Why do surfaces become slippery when liquid is present?
Natural materials such as ceramic, granite, terrazzo, slate, porcelain tile, concrete and bathtubs have natural voids in them. The larger the void, the more the surface of that material is slip resistant. This void creates a tread for you to walk on. Ceramic or glazed tile, as well as porcelain, are coated to create a shiny finished look to a floor. These coatings fill in the natural void up to 70%. When the surface is wet, the water fills in the remaining 30% of the void and that is why a floor becomes slippery not allowing any space between the water and the bottom of your foot creating a hydroplane effect.
What isSlipSafe Tile™ treatment?
SlipSafe Tile™ treatment is a mop-on/rinse-off solution that microscopically treads the surface of ceramic tile, quarry tile, terrazzo, concrete and other natural stone surfaces to mitigate slippery conditions on wet floors. It increases the coefficient of the surface when wet.
How is SlipSafe Tile™ treatment applied?
You will simply need a clean yarn mop and a bucket. Pour the treatment into the bucket and liberally mop on a small test area. With firm foot pressure, test the surface resistance. The resistance should be dramatic within 3-5 minutes (4-8 minutes for porcelain or fiberglass). Thoroughly rinse solution off the tile with clean water. Treat the remaining area in sections that can be mopped and rinsed clean of the solution in the same time frame as the test area.
For a bathtub, you will need a nylon bristle brush. Close the drain and pour in approximately 6 oz. of treatment. With the brush, pull the treatment to the upper end of the bathtub as the slope will cause the treatment to pool at the lower end. Keep the bottom of the bathtub covered with treatment for 4-8 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the solution out of the tub with clean water.
Is SlipSafe Tile™ treatment solution dangerous?
No. The treatment solution is odorless, non-toxic and environmentally safe. It is actually much less offensive than ordinary household bleach. As with all chemicals, SlipSafe Tile™ should be handled with care and kept out of the reach of children.
How often should SlipSafe Tile™ treatment be applied?
We recommend treatments be applied once a year for commercial locations and once every three years for residential locations. Housekeeping maintenance is important. A dirty, wet surface will not afford maximum slip resistance and accident protection.
Will SlipSafe Tile™ treatment damage tile or grout?
No. Extensive research and testing to eliminate any harmful effects to tile and grout was conducted prior to northwest McDonald’s restaurants own testing and initial application in 1997.
Will flooring be more difficult to clean and maintain?
No. There is no treatment solution left on the treated tile surface. It is rinsed clean. There is no coating to peel or collect dirt. Normal housekeeping maintenance is required.
How much will a gallon of SlipSafe Tile™ treatment cover?
Approximately 200 square feet.