3M Safety Walk Alternative — NST-20 Anti-Slip Non-Skid Safety Tape
Direct specification comparison for 32-mil silicon carbide anti-slip tape — walkways, ramps, stairways, and OSHA compliance
NST-20 Sure-Step
ATP — Adhesive Tape Products Ltd., Miami FL
32-mil anti-slip safety tape with 60-grit silicon carbide abrasive and aggressive acrylic adhesive. Complies with OSHA 1910.263(3). Available in Black (by the roll) and 8 colors (full case). Widths from 1" to 36" in 20-yard rolls. Waterproof for indoor and outdoor use.
3M Safety Walk
3M Company — St. Paul, MN
The most widely recognized brand of anti-slip safety tape — used globally in commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Available through virtually every safety, janitorial, and industrial distributor. Multiple series for different grit and surface types.
Overall comparison score
Full specifications comparison
| Property | NST-20 Sure-Step | 3M Safety Walk | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | |||
| Total thickness | 32 mil | 32–46 mil (series dependent) | Comparable |
| Abrasive type | 60-grit silicon carbide | 60-grit aluminum oxide or SiC (series dependent) | Comparable |
| Adhesive type | Aggressive acrylic PSA | Aggressive acrylic PSA | Tie |
| Liner | White paper liner | White liner | Tie |
| Core size | 3" neutral core | 3" core | Tie |
| Size & Color Options | |||
| Roll length | 20 yards (60 ft) | Typically 60 ft | Tie |
| Width range | 1" to 36" | 1" to 24" (typical) | Wider range |
| Colors — Black | Available by the roll | Available | Tie |
| Colors — Additional | 8 colors (full case required) | Limited color options by series | More colors |
| Performance & Compliance | |||
| OSHA compliance | OSHA 1910.263(3) — explicitly cited | OSHA compliant | Explicit citation |
| Indoor/outdoor use | Both | Both | Tie |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Surface compatibility | Bonds to variety of materials | Bonds to variety of materials | Tie |
| Packaging & Value | |||
| Price per roll | Significantly lower at distributor pricing | Premium brand pricing | NST-20 |
| Black — sold by the roll | Yes | Yes (some series) | Tie |
| Availability | Black by roll; colors full case | In stock at major distributors | 3M Safety Walk |
| Brand recognition | ATP Sure-Step | 3M Safety Walk — global brand | 3M Safety Walk |
Where each product wins
- Widths up to 36" — wider than most 3M Safety Walk series (typically 24" max)
- 8 color options including translucent/clear, gray, red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue
- OSHA 1910.263(3) explicitly cited in product specs
- Also alternative to Jessup Safety Track 3100 and TLC #CT806
- Significantly lower cost per roll at distributor pricing
- Black available by the roll — no minimum order for standard use
- Global brand recognition — easy to specify, approve, and requisition
- Multiple series for different applications (light duty, general purpose, heavy duty, wet areas)
- In stock at virtually every safety and industrial distributor
- Decades of documented slip-and-fall prevention performance
- UL classified on certain series
Which tape to specify
| If your requirement is… | Specify | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Wide format anti-slip tape (over 24") | NST-20 | NST-20 available up to 36" wide; 3M Safety Walk typically 24" max |
| OSHA 1910.263(3) explicit compliance documentation | NST-20 | NST-20 explicitly cites OSHA 1910.263(3) in product specs |
| Color-coded safety zones (8 colors) | NST-20 | 8 colors including translucent, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue |
| Cost reduction vs. 3M Safety Walk | NST-20 | Significantly lower distributor pricing vs. 3M premium brand |
| Immediate off-the-shelf availability | 3M Safety Walk | NST-20 colors require full case; 3M stocked nationwide |
| UL classification required | 3M Safety Walk | Certain 3M Safety Walk series carry UL classification; check NST-20 for your application |
| Multiple series for wet vs. dry surfaces | 3M Safety Walk | 3M offers specific wet-surface series; NST-20 is a general-purpose product |
ATP NST-20 specifications from ATP Price List #34 v2024.08.15. 3M Safety Walk specifications from 3M product data. NST-20 Black is available by the roll; other colors require full case quantities — contact Skytapes for details. Always verify OSHA compliance with your safety officer before installation.