Slip-Proof the Back Steps

Safeguard against hazardous slips and falls on the porch steps with several stripes of homemade sand paint. It's simple to prepare and just as easy to apply.

1. Purchase a bag of fine sand at a crafts or hardware store.

2. Paint stairs completely with a coat of plain paint, then let dry. Next outline the stripes with painter's tape.

3. In a bucket, mix 2 cups paint with 3/4-cup sand. Paint stripes with sand paint, keeping paint well stirred as you work.

4. Let sand paint dry completely before removing the tape. Finish with another coat of plain paint.

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com