Flame Retardant Specialist Paints kentdec Ltd
What is the difference between fire retardant paint and intumescent paint?
Fire retardant paint will slow flames from spreading and is meant for fires to self-extinguish. In contrast, intumescent paint reacts to high temperatures by swelling and creating thick char barrier layers of foam to insulate the structure behind the paint from fire and smoke.
Fire retardant paint can protect against fire for 30–120 minutes, depending on the paint and the number of coats applied. The paint’s fire-resistant capabilities are rated according to the ATSM fire rating system.
Reacting to heat
Fire retardant paint reacts to intense heat by releasing a flame-moistening gas and swells up to 50 times its thickness to form a carbon layer. This carbon layer insulates the material from heat giving time for escape.