Fit anti-slip strips in a bath or shower

Clean, cut and stick anti-slip strips into a bath or shower for a safer, non-slip surface in one session.

AS-01Check your bath or shower tray materialAnti-slip strips work on acrylic, fibreglass, enamel steel, cast iron and stone resin, but cheap adhesives bond poorly to some fibreglass and textured resin surfaces. Check the strip packaging for compatibility before buying. If your bath or tray has a very textured non-slip finish already, strips may not stick well and are not worth fitting.

AS-02Clean the surface thoroughlyWash the bath or shower floor with warm water and washing-up liquid to remove soap scum and limescale, then wipe over with isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirit on a cloth to strip away any oily residue. Rinse well and dry completely with a towel. Adhesive will not grip a damp, greasy or limescale-coated surface, so leave it a few hours, or overnight, to be sure it is bone dry.

1 bottle (250ml) · Isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirit

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2 each · Clean lint-free cloth

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AS-03Plan the layout before sticking anything downLay the strips out dry, backing still on, to work out spacing and pattern. A common layout is parallel strips across the floor, or one row near the taps and one near the drain. Leave at least 25mm between strips so water can still drain away underneath.

1 pack · Anti-slip strips (pack of 10-24)

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AS-04Cut strips to fitTrim each strip to the width of the bath or shower tray with scissors or a craft knife. Leave a 5-10mm gap from the bath walls at each end so water does not pool against the edge of the strip.

1 each · Scissors or craft knife

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AS-05Peel and press each strip into placePeel the backing off a little at a time rather than all at once, so you can position the strip accurately before it grips. Press down firmly, working from one end to the other, pushing out air bubbles as you go. Pay extra attention to the edges, since they lift first if not pressed down properly.

AS-06Firm down every edge and cornerRun your fingers, or a small roller, over the whole length of each strip, pressing hardest along the edges and corners. Wipe away any adhesive residue that squeezes out straight away with a damp cloth before it sets.

AS-07Leave to cure before using the bath or showerCheck the packaging for the curing time, usually 24-48 hours, and do not run water or shower during this time. The adhesive needs to bond fully before it gets wet, or the strips can lift at the edges.

AS-08Tidy up and care for the stripsDispose of the backing papers and wipe down the bath or shower one final time. Going forward, clean around the strips with a non-abrasive cleaner rather than scouring, since scrubbing pads can lift the edges or wear the grit surface off over time.

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