Intumescent Coating in Tyne and Wear
Enquire NowCommercial Spray Painters offers professional intumescent coating in Tyne and Wear NE21 4, applying fire-resistant paint systems that protect structural steel in commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
Because steel loses its load-bearing capacity at high temperatures, intumescent coatings provide essential fire protection by delaying heat transfer during a fire.
This passive fireproofing system is required in many buildings to comply with UK fire safety regulations, particularly under Approved Document B and BS 476.
Our trained team applies specialist intumescent coatings on-site to ensure structural integrity is maintained for up to 30, 60, or 120 minutes in the event of a fire.
Request a free site survey and quote from our team of intumescent spray painting specialists in Tyne and Wear today.
What Is Intumescent Coating in Tyne and Wear?
An intumescent coating in Tyne and Wear is a reactive paint that expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming a thick, insulating char layer that protects the underlying substrate.
When applied to steel, this char layer prevents the material from reaching critical failure temperatures during a fire.
The coating remains thin and decorative under normal conditions but expands significantly—up to 50 times its original thickness, when exposed to heat.
This passive protection buys valuable time for evacuation, emergency response, and fire containment.
Where Is Intumescent Paint Used?
Intumescent paint is primarily used on exposed structural steelwork in buildings where fire protection is legally required but where cladding or boxing-in is not preferred.
It is frequently applied in commercial buildings, including offices, retail units, leisure centres, and shopping centres, because these environments often feature visible steel columns and beams as part of the interior design.
The coating is also essential in industrial buildings such as factories, warehouses, and distribution centres, where load-bearing steel must maintain strength during a fire.
In public sector developments, such as schools, hospitals, and civic centres, intumescent coatings are used to meet fire regulations while maintaining clean, functional interiors.
Due to its thin, paint-like appearance, intumescent coating in Tyne and Wear is ideal for open-plan, high-spec, or architecturally designed spaces, where aesthetics must be preserved while ensuring fire compliance.
What Are the Benefits of Intumescent Coating?
Intumescent coating offers essential safety and practical advantages for commercial and industrial buildings.
Key benefits include:
Delays structural failure by maintaining steel integrity during fire
Meets UK building regulations for passive fire protection
Invisible under normal conditions with smooth, decorative finish
Compatible with topcoat colours and architectural design
Applied quickly and cleanly on-site by professional contractors
Reduces need for boxed-in fire protection or cladding systems
Ideal for refurbishment or new build projects across sectors
As intumescent coatings do not alter the appearance of the structure, they are especially valued in open-plan and design-led buildings.
How Long Does Intumescent Coating Last?
When correctly applied and protected by a compatible topcoat, intumescent coatings can last the full lifespan of a building.
The product itself is inert under normal conditions and remains ready to activate only in the event of fire.
For long-term performance, it’s essential that the coating is protected from moisture, mechanical damage, and UV exposure, especially on external applications.
Regular inspections can identify any surface wear, ensuring the system remains compliant.
How Is Intumescent Coating Applied?
Intumescent paint is applied via airless spray for uniform build-up, although some small areas may be hand-applied with brushes or rollers.
Before application, steel surfaces are cleaned, primed, and tested for moisture or contamination.
The coating is applied in multiple layers to achieve the required DFT (dry film thickness), based on steel section size, orientation, and fire resistance rating.
Commercial Spray Painters in Tyne and Wear follow manufacturer guidelines and issue application records, thickness checks, and project sign-offs to ensure full compliance.
Is Intumescent Coating Required by Law?
UK Building Regulations require fire resistance of structural elements based on the building’s height, use, and occupancy type.
This often includes achieving 30, 60, or 90 minutes of fire protection for primary steelwork.
Because intumescent paint is a recognised method of achieving this resistance, it is widely used across both new builds and refurbishment projects.
We ensure that all our systems meet BS 476 and EN 13381 testing standards, and we provide documentation for building control where required
What Topcoats Can Be Used Over Intumescent Paint?
To protect the intumescent layer from wear and environmental damage, a compatible decorative topcoat is usually applied once the fire-resistant base has fully cured.
Options include water-based acrylic, solvent-based polyurethane, or epoxy coatings, depending on the exposure and aesthetic requirement.
Topcoats are colour-matched to suit your project design and do not affect the performance of the fire protection layer beneath.
This allows the steel to remain fire-safe while still aligning with your visual goals for the space.
Can Intumescent Paint Be Used Outdoors?
Intumescent coatings can be used outdoors, but they require specific protection to ensure durability against weather and UV exposure.
When applied to external structural steel, the intumescent layer must be sealed with a compatible weather-resistant topcoat to prevent moisture penetration or degradation over time.
We select outdoor-rated systems that comply with fire safety standards and are tested for external use under British Standards.
This allows safe use on open steel canopies, exterior staircases, or partially exposed structural elements in Tyne and Wear.
How Is the Required Thickness of Intumescent Paint Calculated?
The required dry film thickness (DFT) of intumescent paint is calculated based on several variables, including steel section size, exposure type, building use, and required fire resistance duration.
Standard ratings include 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes of protection, and each rating has a specific DFT requirement depending on the steel profile.
We use manufacturer-supplied software and structural drawings to determine precise loading requirements before starting work.
Thickness is then verified during and after application using certified measuring tools to ensure full compliance with UK regulations.
How Long Does Intumescent Coating Take to Apply?
The application time depends on the number of coats required, curing times, and the size and complexity of the project.
For a typical medium-sized steel framework in Tyne and Wear, intumescent paint application can take 2 to 5 days, including surface preparation, priming, base coats, and topcoat finishing.
Curing time varies by product and environmental conditions, but forced drying and temperature control can help accelerate the process if time is limited.
We provide a full application schedule as part of your project plan to avoid delays in construction or refurbishment.
Can Intumescent Coatings Be Applied Over Existing Paint?
Intumescent coatings must be applied to clean, bare, or correctly primed steel to ensure proper adhesion and fire performance.
If existing coatings are present, they are tested for compatibility. If unsuitable, they are removed or encapsulated with an approved primer.
Fire protection systems are tested as complete systems, including substrate, primer, intumescent base, and topcoat, so any deviation may compromise certification.
We assess existing conditions during the site inspection to recommend whether re-coating is viable or full reapplication is needed.
Request a Quote for Intumescent Coating in Tyne and Wear
If your project requires certified passive fire protection for steelwork, Commercial Spray Painters in Tyne and Wear NE21 4 deliver compliant, professional, and high-quality intumescent coating solutions.
We work across new developments, refurbishments, fit-outs, and industrial upgrades—providing protection that meets both safety and architectural demands.
Request a free site survey and fixed-price quote today, and ensure your structure is fire-compliant with the help of experienced intumescent spray contractors.
Other Services We Offer
At Commercial Spray Painters, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Cladding Spray Painting
Warehouse Spraying
Factory Spraying
Commercial Roof Painting
We cover Tyne and Wear