Epoxy Resins
Two-part epoxies for reinforcing slabs, bonding seams and mitres, fixing sinks and making strong, water-resistant repairs.
- Slab reinforcement
- Seams and mitres
- Undermount sinks
Best to buy: Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
Read guideSee epoxy vendors
Chemicals buying guideLast updated October 2026
Anti-Slip Treatments
Safer wet floors without replacing the stone.
- Price level
- Mid-range
- Best to buy
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Top sources
Photo: Andrew McMillan, Public domain
Overview
What it is
Polished stone is slippery when wet. Anti-slip treatments either micro-etch the surface, with chemistry matched to calcareous or siliceous stone, or apply a grip coating. Both raise wet slip resistance without replacing the floor.
They reduce gloss slightly, so test first. Outdoors, mechanical texturing (flaming, bush-hammering) is more durable.
- Methods
- Chemical micro-etching or grip coatings
- UK measure
- Pendulum Test Value (36+ = low slip risk)
- US measure
- DCOF (ANSI A326.3)
- German measure
- R9 to R13 ramp test (DIN 51130)
- Trade-off
- Some loss of gloss
Applications
Best used for
- Wet-area floorsBathrooms, entrances and lobbies.
- Stairs and rampsWhere slips cause the worst falls.
- Pool surroundsWet, barefoot areas.
- Public spacesMeeting duty-of-care standards.
Origins
Which countries to source from
The producing countries that matter for anti-slip treatments, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.
Italy Leading source
Stone-care specialists
- Fila
Germany
Stone-care specialists
- Lithofin
Australia
Slip-safety specialists
- Treatment and testing firms
Timing
Best time of year to buy
Chemicals are made to order all year. Ship resins and water-based products in mild months: summer heat shortens shelf life in transit, and winter cold can freeze or crystallise them.
- Jan: slower or pricier
- Feb: best time to buy
- Mar: best time to buy
- Apr: best time to buy
- May: normal
- Jun: normal
- Jul: slower or pricier
- Aug: slower or pricier
- Sep: best time to buy
- Oct: best time to buy
- Nov: normal
- Dec: slower or pricier
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
- Epoxy hardeners and water-based sealers can crystallise or freeze in unheated containers in winter.
- Summer container temperatures can exceed 50 °C, which shortens the shelf life of polyesters and catalysts.
- Most products have a 12 to 24 month shelf life: buy for your usage, not for a discount.
Import costs
Tariffs and import duties
Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.
HS codes
- 3824.99Chemical preparations
Base import duty (MFN)
United States5%
European Union6.5%
United Kingdom6%
Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge
Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.
- Italy10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- Germany10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- Australia+12.5%Section 301 (2026) adds 12.5% on top of the MFN rate.
- Many resins, solvents and sealers are dangerous goods: they need an SDS and correct IMDG packing and labels for sea freight.
- EU importers take on REACH registration duties for chemicals above 1 tonne a year; US importers must certify TSCA compliance.
- New hazard classes and criteria under the CLP Regulation apply as of July 1, 2026, including new requirements for labelling and digital labels.
Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.
Before you order
Buying checklist
- 1Measure slip resistance before and after treatment.
- 2Match the chemistry to the stone (calcareous or siliceous).
- 3Do a test patch to judge the change in look.
- 4Consider mechanical texturing outdoors.
Price level: Far cheaper than replacing a floor.
Vendor Network
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