Intumescent Coatings That Protect the Steel Behind Your Architecture

Up to 120 minutes of fire resistance to structural steel — sprayed off-site under controlled conditions, or applied on-site by trained operatives. Always to the tested dry film thickness.

We apply intumescent coatings both off-site (in our controlled paint shop or at a partner facility) and on-site (within enclosed scaffold sheeting and with appropriate ventilation). Off-site application is generally preferred for cleanliness and quality, but on-site coating is often unavoidable — particularly on welded connections, retrofitted strengthening, or steelwork that is too large or complex to coat in sections.

For every section, we calculate the required dry film thickness from the steel’s section factor (Hp/A or A/V), the required fire resistance period, the design temperature and the loading condition (cellular beams, columns, asymmetric sections). DFT readings are taken on a defined grid pattern and recorded against the steel reference for inclusion in the O&M.;

Our Capability Includes

Our Delivery Process

Step 1

Steel Review & Coating Specification

We review the structural steelwork drawings, confirm fire resistance requirements, and calculate the required coating thickness for each steel section in coordination with the project fire engineer.

Step 2

Surface Preparation

Steel surfaces are prepared to the coating manufacturer’s required cleanliness and surface profile standards to ensure proper adhesion and long-term performance.

Step 3

Intumescent Coating Application

The intumescent coating system is applied under controlled environmental conditions, using the specified number of coats and target wet film thickness to achieve the required dry film build.

Step 4

DFT Verification & Handover

Dry film thickness readings are recorded and verified against each steel member, with optional topcoat application completed where specified, followed by final documentation and O&M handover.

Intumescent Paint Thickness Verification

Murther Fire Protection uses calibrated Elcometer 456 Dry Film Thickness (DFT) gauges to verify that intumescent coatings have been applied to the correct specification. This provides accurate quality assurance, supports compliance requirements, and helps ensure the required level of fire protection is achieved.

key benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can intumescent paint be applied to galvanised steel?

Ans. Yes, but the steel needs a compatible primer to provide a bond between the galvanising and the intumescent layer. We always confirm the system with the coating manufacturer before application.

Does intumescent paint give a smooth finish?

Ans. Modern thin-film intumescent coatings give a finish broadly comparable to a heavy-bodied paint. For architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) where appearance is critical, we recommend a sealer and topcoat regime — and a sample panel agreed in advance.

How long does intumescent paint last?

Ans. When kept dry, away from impact, and within the conditions for which it was tested, intumescent paint will perform for the life of the building. External applications need periodic inspection and may require a maintenance regime defined by the manufacturer.

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