Slippery Porcelain Tiles and How to Fix Them Safely
Porcelain tiles are popular across UK homes and commercial spaces thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and clean appearance. However, many people discover too late that porcelain can become extremely slippery, especially when wet.
This article explains why porcelain tiles become slippery, how to identify the type of porcelain you have, and the three proven solutions available from SlipDoctors UK range. The correct solution depends entirely on the surface finish and the level of slip resistance required.
If you are searching for how to fix slippery porcelain tiles, this guide is written to give clear, practical answers for homeowners, facilities managers, and professionals.
Why Porcelain Tiles Become Slippery
Porcelain tiles are manufactured to be dense and non porous. While this makes them highly resistant to stains and moisture, it also means they often lack natural grip.
Slipperiness is usually caused by a combination of factors:
- Water or condensation forming a smooth surface film
- Soap residues, grease, or cleaning chemicals
- Smooth finishes such as polished or high shine porcelain
- Wear over time that reduces surface texture
In wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, pool surrounds, and entrances, this can create a serious slip hazard.
Step One: Identify the Type of Porcelain
Before choosing an anti slip treatment, it is essential to identify the type of porcelain tile you are dealing with. Applying the wrong solution can reduce effectiveness or damage the surface.
Porcelain generally falls into three categories:
- Polished or high shine porcelain
- Matte or natural finish porcelain
- Porcelain requiring a heavy duty or high traction solution
Each requires a different approach.
Solution One: Polish Grip for High Shine or Polished Porcelain
Polished or high shine porcelain is the most slippery type when wet. These tiles are mechanically polished to achieve a glossy, reflective finish, which significantly reduces traction.
Polish Grip is designed for use on high polished porcelain.
It works by microscopically etching the surface of the porcelain, creating invisible traction points. This improves grip when wet without changing the look, colour, or shine of the tile.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for polished and high gloss porcelain
- Maintains the original appearance
- No coating or film left on the surface
- Suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and indoor wet areas
This is the preferred solution where aesthetics are critical.
Solution Two: Stone Grip for Matte Porcelain Tiles
Matte or natural finish porcelain tiles may look safer, but they can still become slippery due to contamination from water, soap, oils, or algae.
Unlike coatings, Stone Grip reacts with the surface to improve traction, making it particularly effective in wet environments.
Key benefits:
- Designed for matte and unpolished porcelain
- Improves grip without altering the tile appearance
- Effective for bathrooms, showers, and external tiled areas
- Long lasting and easy to maintain
This option is ideal when you want increased safety without painting the surface.
Solution Three: Dura Grip E2 for Maximum Traction
In some environments, a subtle improvement in grip is not enough. Areas such as commercial kitchens, public wet rooms, pool surrounds, ramps, or heavily used spaces may require a more aggressive anti slip solution.
Dura Grip E2 Clear Anti Slip Epoxy Paint provides the highest level of traction.
This is a clear, non slip epoxy coating that sits on top of the porcelain, creating a textured surface that significantly increases grip even in constantly wet conditions.
Key benefits:
- Suitable for porcelain where maximum slip resistance is required
- Clear finish preserves the look of the tile
- Highly durable and chemical resistant
- Ideal for commercial and high risk environments
This solution is chosen when safety takes priority over maintaining the original tile feel.
Which Solution Is Right for Your Slippery Porcelain
Choosing the correct product depends on two key questions:
- Is the porcelain polished or matte
- How much slip resistance is required for the environment
Polished porcelain should always be treated with Polish Grip. Matte porcelain is best treated with Stone Grip. Where the risk level is high or regulations require enhanced traction, Dura Grip E2 provides the most robust solution.
Final Thoughts
Slippery porcelain tiles are a common problem, but they do not need to be replaced to be made safe.
By identifying the type of porcelain and choosing the correct treatment, it is possible to dramatically improve slip resistance while controlling cost, appearance, and long term performance.
Whether you need a discreet treatment for polished porcelain, a chemical solution for matte tiles, or a high traction clear coating for demanding environments, there is a proven solution available within the SlipDoctors UK range.
