Intumescent Paint General Uses

Intumescent paint is a type of passive fire protection coating for structural steel. It is a paint like coating and applied on structural steel. Intumescent paint will insulate the steel structures from effects of high temperatures that may be generated in cellulosic fire or hydrocarbon fire.

Intumescent paint, when subjected to high temperatures will intumesce (swell) and form a carbon charring layer (char) which, is the temperature insulating function of intumescent steel paint to protect the steel structure from fire. The intumescent paint thermally insulates the steel structure for the required fire rating, typically over 30, 60, 90, 120 or even up to 240 minutes.

Using Intumescent paint as a passive fire protection, it extends the time for structural steel to retain its integrity and stability during the rising temperatures of cellulosic fire or hydrocarbon fire. Without the intumescent paint protection, the bare steel will quickly attain high temperature and lose its structural load bearing functions. In addition, the weight of intumescent paint is also negligible and does not stress the loading capacity of steel for structural purposes.

As intumescent paint offers better aesthetic appearance over cementitious vermiculite fireproofing, therefore it is generally higher costs as compared to the cementitious vermiculite fireproofing options. With project costs considerations, both intumescent paint and cementitious vermiculite fireproofing can be provided together in the same project where required.

The increasing use and design concept of incorporating steel profiles as an aesthetic showcase, the intumescent paint is preferred in such situations over cementitious vermiculite fireproofing. The intumescent paint is often finished with a range of typical top coat colours to blend or achieve the aesthetic design intent of architects or interior designers.

Project references will be provided upon request. Please contact us for discussions.