Painting outside wooden steps?
by
Katie Baker
When painting steps outside on wood, what is the best thing to do, should I put sand in the paint and how much, or a special paint. I don't want them to be slippery?
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You can buy outdoor paint from Lowe's or Home Depot that is specifically made for non-skid... it has something gritty added in. They also have a separate grit that you can add yourself to paint to keep it from being so slippery. We used the gritty paint on our stairs and it's made a world of difference... http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/floor-coatings-sealers-and-prep/behr-premium-non-skid-floor-finish-additive-970
You can add sand to paint or buy paint that already contains gritty additive. Also they make strips that adhere to steps for traction (kinda looks like sandpaper and you can get them at Lowes)
Don't neglect to paint all the surfaces of the steps, backs and sides, to help prevent rotting. Seal the back and sides, and seal the sand side at least once. The grit or sand will wear off eventually, but probably not before it's time to repaint anyway. Best wishes 😇