How to Polish Your Non-Skid Deck.

Skipper December 1, 2004 Ask The Skipper

Harry Jansen asked:

The deck of my boat has non-skid patterns in the smooth part of the deck. Is it OK to use Sure Step on the smooth parts as well as the textured parts? Will Sure Step protect and shine the smooth parts? Will it increase traction? Is there a better product for use on the smooth parts?

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

Sure Step was especially formulated to seal the pores in the non-skid areas and give it a UV protected shine to make it easier to keep clean, without making the decks slippery to boaters in bare feet, or wearing deck shoes. It’s pressure sensitive which means that although it’s smooth and shiny to resists soiling, when you step on it, your weight creates pressure which changes the co-efficient of friction and gives you grip. When the decks are wet, the traction increases even more.

Many boaters have reported success with Sure Step on the smooth surfaces, especially on sailboats where the non-skid patterns may not be adequate and sailors must walk on the smooth parts as well. This is especially important when the decks are wet and normally become slippery. Sure Step contains Skid-X which is moisture sensitive and will increase traction when the decks are wet. Fishermen love it as their decks tend to get wet and covered in fish blood making them quite slick without Sure Step.

Sure Step also seals the pores in the deck to resist water and stain penetration. Clean up is usually a simple rinsing with a garden hose.

Thanks for your question.
Captain Aurora