I&I Soft Craft Solutions
Did you know specialized coatings exist to give buildings a fireproof shield? Intumescent paint offers invaluable passive fire protection for buildings. They contain active ingredients that react upon heating, expanding over 50 times their original thickness. When exposed to high heat, they form an insulating barrier that shields underlying structures.
These specialized materials prevent fire spread, give extra time for evacuation and firefighting, and maintain integrity during fire events. Read on to explore types of intumescent coatings and their benefits.
Four Types of Intumescent Coatings
1. Water-Based
This coating uses acrylic polymer resins suspended in water as the key binding component, along with added mineral fillers and specialized intumescent additives that react under fire conditions to create a protective char layer. Water-based coatings are a green, eco-conscious choice with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mild odors.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective for small-scale application
- Easy soap and water cleanup
- Suitable for indoor and semi-exposed areas
Limitations:
- Prone to weathering from humidity, rain, and UV exposure
- Longer drying times in cold environments
- Multiple coats are often needed to achieve a fire rating
Use Cases:
- Interior commercial spaces
- Residential homes
2. Solvent-Based
Solvent-based intumescent coatings utilize alkyd resins dissolved in petroleum-derived solvents as the main binding element and expandable graphite additive that forms protective char under fire exposure. The solvent carrier enables optimal exterior durability resilience against weathering.
Advantages:
- Quick-drying attribute supports completing fireproofing rapidly
- Produces hard, smooth decorative finish
- Can achieve high fire ratings in fewer coats
Limitations:
- Higher VOCs requiring safety precautions
- Strong odor necessitates ventilation
- Flammable until fully cured
Use Cases:
- Semi-exposed steel beams
- Exterior side of drywall assemblies
3. Epoxy-Based
Use epoxy resins as the main binder, ammonium polyphosphate, and added mineral fillers that react under fire to insulate substrates. They provide extreme durability and chemical and abrasion resistance suited for harsh industrial settings.
Advantages:
- Extremely durable for long-lasting protection
- It withstands high humidity, salt spray, and UV
- Cures to a hard, impact-resistant finish
Limitations:
- Rigorous surface preparation and primer needed
- Precise mixing ratios are required
- The application requires an expert contractor
Use Cases:
- Offshore oil platforms
- Marine vessels
- Chemical plants
4. Hybrid
Hybrid intumescent coatings utilize proprietary, pre-blended formulations combining elements of water-based, solvent-based, and epoxy-based intumescent paint into a single, versatile product. They combine performance strengths of multiple coating chemistries for simplified applications.
Advantages:
- Recommended for diverse outdoor as well as indoor environments
- Combine strengths of different formulations
- Often achieve high ratings in one coat
Limitations:
- Composition varies across brands
- It is generally more expensive
Use Cases:
- Steel columns
- Walls
- Architectural facades
Discover Unmatched Fire Protection with Intumescent Coatings
Intumescent paint or coating materials offer unrivaled insulating power. Their different varieties cater to diverse environments to provide tailored protection. Contact the experts at I&I Soft Craft Solutions today for a consultation or site evaluation to discuss how to achieve code-compliant fire safety for your next project.