Intumescent Paint | Everything You Need to Know

What is intumescent paint and how does it work?

Intumescent coating is a reactive paint that swells up when heated (in a fire for example) and protects the material (steel, drywall or wood ) underneath it, from fire. As the temperature rises, during a fire event, the intumescent coating swells up, it increases its surface volume, which then helps to decrease the intensity of the flames. The top coating acts as an insulator, forming a solid char in response to heat.

What types of substrates can be protected with intumescent paint?

Intumescent paint is used in many types of construction and on various substrates. Specifically, our coating can fire rate interior structural steel, gypsum, and wood.

How thick is intumescent paint?

Intumescent paint is typically thicker than standard latex paint, and required Dry Film Thicknesses vary depending upon the substrate. Once activated, intumescent paint can expand up to 50 times the original application thickness.

Can you paint over the intumescent paint?

Our passive fire protection product can be top-coated with latex or acrylic paints with a matte or low gloss finish.

Is intumescent paint toxic?

FlameOFF® cares about the environment! Our Fire Barrier Paint is water-based and low VOC being safe not only for the environment but also for our customers’ health. Non-toxic properties of intumescent coating simplify its disposal and clean up with no special precautions necessary. It is LEED compliant and high-performance product for fire rating multiple substrates.

What does intumescent paint look like?

FlameOFF® Fire Barrier Paint has a smooth finish, despite being 71% volume solids (almost twice as thick as standard latex paint). For best results, we recommend working with an experienced coatings applicator who can spray-apply this product for the smoothest finish. We provide a comprehensive application guide and offer an online training module for application as well.

How long does intumescent paint last?

There is no specific recoat period required and if the coating stays intact, it is effective. However, physical damage or environmental exposure, like high humidity or temperature swings, can cause flaking/adhesion loss. In such cases you will have to reapplicate the product.

FlameOFF® Intumescent paint is available to order by visiting our website.