	How to choose Fire Retardant Paint Buy Fire Paint - comply with the UK Fire Regulations Class 1 and Class O, 30 minutes and 60 minutes Fire Resistance Property Repair Systems - Free Advice - 01626 331351 - Real People answer in plain English

Choosing the correct Intumescent Fire Paint (base) and Fire Retardant Paint (finish)

Next Day UK Delivery of all Fire Varnishes and Fire Paints - call 01626 331351. Colour Chart Click Here.

Click to Select Class 1 and Class 0 - Plasterboard - Timber - Steel - Varnish - Doors

Click to Select 30 Minutes - Plasterboard - Timber - Steel - Varnish - Doors

For 60 minutes - call us or us on 01626 331351 - we'll do the calculations for you.

Our unique Fire Certificated Paint and Varnish Offer for Fire Paints and Fire Varnishes

Give us your Fire Paint or Fire Varnish area dimensions and you can have by telephone, fax or E Mail:
- an instant fixed price Quotation to include a Fire Certificate of Supply, Delivery and detailed Specification for Fire Paint or Fire Varnish
- a Building Inspector ready document set, with Data Sheet, for his or her approval
- free product support by telephone before, during and after application, to ensure that you meet the Fire Regulations
Don't get caught out by just buying any old Fire Paint or Fire Varnish - use our Free Service and get it right first time.

Suitable for Fire Retardant painting to:

1. Fire Retard Softwoods, Hardwoods, MDF, Chipboard, Melamine faced sheet, Bamboo.
2. Interior and Exterior: Fire Retardent paints and varnishes for doors, decking, bar-tops, panelling, cladding and floors
3. Fire Protect existing Painted surfaces, Varnished, Stained and Unpainted surfaces
4. Fire Protect over existing Clear finishes, White Finishes or Coloured Finishes
5. Meet Building Regulations for Loft Conversions, Hotels, Boarding House, Flats.
6. Fire Doors, and fire door upgrades to modify existing solid wood doors to 30 minutes (FD30) Standard.
7. Fire Protect Exhibition Stands, Shopping Centre Kiosks, Night Club Bars, Restaurant Bars, Shop Fixtures, Shop Shelving.

Immediate free Advice, Specification & Costing - 01626 331351 - call us now for friendly, no obligation help.

Next Day UK Delivery of all Fire Varnishes and Fire Paints

Fire Certificate

You can only obtain a Certificate of Supply for Fire Paint if we have sent you a Specification by E Mail first. This ensures that you have purchased the correct paint to meet the requirements of your Fire Officer or Building Inspector. Please pass the Specification to them for prior approval.

Choose the level of protection required (above) or go straight to product prices;

Click here - 30 Minutes Protection - Prices & Ordering - For a RAL Colour Chart Click Here.

DOORS - Click here to download our Guidance Notes on upgrading Doors

Class 1 and O Protection - list of types of surface that you can paint

Always read our Data and Information Sheets before proceeding.

On Bare Single layer or Double layer Plasterboard

Apply one thinned coat of Flame Retardant Paint, mixed 50:50 with water to prime the bare surface and then two further coats of Flame Retardant Paint. No Intumescent Paint is required.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat, about 10 square metres for the two and a half coat specification above.

On Painted Single or Double Plasterboard

Apply one coat of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint and either two coats of Flame Retardant Acrylic Eggshell Paint or one coat of Flame Retardant Vinyl Matt Paint.
Allow 7 square metres per kilo per coat for Wallcoat - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat, about 12.5 square metres for the two coat specification above.

On sound Artex on Single or Double Plasterboard

Apply two coats of Flame Retardant Paint, Vinyl Matt or Acrylic Eggshell, as finish coats.
Allow 7 to 8 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint, depending on the roughness of the Artex - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 17 to 20 square metres per coat, about 9 square metres for the two coat specification above.

On Bare and Painted Timber Indoors

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply two coats of Timbercoat Intumescent Fire Paint and one coat of Flame Retardant Paint as a finish. (If you use Acrylic Eggshell or a poor coverage colour (like Yellow) you will need two coats).
Allow 7 square metres per litre per coat for Timbercoat Intumescent Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint when applying only one coat - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat.

On Outdoor Bare and Painted Timber

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply two coats of Timber Fire Paint and two coats of Flame Retardant Paint as a finish.
Allow 7 square metres per litre per coat for Timber Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat, about 12.5 square metres for the two coat specification above.
Note - outdoor timber frequently requires 30 minutes or 60 minutes protection - check with your Council Building Inspector.

On Primed Steel Indoors

Apply one coat of Steel Intumescent Paint and one coat of Flame Retardant Paint (no Flame Retardant Paint top coat is required if steel is hidden from touch, but it is still recommended if the steel will be subject to dampness or high humidity, or be outdoors during erection).
Allow 5 square metres per kilo per coat for Steel Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 12.5 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat.

Clear Coatings - Fire Varnish - two pack Base Intumescent Varnish, one pack top coat Fire Varnish

You can substitute clear Varnish for Paint, but bear in mind that the Varnish base coat is a two pack Epoxy with only 2 months shelf life.

Fire Varnish - Indoors

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply two coats of Fire Varnish Base Coat (Epoxy based, two pack) and one coat of Fire Varnish Top Coat (solvent based).
Allow 6.5 square metres per litre per coat for Fire Varnish Base Coat - a 3 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Varnish top coat - a 2 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat.

Fire Varnish - Outdoors (remember that outdoor application will require re-coating when weathered, as with any external finish).

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply two coats of Fire Varnish Base Coat (Epoxy based, two pack) and two coats of Fire Varnish Top Coat (solvent based).
Allow 6.5 square metres per litre per coat for Fire Varnish Base Coat - a 3 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat, about 15 square metres for the two coat specification above.
Note - outdoor timber frequently requires 30 minute, or 60 minute protection - check with your Council Building Inspector.

30 Minutes Protection - list of types of surface that you can paint

Always read our Data and Information Sheets before proceeding.

On Bare, Painted or Artexed Single 3/8 inch or 9mm Plasterboard

Apply one thinned coat of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint mixed 50:50 with water to prime the bare surface and then two further coats of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint, followed by one coat of Flame Retardant Paint.
Allow up to 7 square metres per litre per coat for Wallcoat - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat, about 5 square metres for the two and a half coat specification above, subject to surface roughness.
Allow 7 - 8 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat, subject to surface roughness.

On Bare, Painted or Artexed Single 1/2 inch or 12.5mm Plasterboard

Apply one thinned coat of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint mixed 50:50 with water to prime the bare surface and then one further coat of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint, followed by one coat of Flame Retardant Paint.
Allow up to 7 square metres per litre per coat for Wallcoat - a 2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat, about 5 square metres for the two coat specification above, subject to surface roughness.
Allow 7 - 8 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat, subject to surface roughness.

On Bare or Painted Double Plasterboard - same as Class 1 and Class O

No further upgrade required beyond Class 1 and Class O in the section above: apply the same specification as above, repeated here.
Apply one coat of Wallcoat Intumescent Paint and one coat of Flame Retardant Paint.
Allow 7 square metres per litre per coat for Wallcoat - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat.

On Bare and Painted Timber Indoors

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply three coats of Timber Intumescent Paint and one coat of Flame Retardant Paint as a top coat.
Allow 7 square metres per litre per coat for Timber Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat.
SAFE MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WOOD - for 30 Minutes Protection Standard
Softwoods need to be at least 16mm thick and hardwoods 12mm thick, in order to withstand charring (without collapse) of 10mm (softwoods) or 6mm (hardwoods). Hardwoods, like Oak, burn slower than Softwoods, like Pine. These charring allowances leave 6mm of wood in reserve, to provide more time for escape, after the paint systems have expired. If the wood is less than these thicknesses it can be supplemented with additional panelling - we will be pleased to Quote for precision panels made to measure for your project.

On Outdoor Bare and Painted Timber

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply three coats of Intumescent Timber Paint and two coats of Flame Retardant Paint as a finish.
Allow 7 square metres per litre per coat for Timber Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 13 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat, about 12.5 square metres for the two coat specification above.
SAFE MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WOOD - for 30 Minute Fire Standard
Softwoods need to be at least 16mm thick and hardwoods 12mm thick, in order to withstand charring (without collapse) of 10mm (softwoods) or 6mm (hardwoods). Hardwoods, like Oak, burn slower than Softwoods, like Pine. These charring allowances leave 6mm of wood in reserve, to provide more time for escape, after the paint systems have expired. If the wood is less than these thicknesses it can be supplemented with additional panelling - we will be pleased to Quote for precision panels made to measure for your project.

On Primed Steel Indoors - same as Class 1 and Class O above.

(We offer a High Build Steel Primer, if required) All surfaces must be rust free and primed before coating with Fire Paints, because they are water based and will otherwise cause 'flash' rusting.
Apply one coat of Steel Intumescent Paint and one coat of Flame Retardant Paint (no Flame Retardant Paint top coat is required if steel is hidden from touch, but it is still recommended if the steel will be subject to dampness or high humidity, or be outdoors during erection).
Allow 6.5 square metres per litre per coat for Steel Fire Paint - a 1.9 litre/2.5kg can will cover approximately 12.5 square metres per coat.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Paint - a 2.5 litre can will cover approximately 25 square metres per coat.
Ask us for a FREE Steel Calculation for your particular steel beams - we can calculate the surface areas and the paint needed.

Clear Coatings - Fire Varnish - two pack Base Intumescent Varnish, one pack top coat Fire Varnish.

You can substitute clear Varnish for Paint, but bear in mind that the Varnish base coat is a two pack Epoxy.

Fire Varnish - Indoors

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply three coats of Fire Varnish Intumescent Base Coat (Epoxy, two pack) and one coat of Fire Varnish Top Coat (solvent based).
Allow 6 square metres per litre per coat for Fire Varnish Intumescent Base Coat - a 3 litre pack will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat, about 6 square metres for the three coat specification above.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Varnish Finish - a 2 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat.
SAFE MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WOOD - for 30 Minute Fire Standard
Softwoods need to be at least 16mm thick and hardwoods 12mm thick, in order to withstand charring (without collapse) of 10mm (softwoods) or 6mm (hardwoods). Hardwoods, like Oak, burn slower than Softwoods, like Pine. These charring allowances leave 6mm of wood in reserve, to provide more time for escape, after the paint systems have expired. If the wood is less than these thicknesses it can be supplemented with additional panelling - we will be pleased to Quote for precision panels made to measure for your project.

Fire Varnish - Outdoors (remember that outdoor application will require re-coating when weathered, as with any external finish).

Carry out a water droplet or Emulsion Paint dab test - if a water droplet is absorbed or ordinary Emulsion Paint spreads and dries without 'marbling or cissing'. Then try a test patch with the proposed Intumescent Paint or Varnish. If it puddles, marbles or pools it will not set properly and the surfaces need more preparation. This problem is called 'cissing' and usually indicates that the surface is repelling the Paint or Varnish - it may be affected by wax, oil, natural resins in freshly planed timber, timber treatments, greasing hand prints. If 'cissing' occurs repeat the Preparation process and then call us for help.
Apply three coats of Fire Varnish Intumescent Base Coat and two coats of Fire Varnish Top Coat.
Allow 6 square metres per litre per coat for Fire Varnish Base Coat - a 3 litre pack will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat, about 6 square metres for the two coat specification above.
Allow 10 square metres per litre per coat for Flame Retardant Varnish finish - a 2 litre can will cover approximately 20 square metres per coat, about 12 square metres for the two coat specification above.
SAFE MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WOOD - for 30 Minute Fire Standard
Softwoods need to be at least 16mm thick and hardwoods 12mm thick, in order to withstand charring (without collapse) of 10mm (softwoods) or 6mm (hardwoods). Hardwoods, like Oak, burn slower than Softwoods, like Pine. These charring allowances leave 6mm of wood in reserve, to provide more time for escape, after the paint systems have expired. If the wood is less than these thicknesses it can be supplemented with additional panelling - we will be pleased to Quote for precision panels made to measure for your project.

60 MINUTES PROTECTION - call us for a FREE written Specification on 01626 331351

Do not take the risk of using any of our standard specifications.

Doors are special

Door Protection can be a problem, so it can be cheaper to buy factory built Fire Doors. For multiple doors and Historic Buildings, where doors must be saved, please give us a call to discuss your options. We will need exact details of the construction of each door and some photographs would help.
A minimum of panel thickness of 16mm for softwoods and 12mm for hardwoods is required.
SAFE MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WOOD - to meet the 30 Minute Standard
Softwoods need to be at least 16mm thick and hardwoods 12mm thick, in order to withstand charring (without collapse) of 10mm (softwoods) or 6mm (hardwoods). Hardwoods, like Oak, burn slower than Softwoods, like Pine. These charring allowances leave 6mm of wood in reserve, to provide more time for escape, after the paint systems have expired. If the wood is less than these thicknesses it can be supplemented with additional panelling - we will be pleased to Quote for precision panels made to measure for your project.
When using Ultra Door Protection for upgrading standard doors to 30 minute fire doors, it must be used as part of an overall program to include intumescent fire/smoke seal and lock, hinge and door closer Intumescent protection card, or as Specified by your Building Inspector.
As a general guide, uprating is likely to include the following;
1. Preparation of the doors to take intumescent fire/smoke seals and lock, hinge and door closer intumescent protection cards. We can offer surface mounting Intumescent Seal Strips, which are self adhesive and mount inside the door frame. This type of seal enables you to avoid removing the door to cut slots.
2. Three coats of Ultra Door Intumescent Fire Paint or Varnish base, followed by two top coats of Flame Paint or Flame Varnish Finish (Eggshell or Gloss).
3. Additional panels or Veneer may be required to meet the minimum thickness requirements - we can manufacture this for you - please ask for a Quotation.
Click here to download our Guidance Notes on upgrading Doors

CERTIFICATION - why you will need a Fire Certificate of Supply

A Fire Certificate of Supply can be issued for each Project. This is essential if you have to satisfies your Insurers, the Fire and Building Control Authority and for Client Records. Without a Certificate you may be vulnerable to prosecution in the event of a fire. We cannot issue a Certificate of Supply if we have not produced a Specification in the first place, so please do not buy paints without asking for a written Specification.
Certificates for: Class O and Class 1, 30 minutes, 60 minutes Fire Resistance, Timber and Steel.
COLOURS
B.S. and R.A.L. Colour Range, plus five Metallic Finishes, plus clear Varnish.
Colours: Clear Varnish, B.S. and RAL Colours available ex. stock for Next Day Delivery. For a RAL Colour Chart Click Here.
Please quote your selected top coat B.S. or RAL Colour reference number in the Delivery Instructions box in the Shopping Cart.
FINISHES
Finishes: Matt, Eggshell, Gloss and Metallic. Varnish in Gloss, Satin or Matt. For a RAL Colour Chart Click Here.

Free Advice - we supply free specifications and product quotations

Speak directly to us about your Fire Retardant needs: 01626 331351
Please do not take a risk and simply buy products without a clear specification from an expert. You may not be able to obtain a Fire Certificate of Supply in those circumstances.

Click to Home Page

'Fire Paint' is a general term rather misleadingly used to cover both Fire Resistant Paint, used as a top coat to protect the Intumescent Paint beneath and Intumescent Paint or Intumescent Varnish, which are both fairly soft coatings. Class O and Class 1 are Classifications used regarding fire action on the surface of the paint, whereas 30 Minutes and 60 Minutes describe the period of protection given by the underlying Intumescent layers of Intumescent Paint or Intumescent Varnish against penetration by fire.
We can provide an Intumescent Paint price based on the thickness of the wood or steel to be protected, and a separate price for the Fire Rated paint used as a top coat, which acts as a retardent fire layer, producing an inert gas to protect itself for up to 10 minutes.

I Timber Paint I Wall and Ceiling Paint I Clear Varnishes I Top Coats I Fire Doors I