Slip resistance for Accoya wood.

Wooden walkway made of Accoya in a care facility is retrofitted with a slip-resistant coating.

Accoya is a high-performance modified wood made from sustainably sourced wood, usually pine. It is treated using a special process called “acetylation,” in which the wood is treated with acetic anhydride in a chemical reaction. This changes the cell structure of the wood and gives it improved resistance.

Compared to many other types of wood, Accoya has low water absorption due to its special modification, which means it is less susceptible to moisture. However, when wet, any wood surface, including Accoya, can potentially become slippery, especially if the surface is sanded smooth.

A curved wooden walkway made of Accoya was installed at a care facility. It leads down to the garden area with a slight slope and is barrier-free. However, the material was prone to rapid moss and fungus growth, and the surface became slippery in wet weather. So how could the safety of residents, visitors, and staff be ensured?

When searching for a slip-resistant solution, SWISSGriP was recommended and a sample coating was applied. Ultimately, the entire Accoya walkway was treated with the anti-slip coating. The surface treatment, including prior cleaning, was completed within one day using the GSAS spray system. The anti-slip coating is transparent, weather-resistant, antifungal, and even works smoothly with walkers and wheelchairs, but without the risk of slipping.