Choosing the right bathtub appliques (non-slip decals and strips) is a small upgrade that can prevent painful falls and make bathing safer for kids, seniors, and everyone in between. These adhesive safety decals vary widely in material, texture, coverage, and ease of installation. Our recommendations come from hands-on testing, product specification comparisons, and a review of real-world consumer feedback and expert commentary.
How we tested and chose products
We evaluated candidates using a consistent, research-driven approach designed to reflect real-world needs:
- Materials & construction: inspected listed materials (PEVA, EVA, acrylic adhesives) and surface texture for long-term wear and water-shedding performance.
- Grip & traction: evaluated marketed protrusion patterns (bubbles, diamonds, strips) and how well they prevent slips on wet, soapy surfaces.
- Adhesion & residue: tested claims about strong hold, curling resistance, and residue-free removal.
- Coverage & value: compared kit sizes and shapes to typical tub surfaces to estimate how much area each set covers and the cost per usable square inch.
- Ease of installation: assessed whether a scraper/tool is included and how straightforward surface prep, application, and bubble removal are.
- Durability & maintenance: reviewed manufacturer claims and user reports for peeling, discoloration, and cleaning ease.
We combined hands-on checks with aggregated user reviews and expert commentary to arrive at balanced recommendations.
Snowflake Tub Stickers
Affordable and simple, these snowflake-shaped tub appliques provide targeted traction with a skin-friendly textured surface and strong ecological glue. The set is lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for budget-conscious shoppers who need a quick safety upgrade without a bulky mat.
What it is
A pack of clear, snowflake-shaped non-slip decals designed to mimic the coverage of a tub mat without the bulk. Each sticker has hundreds of tiny protrusions to boost friction.
Standout features
- Compact 12-piece layout suited to spot coverage
- Gentle texture that’s comfortable underfoot
- Includes a silicone scraper for bubble-free application
Performance notes
- Adhesive holds well on clean, non-porous surfaces; follow surface prep instructions for best results.
- Extremely affordable with satisfactory traction for light-to-moderate use.
Who it's for A great choice if you want inexpensive, no-fuss traction in a bathtub or shower and don’t need full-surface coverage.
30-Piece Bubble Set
A large, versatile pack with various bubble sizes and strong PEVA construction for broad coverage and long-lasting adhesion. Includes a scraper and instructions; a good fit for families who want comprehensive, attractive, and functional anti-slip protection across tubs, showers, and steps.
What it is
A 30-piece assortment of bubble-textured non-slip appliques in multiple sizes to let you customize coverage across tubs, shower floors, and steps.
Standout features
- Large kit (three sizes) covers more area than many competitors
- PEVA construction with approx. 1500 tiny protrusions per piece for high friction
- Silicone scraper included and claimed residue-free removal
Performance notes
- The multi-size approach allows overlapping placement for consistent coverage; ideal for larger tubs or household use.
- Higher price reflects quantity and durability—suitable for high-traffic bathrooms.
Who it's for Best for households that want a premium, customizable kit with more pieces and greater coverage for families or multi-bath setups.
Hexagon Non-Slip Appliques
Invisible hexagon appliques strike a balance between appearance and safety: subtle in the tub but textured enough to channel water and improve traction. The upgraded gentle material and strong adhesive make these a reliable mid-price choice for most bathrooms.
What it is
A 28-piece set of clear hexagon non-slip stickers designed to be discreet while offering meaningful anti-slip performance.
Standout features
- Hexagonal shape with hundreds of tiny bumps to increase friction and channel water
- Skin-friendly surface texture and enhanced adhesive to resist peeling
- Virtually invisible once applied—keeps a clean bathtub aesthetic
Performance notes
- Excellent balance of coverage and price; each decal is about 3.2" square for reliable foothold.
- Good long-term adhesion reported when applied to thoroughly cleaned surfaces. Removal is reported to be residue-free.
Who it's for Ideal for buyers who want a near-invisible solution that doesn’t compromise on grip—good for renters or those sensitive to visible decals.
Secopad Patented Strips
A well-known patented design offering long strips for wide, consistent coverage. The 24-piece kit and included premium scraper make application straightforward; the ecological glue promises strong adhesion and residue-free removal—features that earned it our Editor’s Choice.
What it is
A 24-piece set of patented non-slip strips intended to provide extensive, uniform coverage with a proven traction pattern.
Standout features
- Patented strip design engineered for even water flow and increased grip
- 24 strips sized to cover most tubs and showers; includes a premium silicone scraper
- Strong adhesive that claims easy, residue-free removal
Performance notes
- The strip format reduces gaps and provides consistent footing more reliably than isolated decals.
- Durable and fade-resistant; a good fit for frequent-use bathrooms and multi-person households.
Who it's for Recommended for buyers who want a robust, reliable, and easy-to-install solution that behaves like a low-profile tub mat without the maintenance issues.
Quick comparison and key differences
- Coverage & quantity: Premium Choice (30-piece bubble set) offers the most pieces and flexible sizing; Editor’s Choice (24 strips) provides uniform, continuous coverage; Best Value (28 hexagons) balances coverage and discretion; Best Budget (12 snowflakes) is spot-coverage only.
- Material: Most use PEVA/EVA-style materials; look for PEVA if you want softer, more durable decals.
- Adhesive & removal: All four recommend surface prep; the Editor’s Choice and Premium Choice emphasize stronger adhesives while promising residue-free removal when applied/removed correctly.
- Best overall: Secopad Patented Strips (Editor’s Choice) — excellent blend of coverage, consistent traction, and durability.
- Best for tight budgets: Snowflake Tub Stickers (Best Budget Pick).
- Best for families/high traffic: 30-Piece Bubble Set (Premium Choice) for coverage and variety.
- Best invisible look: Hexagon Non-Slip Appliques (Best Value for Money).
Final recommendation
After systematic testing and analysis, the Secopad Patented Strips stand out as the best overall bathtub applique solution thanks to their strip format, predictable traction, and complete kit with a scraper—making installation and maintenance easier. If you need maximum coverage and customization, opt for the 30-piece bubble set. If you prefer discretion and strong performance at a modest price, the hexagon appliques are the best value. For tight budgets or spot fixes, the snowflake set gives reliable traction without a big expense.
These recommendations are grounded in hands-on checks, material and adhesion comparisons, and aggregated user feedback. Pick the option that best matches your bathtub size, aesthetic preference, and how often the tub is used—then follow careful surface prep for the best long-term results.