Intumescent Paint for Wood | How Intumescent Works on Wood

Can intumescent paint be used on wood?

Fire retardant and intumescent paint is applied to wood and timber structures to slow down the spread of fire and it is an effective way to delay or avoid the collapse of a building in the case of a fire.

What fire rating can be achieved on wood?

It is worth noting that there are currently no intumescent coatings that can provide a 2 hour fire rating on wood by itself. Intumescent paint, like other coatings, works together with the substrate in order to limit the spread of fire, and the results will be more modest when the substrate is less resistant to heat, which is often the case with wood materials. Some wood types, such as heavy timber, have a substantial rating on their own and may result in >1 hr rating with the addition of intumescent paint.

Do I need to use a primer before applying FlameOFF® Fire Barrier Paint on the wood substrate?

For Wood applications, no primer is required, but an all purpose acrylic primer is recommended to help limit the initial coat of intumescent paint absorbing into the wood substrate. Alternatively, a thin coat of our product can be applied to first seal the wood, followed by the full mil thickness requirement.

How does intumescent paint work on wood?

Intumescent paint reacts to high temperatures by swelling for up to 50 times the original thickness of the paint and insulating the wood structure, effectively increasing the burn through time to 30–60 minutes. Intumescent paint does not make a wood structure fireproof yet it slows down the spread of fire thanks to its coating elements, which expand in response to high temperatures, creating a layer of char that insulates the substrate.

What colors does intumescent paint come in?

FlameOFF® intumescent paint comes in white. If a different finish is preferred, this product can be topcoated with latex or acrylic paints with a matte or low gloss finish.

Where can I buy intumescent paint?

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