The same qualities that make pumice a widely-used abrasive also work to make pumice highly effective as a stir-in grit for non-skid and “toothy” coatings.

Multi-Functional Form Factor

Sponge-like in structure, tiny foamed-stone pumice granules are riven with nooks, crannys and sharp glassy edges that grab and hold. That same form factor means Dimension Grit™ binds tightly into cured paints, primers, coatings, or resins.

When used as a non-slip grit in floor or grab surface coatings, pumice is both hard and friable. Unlike the monolithic solidity of a grain of sand, under enough force or wear, pumice fractures instead of popping out, leaving the remainder of the pumice particle bound in place to continue providing grip. The glass-sharp edges of the loose shards tend to bite into surface coating and provide positive traction under load (which is why pumice makes a great snow and ice traction aid). Conversely, solid particles like sand, once freed from the binding substrate, add a loose layer of slippery particles to roll and slide around underfoot. The presence of those loose sand grains also accelerates coating wear-through.

Hard and Grippy

Dimension Grit is sourced from the Hess Pumice deposit in southeast Idaho, which features a consistent Mohs-scale hardness of 6. By way of comparison, obsidian (also a volcanic glass, like pumice) has a hardness rating of 5. Feldspar rates a 6. Ordinary steel weighs in between 4 and 4.5 on the Mohs Scale. Cobalt is at 5.5 and titanium at 6. Quartz and porcelain hit 7. Diamond tops the chart at 10. All this to say that Dimension Grit granules are hard enough to hold up, yet with a friable foamed-stone form factor that 1) binds tightly into the coating matrix and 2) tend to break down under load instead of popping out of the binding coat—in other words, pumice wears along with the coating. And its glassy character means those newly exposed edges are sharp and grippy.

Stays in Suspension

Because of the lightweight, frothy nature of pumice and its low specific gravity, Dimension Grit™ tends to stay in suspension (how long depends of viscosity of liquid). Heavier grits, like sand, will settle, requiring constant stirring or agitation or a last-minute sprinkle-in application right before applying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and SUPPORT DOCUMENTS

Technical Data Sheets: the physical and chemical properties of pumice from the Hess deposit is found on page two of the Dimension Grit TDS sheets, linked in the order blocks below).

SDS: Pumice Safety Data Sheet (PDF).

Certificate: Non-Expiration (PDF).

Declaration: Non-Crystalline Silica (PDF).