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When it comes to workplace safety in Australia, Slippery When Wet signs are among the most common — and most crucial — pieces of safety equipment. Whether you’re managing a shopping centre in Sydney, a construction site in Brisbane, or a hospitality venue in Perth, keeping people safe from wet surface hazards is both a legal requirement and a smart business move.
But did you know that the materials you choose for your safety signage can impact not only its durability but also how effective it is at preventing slips, trips, and falls? In this guide, we’ll break down the different materials we use for our ‘Slippery When Wet’ and help you choose the right one for your site — balancing safety, compliance, and cost.
Why Material Choice Matters in Australia’s Diverse Environments
Australia’s climate is nothing if not diverse — from coastal humidity and tropical storms to scorching dry heat and unpredictable downpours. This variety means your ‘Slippery When Wet’ signs need to withstand unique conditions, especially if used outdoors.
Choosing the right material ensures your sign:
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Remains visible and legible
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Resists fading, warping, or cracking
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Complies with Australian safety regulations
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Saves you money on frequent replacements
Plus, the material often signals how temporary or permanent the sign is meant to be — important for compliance and avoiding overkill (or worse, neglect) in your safety measures.
The Most Common Materials Used for ‘Slippery When Wet’ Signs in Australia
Below, we break down each material commonly used — plus where and why you’d use it.
1. Anti-Slip Vinyl Stickers
Best for: High-traffic indoor areas, tiled surfaces, lobbies, commercial kitchens
Description:
Anti-slip vinyl stickers are designed specifically for floor application. Manufactured from durable vinyl with a textured anti-slip laminate, these stickers maintain grip underfoot — even when wet.
Features:
✔️ Non-slip surface for added safety
✔️ Available in various sizes and colours
✔️ Easy to install
Example:
Perfect for kitchens and warehouses where wet areas regularly appear.
2. Aluminium Composite Panel
Best for: Long-term indoor or outdoor signage
Description:
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACM) feature a polyethylene core sandwiched between two aluminium sheets. This creates a strong, rigid panel with a sleek finish.
Features:
✔️ High resistance to warping, corrosion, and fading
✔️ Weather-resistant, making it ideal for Australia’s harsh sun and storms
✔️ Professional appearance — suits corporate or public-facing environments
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Icon Sign
Ideal for car parks, public pool areas, or building exteriors where permanent, highly visible safety warnings are needed.
3. Vinyl Stickers (Self-Adhesive)
Best for: Versatile indoor use on windows, walls and doors
Description:
These flexible, self-adhesive vinyl stickers come with industrial-grade adhesive backing and optional anti-slip laminate for added safety.
Features:
✔️ Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and general wear
✔️ Can conform to slightly curved surfaces
✔️ Cost-effective for both short-term and long-term use
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Icon Portrait Sign
Perfect for gyms, hospitality venues, and retail outlets where signs need to be placed on walls, glass, or partitions.
4. Corflute (Corrugated Plastic)
Best for: Temporary outdoor use, construction sites, events
Description:
Corflute is a lightweight, corrugated plastic material commonly used for temporary signage.
Features:
✔️ Economical and easy to replace
✔️ Weather-resistant for short-medium term outdoor use
✔️ Easy to mount on fences, walls, or posts
Example:
Caution Slippery When Wet Sign
Widely used on Aussie construction sites where conditions change frequently, requiring temporary but clear hazard warnings.
5. Portable Signage Options — Yellow A-Frames, Evarite A-Frames, and Corflute Bollard Signs
Best for: Highly visible, reusable, portable safety alerts
Description:
These portable signage solutions are designed for easy deployment wherever hazards pop up unexpectedly.
Yellow A-Frame Signs:
✔️ Iconic bright yellow design recognisable in any Aussie workplace
✔️ Lightweight, foldable for easy storage and movement
Evarite A-Frames:
✔️ Made from heavy-duty, UV-stabilised plastic
✔️ Highly durable and weather-resistant
A-Frame with Corflute Inserts
✔️ Durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
✔️ Interchangeable inserts makes these A-Frames versatile for other sign needs
Corflute Bollard Signs:
✔️ Corflute sleeves that fit neatly over bollards
✔️ Lightweight and easy to install/remove
✔️ Great for car parks, warehouse entries, or temporary hazard zones
Use Case Example:
Yellow A-Frame - Slippery When Wet
These are perfect for commercial cleaning companies, schools, shopping centres, and car parks — anywhere you need a clear, visible, and mobile hazard warning.
Reflective Materials — Class 1 & Class 2
The above material options also include the ability to have the sign design printed onto a reflective material. There are two levels of reflectivity available - Class 1 and Class 2. A reflective finish should be considered for signs that will be used in low light areas for added visibility.
Class 1 Reflective:
✔️ High-intensity reflectivity
✔️ Honeycomb pattern
✔️ Suitable for critical safety zones like roadworks or transport hubs
Class 2 Reflective:
✔️ Engineer-grade reflectivity
✔️ Suitable for general warnings where high reflectivity is helpful but not critical
How to Choose the Right Material for Your ‘Slippery When Wet’ Sign
Before ordering your signs, consider these factors to ensure you pick the right material:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use:
Outdoor signs must handle UV exposure, rain, and wind. Aluminium Composite Panel and Evarite A-frames shine here.
Temporary vs. Permanent:
Need a sign for one job or an ongoing risk? Corflute is great for temporary setups, while Aluminium Composite Panel suits permanent installations.
Visibility Requirements:
For high-traffic or low-light areas, reflective materials or bold yellow A-frames grab attention fast.
Safety Compliance:
Ensure materials meet Australian Standards and align with your industry’s regulations (workplace safety, building codes, etc.).
Budget:
Balance upfront cost with longevity — cheaper Corflute works for short bursts, but Aluminium Composite Panel saves money long-term.
The Bottom Line: Invest in the Right Material for Maximum Safety and Value
‘Slippery When Wet’ signs are non-negotiable for Australian businesses. But not all signs are created equal. The right material not only improves visibility and durability but also shows your business takes safety — and compliance — seriously.
By understanding your environment, hazard risks, and signage needs, you can invest in the right material the first time, saving costs and preventing accidents down the track.
FAQ Section
1. What material is best for permanent outdoor Slippery When Wet signs in Australia?
Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) is the best choice for permanent outdoor signs. It resists weather, UV damage, and corrosion, making it ideal for Australia’s climate.
2. Are anti-slip floor stickers safe to walk on when wet?
Yes. Anti-slip vinyl stickers are designed with a textured surface to maintain grip even when wet, making them safe for high-traffic indoor areas.
3. What’s the most portable option for temporary Slippery When Wet signage?
Yellow A-Frame signs or Evarite A-Frames are highly portable, reusable, and designed for quick deployment wherever hazards arise.
4. Do reflective Slippery When Wet signs meet Australian standards?
Reflective signs, especially Class 1 reflective, meet road safety and visibility requirements for Australian workplaces that operate at night or in low-light.
5. Can I use Corflute signs outdoors?
Yes — Corflute signs are lightweight and weather-resistant, but they’re best suited for short to medium length outdoor use like construction sites or events.