Hi!

I am going to paint a boat and I am interested to achieve a similar anti-slip finish for the decks like seen on the marstroem tornados, M20 etc...

How is it done or what other option exist?

Any advise is welcomed!

Thank you!

The nonskid on Marstrom's is mixture of paint and a nonskid additive (like fine sand).

I add it to the boat after painting is completed

1) mark the area that you want to be nonskid with masking tape

2) mix paint and nonskid per the instructions. If there are no instructions mix about 3 parts paint and 1 part nonskid by volume (for example 15 ml paint and 5 ml nonskid)

3) Apply the mixture to the boat using a roller

To repair a section of nonskid I mix 2 part water based polyurethane paint with nonskid and apply it using a small roller.

The non skid additive I use is Interlux nonskid additive.

These may not translate well so please post any questions you have.

I used the "sugar-deck" method old surfboarders used. I applied it over the existing gelcoat layer after properly preparing the surface (MEK, light sanding, Acetone)

Masked off (with tape) the area to be applied.

Sprayed on gelcoat like you normally would

Blow (or spinkle) sugar crystals on the gelcoat before it sets up, and remove tape.

When gelcoat is hard, just wash the section with water. The sugar will dissolve away, leaving a rough gelcoat surface.

You can also add it to the paint and spray it on or you can spray one coat of paint on then using something like a salt shaker, shake some additive onto the wet paint then recoat with paint. This is a good way to do smaller areas.

I would use the finest additive you can find.
Less wear on you and your gear.

great answers! thanks guys!

If a roller does not suit because of size/shape of sections painted you can use a brush. DO NOT stroke through as you would normally do with a brush. Simply dab the paint on and it is easy to flow the non slip evenly.
Cheers

Don't try to sprinkle nonskid on 2 part paints unless you test it on scrap. A lot of these paints are really poor adhesives. The nonskid just will not stick. You have to mix the 2.

I have a crater shapped spot on my Tornado because I tried that

From personal experience sailing hp dinghies. Emphasis on "the finest additive you can find". Otherwise you'll be replacing trap harness, boots (barefoot not an option) maybe a wetsuit every season or so and you'll end up with some nice scars on ANY exposed body parts. Tape some 120 grit on the hulls and check it out.

Apply the gelcoat with a roller. Wait till it starts to go off and roll it again. The longer you wait to roll it the rougher the surface. You can keep testing it during the drying process till you get the desired texture. No additives needed and you can pick the texture. If you wait too long, you can always sand it down a bit to take the high points off.

Anytime you try a project like this you should always pratice on some scrap.

Some paints do flash quickly which might cause adhesion problems. Of course all paints are not created equal.

I've used Imron to do both methods and have had no problems. This stuff sticks and is sticky.