Making stone floor tiles less slippery

[Mr. Dazzle]

Does anyone have experience with treatments to make (dry!) floor tiles less slippery.

There are a couple of places in our hall/kitchen where the stone tiles are crazy slippy now. Almost like they've been sprayed with polish. They're definitely clean, I've scrubbed and then steam mopped and they're sparkling. Indeed I think that's the problem, they're too clean now and have been polished down to a shine through use.

They're at least 10 years old (came with the house) and natural stone. They're only slippery in a few key high traffic places.

I see you can get an anti slip etch type treatment to kind of 'depolish' the surface, but it seems really expensive for what it is. It's just acid right? Is there something else I could be getting which is equivalent, hopefully which won't earn me a criminal record?

https://www.slipdoctors.co.uk/products/ ... -treatment

[Count Steer]

Depends on the type of stone. HF'll work on most.

However, some less lethal concoctions might do the trick.

'Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is commonly used to etch stone, particularly silicates like quartz, feldspar, and chacedony. Other acids that can etch stone include hydrochloric acid (HCl) which affects carbonates like calcite and sulfuric acid, which can etch corundums. Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acidic substances can also cause etching on certain types of natural stone, according to Boston Stone Restoration and Granex Industries Inc.'

Personally I'd be pondering on more physical/abrasion methods (unless the stuff is really, really hard).

[Mr. Dazzle]

I was thinking more along the lines of some kind of brick cleaner or something, which is a tenth the price and which I may or may not have made up...

[KungFooBob]

[Count Steer]

I was thinking more along the lines of some kind of brick cleaner or something, which is a tenth the price and which I may or may not have made up...

Some caution required. First hit...

'Will brick acid clean stone?
However, this method is not suitable for natural stone. Brick acid should never be used on any natural stone surface.'

[Mr. Dazzle]

Can't find a colour which matches

[Mussels]

I'd be wary of most chemicals on stone that wears smooth in just ten years. Vinegar in a small area may be useful to test for calcium carbonate, if it fizzes then read up on treating limestone or marble.

[KungFooBob]

The easiest solution is probably to burn your house down and buy a new one with grippy stone using the insurance money.

[Mr. Dazzle]

It's why it's worth asking other people... find the obvious solutions you've missed.

[cheb]

How much dust could you tolerate? Could the surface be lightly media blasted with coarse particles?

[ogri]

Stick carpet/lino over the top?

[Mr. Dazzle]

Gave it a go with some vinegar. Just sploshed a bit on and left it for 15 minutes, then wiped it all up and then mopped the floor. Technically I suppose I should have neutralised the vinegar with bicarb, but I doubt it needed much neutralising anyway.

It's definitely done something, the tile in question has what looks like a very light water stain on it. The tiles are mottled pattern anyway so it's hard to see unless you know where it is.

Certainly much less slippy now, but whether I've actually changed the surface or just removed a layer of caked on grease I don't know. I suppose it doesn't matter!

[mangocrazy]

Sugar soap (as used in decorating prep) is excellent for removing grease and contaminants without damaging the substrate. Normally used on walls prior to painting or wallpapering.

[Mr. Dazzle]

It's always that bright yellow colour too, makes me wonder if it's actually necessary or just a "everyone knows sugar soap is yellow" thing.

[mangocrazy]

Only if you buy the liquid. Buy the powder, mix it up yourself and save some dosh.

[KungFooBob]

Is it flammable?

[mangocrazy]

No.