Slippery showers, bathtubs, and bathroom floors are one of the most common causes of home accidents. When searching for an effective solution, most people narrow it down to three options: non-slip coatings, adhesive stickers, or traditional bath mats.
Although all three offer some degree of slip protection, their durability, hygiene, and long-term performance are very different. Here’s what you should know before choosing.

Non-Slip Coatings: The Permanent, Professional Solution

Non-slip coatings are liquid treatments that bond directly to the surface, creating a long-lasting layer of traction. Depending on the product, they can remain completely invisible, satin clear, or lightly textured. Unlike temporary solutions, coatings become part of the surface itself, which means they do not peel, shift, or trap dirt.

Coatings are ideal for showers, bathtubs, tiles, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, and even high-traffic commercial areas. They provide a permanent result that lasts for years, require minimal maintenance, and remain hygienic because the treated surface stays smooth and easy to clean. The application usually involves cleaning the area, applying the treatment, and letting it cure, making it a reliable choice for homeowners as well as hotels, gyms, and spas.

SlipDoctors offers several anti-slip solutions, including Tub Grip for acrylic and fiberglass surfaces, as well as the Bathtub Treatment Kit designed specifically for porcelain or ceramic bathtubs and showers. And if your goal is to improve traction on bathroom floors, Stone Grip provides an effective and long-lasting solution for tile, porcelain, and other mineral surfaces.

Non-Slip Stickers: Quick and Cheap, but Temporary

Non-slip stickers, whether they come as strips, decals, or shapes, are popular because they are inexpensive and very easy to install. They do provide an immediate increase in traction during the first weeks of use. However, they are not designed to last.

Over time, stickers begin to lift around the edges, allowing water, soap, and dirt to accumulate underneath. This buildup creates hygiene issues and often makes the surface even more slippery than before. Cleaning becomes difficult, and the appearance deteriorates as the adhesive wears down. Stickers can be acceptable for short-term use or temporary rentals, but they are not a long-term safety solution.

Bath Mats: Comfortable, but Not Always Safe

Bath mats are familiar, soft underfoot, and inexpensive, which is why so many households still use them. Unfortunately, mats come with several drawbacks. They tend to trap moisture and soap residue, making them prone to mold and bacteria growth even when cleaned frequently. Their suction cups can weaken over time, causing the mat to shift unexpectedly—precisely when a slip is most likely to occur.

While mats can offer a cushioned surface and a sense of comfort, they are not ideal for reliable, long-term slip resistance. Many accidents happen when a mat moves while someone is stepping in or out of the bath or shower.

So, What Actually Works Best?

When comparing the three solutions, a professional non-slip bathtub and shower treatment clearly stands out as the most effective and longest-lasting option. Mats and stickers may work temporarily, but both tend to wear down, become unhygienic, or create safety issues over time. Coatings, on the other hand, provide a clean, seamless, and durable result that keeps the surface safe for years without the maintenance headaches.

For anyone looking for a permanent and professional solution, whether for a home, hotel, fitness center, or healthcare facility, SlipDoctors coatings consistently deliver the best performance.