How Fire Retardant Coatings Work

Author: Amit Joshi

We have told you briefly about fire retardant, coatings and how they work. We hope this guide has been informative and will prove useful for you. Have an amazing day!

Fire coating is one of the most popular options for fire proofing and ensuring fire safety standards are complied with. Fire retardant coatings may refer to a category of paints and coatings which repel fire, making substances fire resistant. It can be applied to pipes, planks of woods, etc. Fire retardant coatings have now become a staple of the construction industry. Walls, including ceilings, window panes are regularly coated with fire resistant paints to make the dwellings safer. Fire resistant coatings are manufactured using specialty chemicals which wither form a protective layer over the applied surface, or emit gases in high temperatures, thereby reducing the chances of fires spreading rapidly. Let's take a detailed look at how these coatings work:

  • Coating: The first and foremost thing for fire repellent coatings to work is the proper application on surfaces. Fire retardant paints can be applied on wooden planks, bricks, pipes, plumbing and what not. Applying coating properly is essential to make the surfaces, safe and to make sure the coatings work properly. If you apply a thin coating, it won't have the desired effect on the surface. Make sure you clearly instruct your handymen to apply an even coat on all the surfaces you are looking to make fireproof.

  • Fire retardant v/s Fireproof: There is a huge difference between fire retardant and fire proof coatings. Fire retardant coatings wont make surfaces completely immune to fire, however it will reduce the chances of spreading of flames drastically. Make sure that you don't confuse yourself between the two. Fire proofing might be done in areas like kitchens where there is high chances of flash fires.

  • Fire retardant v/s Fireproof: There is a huge difference between fire retardant and fire proof coatings. Fire retardant coatings wont make surfaces completely immune to fire, however it will reduce the chances of spreading of flames drastically. Make sure that you don't confuse yourself between the two. Fire proofing might be done in areas like kitchens where there is high chances of flash fires.

  • Insulating layer: As we have already told you in the introduction, the most common type of fire retardant coatings and paints emit gases when they come near flames. These gases form a protective layer over the substance to which it is applied, and insulate the surface from coming into direct contact with the flames. It also cuts of oxygen supply, which is essential for fire.

  • Insulating layer: As we have already told you in the introduction, the most common type of fire retardant coatings and paints emit gases when they come near flames. These gases form a protective layer over the substance to which it is applied, and insulate the surface from coming into direct contact with the flames. It also cuts of oxygen supply, which is essential for fire.

  • Char layer: Apart from emitting gases, some fire retardant coatings work towards the purpose of forming a char layer on the surface, as soon as they come in contact with flames. This char layer protects the surface from further damage and inhibits the flames from spreading further.

Vijay systems is a leading manufacturer and exporter of fire safety solutions, with a diverse clientele.