Professional painters often work with builders and architects during the building design process. The construction phase is the perfect opportunity to apply intumescent fire-resistant coatings. Here is a quick list of three tips for applying fire-resistant coatings if you are a professional painter looking for better ways to apply these fire-safety materials.
Consider the Material
Always consider the material you are coating has been fire-tested before you apply an intumescent coating. Applying coatings to timber will require a unique process, much like applying coatings to metal. You may even need a specific coating type depending on the material you are working with. For example, easily combustible materials, such as fabric, require unique sprays. Not all fire-resistant coatings are equal, and not every coating will be compatible with the same type of materials.
Choose an Application Method
Once you have the right coating for your project, you should also decide how to apply it. You can apply intumescent coatings in several ways, including painting, spraying, and foam application. You will need a brush, roller, or similar paint applicator to evenly coat all sides of the material when painting with fire-resistant coatings. Spray guns are convenient for covering larger areas at once and when working with difficult materials such as fabrics and paper. Foam application is ideal for a variety of materials, including indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Apply Coatings Carefully
No matter which building material you work with and the application method you choose, you should always exercise care when applying coatings. Take your time with the application method and be sure to cover the entire surface area of the material you are coating. Any exposed areas will pose a fire risk and could weaken the intumescent coating’s effectiveness. Keep in mind that you may need multiple coats of intumescent coatings, depending on the material and manufacturer’s recommendations.
These three tips for applying fire-resistant coatings can help make your intumescent paints and other fire safety installations more effective. Contact our experts at FireFree, Inc. if you need assistance selecting the proper fire-resistant coating for your building. We can recommend the proper intumescent coating and application method based on your building materials, building type, and code requirements.
