile generally does not change. So when it feels completely different in the wet people are normally taken back at how well it works.

The feel of the tile when dry still feels and looks the same, but when it is wet, thats when the grip is felt.

Slip Solutions offer different solutions for every surface, so rest assured that your floor can be treated and that you are in good hands.

When it comes to the shine of the surface, it goes hand in hand with slipperiness. In order to have a surface with high shine the tension of the surface needs to be high. With this tension comes less surface area and water slides off easily…along with your foot.

Treating high shine floors with an acid etch will create more surface area by default and will therefore take some of the shine away.

There is a way around this however. Instead of treating the surface with an acid etch, a high gloss coating can be applied. However, in the coating itself, there is a slip resistant additive that can be seen when looked at closely. So although there will be a high gloss finish to the floor, it is likely that you will still see the slip resistant grit.

Once applied, the product cannot peel off. If the surface has been acid etched and neutralised, it permanently changes the structure of the tile and there is no product left on the tile to peel off.

This is one of the main advantages of acid etching for anti slip over other methods.

If a coating is applied which creates a film, the film may peel off over time. Although some people still prefer this option, we generally recommend an etching treatment over a coating type treatment.

Once applied, the product cannot discolour or yellow. If the surface has been acid etched and neutralised, it permanently changes the structure of the tile and there is no product left on the tile to discolour.

This is one of the main advantages of acid etching for anti slip over other methods.

If a coating is applied which creates a film, the film may discolour or yellow over time. Although some people still prefer this option, we generally recommend an etching treatment over a coating type treatment.

Although it is not necessary to seal the tiles after a treatment, we highly recommend it.  

Treated tiles can be more difficult to keep clean and so a ultra high quality sealer can be used to seal them. 

When choosing a sealer, make sure that it is the best quality you can find. A good product to use is something like Enrich’N’Seal™

Making sure that the sealer used does not affect the slip resistance of the treated tiles is paramount.

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Treating your own tiles can be done. If you can find a product that works for your specific tiles then great, you can defiantly do it yourself.

Although we use a commercial grade treatment, there may be some domestic treatments that work. 

For example there are treatments that you can get off of the shelf at Bunnings that do work for some tiles. Although they are not nearly as effective as our treatment, they will increase the slip rating of some tiles.

If you do apply it yourself, definitely follow the instructions on the packaging.

It can be tricky and if not done correctly will leave permanent marks on your tiles.

Yes. After treatment is done, the area is brought back to a neutral PH and is cleaned up ready for use.

Once the treatment is complete, it cannot be reversed.

There are ways to mask the treatment, like sealing with specific sealers and a few other techniques, but as a rule, once it has been applied it will be permanent.

This is one of the reasons we recommend that you do not attempt to treat your own tiles.