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Pettit Tuff Coat Rubberized Non-Skid Coating

Editor's Report by Eric Colby

Pettit Tuff Coat

Tuff Coat is a versatile nonskid finish that can easily be applied by hand.

Pettit Tuff Coat Rubberized Non-Skid Coating is a one-part urethane acrylic treatment infused with recycled rubber granules. When applied to decks, lockers and even docks, it provides a nonskid surface that improves traction while being easy on bare feet.

Key Features

  • Available in 15 colors
  • Excellent for concrete, fiberglass, wood and previously painted substrates
  • Water-based, durable, flexible
  • Apply by Tuff Coat™ roller or spray
  • Chemical and UV resistant
  • All surfaces require the use of the Tuff Coat 2-Part water-based primer for proper adhesion

For do-it-yourselfers, Tuff Coat comes in gallon kits and it’s a one-part product so there’s no math or mixing. It can even be used on concrete, masonry, fiberglass, wood and previously-painted substrates. It can be used in submerged applications once it fully cures. It comes in 15 colors and cleans up with soap and water. It’s also environmentally safe and VOC compliant in all 50 states. 

Powerful UV filters let Tuff Coat be applied in direct or indirect sunlight and it won’t peel or break down. By cross-linking urethanes, synthetics, co-polymers and recycled rubber pellets, Pettit produced a durable, impact-resistant finish. 

Pettit Tuff Coat

Tuff Coat comes in a variety of colors and notice the coarse finish that should improve traction.

The Details

Pettit says that Tuff Coat can improve existing nonskid finishes and that it dries to 30 to 35 mils thick. A mil is equal to .001”. The finish hides imperfections Tuff Coat is a low-odor product so special equipment or clothing isn’t required. Pettit does recommend applying Tuff Coat with a product-specific roller or a low-pressure hopper spray gun that are sold separately.

For new applications, a Tuff Coat primer is required. It’s a two-component water-based epoxy primer/sealer that promotes adhesion between Tuff Coat and fiberglass, gelcoat, concrete, wood or painted surfaces. 

Finally, two coats of the Tuff Coat are recommended. It can be applied in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Drying time at 90 degrees is a half-hour to touch and recoat, one hour at 70 degrees and two hours at 50 degrees.

Pettit Tuff Coat

Pettit makes dedicated rollers for applying Tuff Coat.

Pricing starts at $154.99 per gallon. For more information, go to Defender's website.