walnut_weasel Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I am looking for some ideas of how to make a step stool non-slip. I know that I do NOT want to use the stick on anti-skid surface that looks like sand paper. I was thinking about using some kind of fluting on the surface. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jHop Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I think there might be a couple of options. Aside from draping a sheet of non-skid drawer liner on it, you are probably looking at small lines/grooves/cuts on the surface. You might look into a trim router with a small v bit or small straight bit and do a cross-hatching on it, like the knurling on metal knobs. Another option is to do several straight lines, either from side to side, front to back, or diagonally. I would stay away from any grooves, dadoes, or flutes deeper than 1/8". I'd even suggest just going about 1/16" at the deepest. You get to make the decision on the pattern. Just had a thought, you might be able to carve some form of pattern or design on the step that would fill that same role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I was thinking about the brush patterns that are applied to concrete, and then I thought about the swirl patterns that you get with sanding. Maybe put some 80 grit paper on an orbital or RO sander and see if you like the result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Thinking along the lines of fluting the surface, what about cutting shallow kerf lines (either straight or in some type of design) and fill the grooves with a deck caulking like what's used on a boats teak deck? The stuff I use cures to solid rubber (either black, white or even tan color) and sands great leaving a very slight crown to provide grip. Here's a pic along the lines of what I'm talking about.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walnut_weasel Posted October 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 Very nice! What type do you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 I usually buy it by the case from the manufacturer, but Jamestown Distributors also carries it in single tubes. It's called SIS-440 seaming caulk made by Teak Decking Systems. Best caulking I have found for it intended purpose and it's also the least expensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trip Posted October 15, 2012 Report Share Posted October 15, 2012 West systems makes a non-slip additive -- typically used in marine applications. i've used it and works quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walnut_weasel Posted October 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2012 I just had a thought - what about inlaying some thin cork? It is for a stool in a bedroom so I don't think I really have to worry about it getting dirty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted October 16, 2012 Report Share Posted October 16, 2012 I've never worked with cork so can't comment if it will be too brittle (snap when trying to make bends) but it sounds like it may be a good option.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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