A high-gloss finish might look premium—but it says nothing about how safe the surface really is underfoot.

Too often, building managers, suppliers, or even specifiers assume that a polished floor is compliant or “safe enough.” But visual appeal is not a substitute for performance. In fact, polishing, sealing, or coating a surface can reduce its slip resistance—sometimes significantly, particularly when water, cleaning residues, or oils are present.

The result? A floor that looks impressive but becomes a serious liability in wet or transitional areas.

The Risk Behind the Shine

Most people judge slip risk visually or by instinct: if it looks rough, it must be safe; if it’s smooth and clean, it must be compliant. Unfortunately, that logic fails under scientific scrutiny. Many sealers, coatings, and finishes alter a floor’s surface friction—sometimes pushing it below the minimum thresholds required by the National Construction Code or relevant Australian Standards.

These changes aren’t always visible. A freshly sealed surface may look identical to an untreated one but deliver far lower performance under a wet pendulum test.

The Only Way to Know: Test

If a floor has the potential to become slippery when wet—due to cleaning, weather, or usage—it should be tested.

For new surfaces, testing should follow AS 4586:2013

For existing surfaces, the relevant method is AS 4663:2013

These are the standards accepted by certifiers, insurers, and courts. A visual inspection alone won’t hold up in the event of a claim.

Testing also provides clarity for maintenance teams. It allows facilities to track how coatings, wear, or cleaning practices are affecting surface safety over time—and act before a problem becomes a fall.

Look Sharp, Stay Compliant

A well-finished floor can—and should—look great. But performance matters more than polish. If there’s any doubt about a floor’s true slip resistance, don’t rely on how it looks. Test it, document it, and reduce your risk.

Looks good? Great. Still test.