This is a crude wood step. Couple of 2x10" boards with a plywood top. I expect to seal it with something like Thompsons. I want to add something to give it traction on top, preferably all over the top.

The step will be on my boat dock and used to get in the boat while the water is high.

I could use the traction tape but it's pretty expensive if you want to lay more than a couple narrow strips.

What works well? Maybe dust the wet Thompsons with sand?

Thanks.

Skateboard tape?
Sand/dust under the sealer may work too, never tried that.

5 penny nails driven up from below?

Interlux nonskid paint or the additive added to your varnish.

If you're not talking about a rubber traction strip to glue or screw down (I think even Harbor Frieght sells them) they make a clear-ish traction spray. I'm trying to remember where I got it, maybe Lowes. IIRC I used it as texture under paint, probably on a rifle stock.

the skateboard tape is effective,
you can get a version for steps,

but wondering how long it would last that close to the water,

Clear traction additive to the sealant AND a screwed or nailed down traction strip at the edge in a contrast color.

If the boat dock is outside, I would take every available safety measure to avoid a slip and fall--even by uninvited strangers.

MOB griptape (skateboard), or Flypaper brand if you can find it.
That specific brand is super high quality. It doesn’t flake or rub off. The adhesive is comparable to some of 3M’s higher quality adhesives. It will be highly water resistant if applied correctly.

Apply as you would to a skateboard, press on or roller wheel it down. Overlap the sides of the step. Use a file to file through (cut the griptape) on the edges. The filing through at a 45* angle makes it adhere to the edges, and it won’t peel up. Lots of tutorials use a round rod (screwdriver) and a razor. I always preferred the file. It just worked better for me.

Video tutorial if a skateboard, so you can see what I am talking about on the edges.

We used to paint An area and then put sand on it, then follow up with a flood coat over that to make nonskid, when I was in the service. But a roll of skateboard tape or a strip to harbor freight is prolly easier

lowes has this

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Valsp...ents-3-fl-oz/3850743

non skid additive

Your hardware store can mix a no skid paint for you. It is porch paint with sand mixed in. I used it on the deck and steps of my range house and it works great

I'm not sure Thompsons is paint like enough to hold grit. I'd try the grit in paint method.

My first choice would be the nonskid paint and 2nd choice would be skateboard tape.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
a screwed or nailed down traction strip at the edge in a contrast color.

Sometimes unintended consequences occur which make things unsafer when you intended to make them safer, and screwed on traction strips can be one of those things. One of the oil & gas consultants I used to use decided to improve the safety on their ceramic tile steps and added the screwed down traction strip. Women wearing high heels began falling down the steps. The screw down strip is raised up just high enough from the rest of the stair surface that it was enough to catch high heels.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
We used to paint An area and then put sand on it, then follow up with a flood coat over that to make nonskid, when I was in the service. But a roll of skateboard tape or a strip to harbor freight is prolly easier

This!

This was cheap and worked great

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A1ANDT8/

quote:

Originally posted by Icabod:

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
We used to paint An area and then put sand on it, then follow up with a flood coat over that to make nonskid, when I was in the service. But a roll of skateboard tape or a strip to harbor freight is prolly easier

This!

This, they sell small glass beads to add to paint to make it non skid. Paint on one coat, right after laying the coat of thompsons while it is still wet, shake the glass (or sand) beads from a pizza cheese shaker. Let dry, then put one more coat of Thompsons to lock them in.

They're cheap.

I used playground sand in my trailer. Prime and then Paint over and add sand to wet paint. Adding it to the paint and mixing and rolling was only somewhat workable as it would clump.

A heavier paint and maybe larger sand may be better. Slope it or add drainage so water doesn’t sit on it to help.

This may be best. https://www.amazon.com/3251514...Height/dp/B00I580RZC