Recoating power running board step pad?

[USMCBuckWild]

When I bought my expy the “dealer” had sprayed down the ribbed black pad portion of the running board with tire shine. It was super slippery (I washed it off best I could) and is now faded and still slippery when wet. I have several orthopedic issues and slipping on the step when wet will be inherently bad for my health.

I have been contemplating removing the steps, stripping the ribbed step pad and spraying with a “rubberized bed coating” and adding a “traction aide” (sprinkling play sand on while the bed coating is wet).

Thoughts?

Any other ideas?

 

[deweysmith]

I think this is a good idea, but they make spray step coating that might be more suited for this. I think the sprinkling sand would be too much. Maybe something like this?

Mine has the coating rubbed off entirely on the driver's side, I've been thinking about trying a black paint or something covered with that anti-slip spray, but I haven't done anything yet.

Interested to see how yours turns out.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

I think this is a good idea, but they make spray step coating that might be more suited for this. I think the sprinkling sand would be too much. Maybe something like this?

Mine has the coating rubbed off entirely on the driver's side, I've been thinking about trying a black paint or something covered with that anti-slip spray, but I haven't done anything yet.

Interested to see how yours turns out.

Interesting. Wonder how much of a traction aide it adds.

I thought about the play sand because that is what is used in marine paint as well as deck coatings as a traction aide. Figured it was a cheap and readily available remedy. Have seen people cup a DRY handful of sand and use the air nozzle from a compressor to spray it onto steps.

 

[deweysmith]

It would work, but it's very rough. I guess I wouldn't do it because my kids use the running board to climb in and they like to slip and play sand would turn a mild bruise into a bruise with a nice scrape to go along with it.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

It would work, but it's very rough. I guess I wouldn't do it because my kids use the running board to climb in and they like to slip and play sand would turn a mild bruise into a bruise with a nice scrape to go along with it.

No kids here. It is extremely rare to have any children ride in my truck.

 

[Flexpedition]

In aviation we use brush-on and stick-on wing walk compounds and in my experience nothing out of an aerosol can ever lasts or is worth a crap. 3M makes a super durable stick-on which is used on indoor and outdoor stairwell treads as well as handicap ramps.

Grainger or any aircraft supply near an airport should have exactly what you need. Or a buddy over at USMC New River...

 

[USMCBuckWild]

In aviation we use brush-on and stick-on wing walk compounds and in my experience nothing out of an aerosol can ever lasts or is worth a crap. 3M makes a super durable stick-on which is used on indoor and outdoor stairwell treads as well as handicap ramps.

Grainger or any aircraft supply near an airport should have exactly what you need. Or a buddy over at USMC New River...

I contemplated that; the epoxybased based brush on that is used on rotary. But, it is a textured finish and no actual traction aid. The stick on stuff they use on the 53 and 22 ramps is straight crap. Constantly peeling and re-applying it. May meet NAVAIR spec but its not long term durable. My goal is to do it once and be done with it.

 

[bobmbx]

You've got several options. You can replace the running boards (solves both the fade and traction issues), apply a non-skid paint (use a brush/roller type, not spray), or clean the surface really well and apply the stick-on strips. The amount of traction you need is not high; just enough to hold your foot in place when its wet.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

When I bought my expy the “dealer” had sprayed down the ribbed black pad portion of the running board with tire shine. It was super slippery (I washed it off best I could) and is now faded and still slippery when wet. I have several orthopedic issues and slipping on the step when wet will be inherently bad for my health.

I have been contemplating removing the steps, stripping the ribbed step pad and spraying with a “rubberized bed coating” and adding a “traction aide” (sprinkling play sand on while the bed coating is wet).

Thoughts?

Any other ideas?

WeatherTech makes a dressing for their floor liners that keeps them from becoming slippery. Perhaps something like that would work. https://www.amazon.com/WeatherTech-...516820437&sr=1-1&keywords=weathertech+cleaner

 

[jeff kushner]

Have you though about wire brushing it? Running some nice, long uniform strokes with a brass brush on a drill motor might imbibe the surface with the grip that you need, failing that, it certainly prepares it for any abrasive epoxy you chose to lay.

I admit US that at first I thought "man, just wipe it clean" but your right, I don't trust my foot grip on those things in the wet or snow...too slick, and mine never got that special dealer treatment!

good luck
jeff