When choosing an anti-slip tape, one of the most important decisions is whether to use abrasive tape or non-abrasive tape. Both are designed to improve grip, reduce slip risks and make surfaces safer, but they are suited to different environments.

Abrasive tape provides a rough, high-friction surface for demanding areas such as stairs, ramps, walkways and industrial floors. Non-abrasive tape offers a smoother textured surface, making it better suited to wet areas, barefoot use, hygiene-sensitive environments and surfaces that require regular cleaning.

Heskins manufactures a wide range of abrasive and non-abrasive anti-slip tapes, including Safety-Grip, Aqua-Safe, Resilient, Mild Abrasive Safety-Grip and Conformable Safety-Grip, each designed for different applications.

What Is Abrasive Anti-Slip Tape?

Abrasive anti-slip tape uses a coarse, gritty surface to increase traction underfoot. This type of non-slip tape is commonly used in commercial, industrial and public areas where people are wearing shoes, boots or safety footwear.

A good example is Heskins Safety-Grip, one of the most widely used abrasive anti-slip tapes in the Heskins range. It is designed to provide strong grip on surfaces where slips are more likely, especially in demanding workplace environments.

Abrasive tape is ideal for:

  • Stairs and steps
  • Ramps
  • Walkways
  • Loading bays
  • Factory floors
  • Platforms
  • Ladders
  • Vehicle steps
  • Outdoor access routes

The main advantage of abrasive tape is its strong grip. It is designed to perform in areas where dust, dirt, rain or heavy foot traffic could make surfaces hazardous. For warehouses, factories, construction sites and public access areas, abrasive grip tape is often the most effective solution.

For more demanding or uneven surfaces, Heskins Conformable Safety-Grip can be used. This product is designed to conform to irregular surfaces such as chequer plate, diamond plate and textured metal, helping to improve grip where standard flat anti-slip tape may not make full contact.

What Is Non-Abrasive Anti-Slip Tape?

Non-abrasive anti-slip tape improves grip without using a harsh grit surface. Instead, it uses a smoother textured finish to provide slip resistance while remaining more comfortable to touch.

This makes non-abrasive tape suitable for areas where abrasive grit may be too rough, uncomfortable or difficult to clean.

A key example is Heskins Aqua-Safe, a non-abrasive waterproof anti-slip tape designed for wet and barefoot areas. It is commonly used in bathrooms, showers, baths, boats and other environments where people may walk without footwear.

Non-abrasive tape is commonly used in:

  • Bathrooms
  • Showers
  • Wet rooms
  • Boats
  • Marine environments
  • Changing rooms
  • Swimming pool areas
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Food preparation areas
  • Barefoot walkways

Another example is Heskins Resilient anti-slip tape, which provides a non-abrasive surface with a different feel to Aqua-Safe. It is useful where a smoother, easier-to-clean surface is needed, but slip resistance remains important.

Non-abrasive tape is especially useful where bare skin, clothing, wetsuits or sensitive materials may come into contact with the surface. It is also a strong choice for areas where hygiene and easy cleaning are important.

Main Difference Between Abrasive and Non-Abrasive Tape

The main difference between abrasive and non-abrasive tape is the surface texture.

Abrasive tape has a rough, gritty surface. This provides high levels of traction and is best suited to footwear, heavy-duty use and industrial environments. Products such as Heskins Safety-Grip and Conformable Safety-Grip are ideal when strong grip is the main priority.

Non-abrasive tape has a smoother textured surface. It still improves slip resistance, but it is better suited to wet areas, barefoot use and locations where comfort or cleanability matters. Products such as Heskins Aqua-Safe and Resilient are better suited to these applications.

In simple terms:

Abrasive tape = maximum grip for demanding areas.

Non-abrasive tape = comfortable, water-resistant grip for wet or barefoot areas.

Which Tape Should You Choose?

Choose abrasive anti-slip tape when the surface is used mainly by people wearing shoes or boots. It is best for stairs, ramps, walkways, platforms, loading areas and industrial access points.

For general use, Heskins Safety-Grip is a suitable choice. For irregular or raised surfaces, Conformable Safety-Grip is often more appropriate. For areas where a less aggressive abrasive finish is needed, Heskins Mild Abrasive Safety-Grip may be a better option, as it provides slip resistance with a finer surface texture.

Choose non-abrasive anti-slip tape when the area is wet, barefoot or hygiene-sensitive. Aqua-Safe is well suited to bathrooms, showers, boats and wet rooms, while Resilient is useful where a durable, non-abrasive surface is required.

The right choice depends on how and where the tape will be used. A factory staircase and a shower tray both need slip prevention, but they require different types of anti-slip tape.

Is Abrasive Tape Suitable for Wet Areas?

Abrasive tape can be suitable for some wet or outdoor areas, especially where people are wearing footwear. For example, external steps, ramps and walkways can benefit from Safety-Grip anti-slip tape because it provides strong grip under shoes or boots.

However, for showers, bathrooms, boats and barefoot areas, non-abrasive waterproof anti-slip tape is usually the better option. In these settings, Aqua-Safe is more suitable because it provides grip without the harsh feel of a rough abrasive surface.

Is Non-Abrasive Tape Easier to Clean?

Yes, non-abrasive tape is generally easier to clean than abrasive tape. Abrasive tape has a rough grit surface, which is excellent for grip but can hold more dirt and debris.

Non-abrasive tape has a smoother finish, making it more practical for areas where cleanliness is important. This includes food preparation areas, healthcare facilities, bathrooms, wet rooms and leisure environments.

For this reason, products such as Aqua-Safe and Resilient are often chosen where hygiene, comfort and cleaning are important considerations.

Heskins Abrasive and Non-Abrasive Anti-Slip Tape

Heskins manufactures a wide range of abrasive and non-abrasive anti-slip tapes for industrial, commercial, marine and domestic applications.

For demanding environments, Safety-Grip tape provides strong traction on stairs, ramps, walkways and workplace surfaces. Conformable Safety-Grip is ideal for irregular surfaces, while Mild Abrasive Safety-Grip offers a less aggressive abrasive option.

For wet, barefoot or hygiene-sensitive areas, non-abrasive options such as Aqua-Safe and Resilient anti-slip tape offer effective slip resistance with a more comfortable surface.

Both abrasive and non-abrasive tapes help reduce slip risks, but the best option depends on the environment. Abrasive tape is ideal for maximum grip under footwear, while non-abrasive tape is better for comfort, water resistance and easy cleaning.

By choosing the correct Heskins anti-slip tape, businesses can improve safety, reduce slip hazards and ensure the product performs correctly in its intended location.