Intumescent paints, water or solvent based, may be applied by airless spray, roller or brush and can provide up to 120 minutes fire protection. The system is applied as a thin film and is often available with a range of topcoats in different colours so that the designer can achieve their aesthetic needs as well as those of fire protection on visible steel.

Intumescent paints work in a fire situation by changing their nature from a decorative or non decorative paint, which has been applied to the steelwork, into an intumescent layer of carbonaceous char, which forms when the coating is subjected to heat. This layer of char can be 50 times the thickness of the initial coat, and is formed as the paint is heated to around 200C and above.

The required DFT (dry film thickness) of the paint is calculated using the HP/A (heating perimeter over area) as per BS 476 Part 21 and will vary depending on the size of steel and the exposure of the member requiring protection. A top-seal can be used for extra protection.

Where Fireprotection is not required, industrial coatings can be also be applied in a range of different colours to steelwork or metal decking.