What Is Intumescent Paint?

Intumescent paint is a type of passive fire protection coating designed to safeguard structural steel and other building elements from high temperatures during a fire. When subjected to heat, it expands to create a thick, insulating char layer that helps preserve the integrity of the underlying material, typically steelwork, for up to 30, 60, or 120 minutes, depending on the specification.

Why Use Intumescent Paint in Buildings?

Intumescent coatings are widely used across the UK construction industry to meet fire safety regulations and slow down structural failure during a fire. This allows more time for evacuation, fire service intervention, and property protection.

Key reasons to use fire-resistant paint include:

Compliance with UK Building Regulations Part B

Achieving required fire resistance ratings on structural steel

Improving fire safety without altering building design

Lightweight protection compared to cladding or boxing

Suitable for both new builds and refurbishments

Is Intumescent Paint a Legal Requirement?

In most commercial and multi-storey residential developments, intumescent fire protection is a regulatory requirement where exposed steel is used. The paint must be applied to the manufacturer’s specification and often requires independent inspection or DFT (dry film thickness) testing to prove compliance.