KiwiGrip is a non-skid deck coating that has gained popularity among boat owners and boat builders. It is a revolutionary product that offers a durable, non-slip surface for boats, yachts, and other watercraft. In this article, we will discuss what KiwiGrip is, its benefits, and how to use it.

What is it?

KiwiGrip is a water-based, non-skid deck coating that provides a textured, non-slip surface on decks, steps, and other high-traffic areas of boats and other marine vessels. It is made from a unique blend of acrylic polymers and silica, which provide an excellent grip even when wet. They are available in a range of colors, making it a versatile choice for boat owners and boat builders.

Everyone raving about KiwiGrip, but you’re unsure about the downsides of the product? If that’s the case, you’re in the right place.

So, exactly what are the KiwiGrip problems?

Firstly, the problem that most people face is that it isn’t beginner-friendly. Hence it takes too much time to cure. Moreover, it’s also slippery and doesn’t last very long. Plus it has an aggressive finish and gets dirty quickly. On top of that, KiwiGrip is expensive which might be a buzzkill.

In case you’re still confused, it’s completely alright!  We’ll go over each of the problems in detail down below. So hop right in!

Benefits

1. Non-Slip Surface – It provides a non-slip surface that helps prevent slips and falls on boats, especially in wet conditions.
2. Durable – KiwiGrip is a highly durable coating that can withstand harsh marine environments, including UV rays, saltwater, and abrasion.
3. Easy to Apply – Easy to apply using a brush, roller, or spray gun. It can be applied over a variety of surfaces, including fiberglass, wood, and metal.
4. Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a simple wash with soap and water.
5. Versatile – Available in a range of colors, allowing boat owners and boat builders to choose a color that matches their boat’s design and aesthetic.

Problems of Using KiwiGrip

The KiwiGrip is a great product for making your surface non-slippery. Now as these are used mostly in boats, patios, stairs, etc. things can go a little wrong. Just like with your Yamaha SX210 you might face problems, this KiwiGrip is no exception!

Now, it’s not at all false that this is a great product, easily applicable and long-lasting. However, this sometimes runs into problems. So, let’s check out some of these down below:

Problem 1: Aggressive Finish

KiwiGrip has a pretty rough finish after it dries up. This aggressive finish also causes dirt to collect on the surface as well. This can also provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and molds.

Solution

Now to smooth out the rough surface, you need 60-100 grit sandpaper. Using that you can smooth out the surface. Plus you need to keep the surface clean as much as you can.

Otherwise, it might go moldy and you have to extensively clean it before cleaning the entire place. After that’s done, you can clean it as usual. For this, biodegradable boat soap is a great option.

If you use this every time you clean, you can keep the surface clean of molds.

This is one of the major drawbacks. Because no one wants their floor to be moldy and bacteria-infested.

Problem 2: Makes The Surface Slippery

We’ve mentioned that the finish of the KiwiGrip is aggressive. However, when it’s wet, it’s a completely different scenario. When the surface is covered with this product, it becomes extremely slippery.

Moreover, this makes lubing the steering cable of your boat extremely difficult. This is because it’ll make it more slippery when it comes in contact with water.

Solution

Now, the only solution for this is to avoid the flooring area when it’s wet. And you should not use this in boats, yachts, etc. types of surfaces.

Problem 3: Takes Too Long to Cure

After applying KiwiGrip, you have to wait a long time for it to dry properly. Now, if the weather is humid the curing time will increase significantly. Moreover, bubbles forming is a possibility.

At the same time, the temperature cannot be too cold. A cold temperature will cause your floor to crack.

Solution

Now to speed up the curing process a little you need to maintain the right temperature. Or if you’re using KiwigGrip outside, you need to make sure the temperature is well enough. For KiwiGrip, if the temperature is between 60°F-70°F then it’s going to cure faster.

Problem 4: Not Long-Lasting

Although KiwiGrip is supposed to be long-lasting, it sometimes comes off quite easily.  A small force can dent the paint easily or peel it. Unlike keel guard or a keel shield which is comparatively durable.

Solution

Now here’s good news for you. You can easily recoat it from time to time. However, if the damage is too extensive, you can take off the whole thing. After that, coat it again. Normally it shouldn’t budge for at least the first 5 years. If it does, you can always recoat it!

Problem 5: Not Beginner Friendly

KiwiGrip is an advanced-level paint. You need some relative experience to use it. This is also because the package doesn’t come with proper instructions to guide you. So if you even try to do it, there’s a chance the paint might come off easily.

Solution

The only solution to this is to get this done by an expert. They’ll know how to prep the surface and mix the Kiwigrip proportionately. In this way, the product will remain intact and last longer.

Problem 6: Comparatively Expensive Than Other Similar Products

Let’s come down to the most complained-about part of the KiwiGrip. It was expensive. Compared to similar products on the market, the price of KiwiGrip is substantially higher.

For example, identical products of a different brand cost around 30-50 dollars. Whereas, KiwiGrip costs a whopping around 190 dollars. That is more than quadruple the price of other branded products.

Moreover, the consistency of  KiwiGrip is relatively thicker. So, a large amount is required to cover a small area. Thus, it’s not cost-efficient at all.

Solution

If you’re a fan of the product or are satisfied with the quality, we’d suggest you go with it. Otherwise, if you’re on a budget, go with the cheaper ones.

That’s all the problems’ solution we’ve seen with KiwiGrip.

Problem 7: Incompatibility with Other Coatings

KiwiGrip may not be compatible with other coatings or paints, leading to cracking, peeling, or delamination.

It is essential to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from any contaminants before applying KiwiGrip.

Also, it is advisable to do a compatibility test before applying KiwiGrip to avoid any issues.

Solution

To avoid incompatibility issues with KiwiGrip and other coatings, boat owners and builders should follow these steps:

1. Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for any coating to adhere well. Boat owners and builders should ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants, such as grease, oil, or dirt.
2. Compatibility Testing: Before applying KiwiGrip to the entire surface, it is important to conduct a compatibility test on a small patch of the surface. This involves applying KiwiGrip over a small area of the existing coating and allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours. If there is no peeling or delamination, the surface is compatible with KiwiGrip.
3. Sanding: If the surface is not compatible with KiwiGrip, it may be necessary to sand down the existing coating to create a rough surface that will allow KiwiGrip to adhere better. Sanding should be done carefully to avoid damaging the underlying substrate.
4. Priming: If the existing coating is not compatible with KiwiGrip, it may be necessary to apply a primer that is compatible with both the existing coating and KiwiGrip. The primer should be allowed to dry completely before applying KiwiGrip.

FAQs

Question: How long does KiwiGrip last?

Answer: The length of its wear depends on what you’re using this for. If you’re planning on using this for your boat it might not last long. However, for using it on your patio it will last longer comparatively. But in general, it should last a good 5 years.

Question: Can I Apply KiwiGrip myself?

Answer: Yes, you can do it yourself. However, if you’re a beginner we would recommend you to take help from a professional. But if you’re confident, you can do it alone!

Question: How can I keep my KiwiGrip decks clean?

Answer: You can use boat soap and a soft-bristle brush to clean your decks. Simply lather the deck with some boat soap and scrub with your brush. This should clean all the dirt from your KiwiGrip decks.

Question: What is the coverage?

Answer: It will cover roughly 20 square feet in a 1-liter can. 80 square feet can be covered by a 4-liter container.

Question: What is It made of?

Answer: KiwiGrip is a very tough acrylic polymer that offers a resilient, uniform, elastic surface.

It won’t deteriorate and reveal filler components.

Bottom line

With that, we have come to the end of our article. We hope that we have provided you with all the kiwi grip problems and their solutions.

Catch you next time!