[blue tanuki]

My mother just took a bad fall in her own house. The tile is cheap, slippery ceramic tile that chips easily, exposing the terracotta color underneath the white top.

I have seen products that claim to increase grip, either by adding a grippy layer on top of the tile or types of acids that claim to add friction to the tile by creating pores or something similar.

Are these products for real? If they both work, the acid would seem to be a better deal and less likely to create an ugly discolored look, but of course all the products say they work great and don't change the appearance of the tile and are cheap and easy and blessed by angels and all that.

Has anyone actually tried these?

They would seem to be much less hassle than tearing up the tile or putting down a layer of interlocking wood on top of them or such.

Suggestions? Opinions?

Thanks!

 

[joecaption]

Yes they work.
http://www.noskidding.com/ns_80378.htm
Why not just lay down some area rugs.

 

[blue tanuki]

Thanks. Would you suggest the acidic type which bores into the tile or the type which adds an extra layer of tackiness?

She does have area rugs over almost all of the tile (which is why she never cared much about the poor quality), but she managed to fall on a small area which has no rugs. If we go about adding too many rugs in the high traffic areas, I fear she's likely to trip on them. She has poor vision, which is why she didn't notice the water she accidentally spilled on the tile when she was watering plants.

 

[joecaption]

Acid etched would be best.
Any type of coatings just going to wear off,

 

[blue tanuki]

Thanks, that seemed to be the best option.

I assume we should use a little common sense and test on some tile in the back of a closet or something before spamming the whole floor.

Looks pretty simple to apply, although rinsing seems like it could be a bit tricky. Any tricks or suggestions for the process?

 

[JazMan]

I've never had to correct a tile selection problem like that, but have seen many situations where it was needed. Sometimes it's the wrong maintenance causing the problem, but in your case I'm sure that's not the case.

There's many products to choose from, all seem to lightly etch the surface which will also reduce the gloss by about 15%.

Follow directions carefully and make sure you have a wet shop vac to use in the rinse step.

Jaz