Prepare the Surface

What happens in this clip

Before applying any paint, thoroughly clean the concrete surface of the stairs. Use soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, moss, or loose debris. Scrub the surface well and then rinse it thoroughly. Crucially, allow the surface to dry completely. The presenter cleaned his stairs the previous night and left them to dry overnight and for several hours in the morning sunlight, ensuring the surface was bone dry before painting.

Goal: Ensure the concrete surface is clean and completely dry for optimal paint adhesion.

What's used

Tools

• Scrubbing Brush
• Soap
• Concrete cleaner
• Water

About the full video

This project guides you through creating and applying your own anti-slip paint for concrete surfaces, specifically a slippery staircase. By mixing fine-grained sand with rubberized floor coating, you can significantly increase traction and prevent falls. The process involves cleaning the surface, sifting sand, mixing it with paint in small batches, and applying it evenly to achieve a durable, non-slip finish.

Step 1 of 5: Prepare the Concrete Stairs

Begin by sweeping the stairs to remove any loose dirt and debris. Next, use a stiff brush and a concrete cleaner or degreaser to scrub away any stubborn stains, grease, or old paint. Rinse the stairs thoroughly with water and allow them to dry completely. For optimal adhesion, consider etching the concrete surface with a mild acid solution (following product instructions carefully) and then rinsing again. Ensure the concrete is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Make Concrete Basement Stairs Non-Slip

1. Step 1: Prepare the Concrete Stairs

   • 1:13–1:37 Prepare the Surface (this video)
   • 0:28–1:00 Prepare Rough Concrete Steps for Resurfacing
   • 1:13–1:50 Apply Cleaner to Stairs

2. Step 2: Apply Anti-Slip Coating

   • 2:27–3:10 Apply Paint to Stairs
   • 0:46–0:59 Spray Clear Anti-Slip Coating
   • 0:51–4:06 Apply Adhesive-Backed Anti-Slip Products

3. Step 3: Install Anti-Slip Tread Strips

   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip
   • 0:20–0:45 Peel and Adhere Strip
   • 1:12–1:19 Prepare Steps and Apply Non-Skid Strips

4. Step 4: Apply Textured Paint

   • 2:27–3:10 Apply Paint to Stairs
   • 10:24–11:30 Final Paint and Allow to Dry
   • 0:20–0:31 Painting the Staircase

5. Step 5: Cure and Inspect

   • 1:23–1:32 Allow Coating to Dry and Enjoy the Renewed Surface
   • 1:23–1:28 Allow Coating to Dry
   • 1:49–2:10 Allow Coating to Cure and Verify Non-Slip Property