Fire Retardant Coating

Questions & Answers

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Q: How can I confirm that the coating will perform as required ?

Underwriters’ Laboratories are a preferred test facility because they provide a label service which indicates information such as Flame Spread Rating on the can label. Flame Spread Rating coating manufacturer pays a fee for these labels, and this is important for inspectors as the label provides on-site proof that the coating will give the required protection if applied correctly.

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Q: Is the product in the can the product that was tested ?

A: ULC, for example, carry out on-going regular plant inspections and product examination to ensure that the product is formulated as originally tested. Labels are printed under license and are audited by ULC to confirm that labels are being applied to tested product only.

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Q: How much of the coating must be applied to provide the required protection ?

A: Obviously, the coating must be applied at the thickness at which it was tested in order to provide the rated fire protection. Refer to the test information shown on the ULC label to determine the amount of coating required. NOTE; It may not be possible to apply the required thickness in one coat and two or more coats may be necessary to build the required coating thickness.

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Q: How can I confirm that the coating has been applied correctly ?

A: Establish the total square feet of area to be coated and divide this by the required square feet per gallon (spread rate) as indicated on the test report, to obtain the number of gallons required.

Example 1: The area to be coated is 1200 square ft and the spread rate indicated on the label is two coats at 300 sq. ft. per gallon per coat. Then 1200 divided by 300 = 4 gallons per coat x 2 coats = 8 gallons.

Example 2: Some coatings may not indicate the number of coats, but only the required spread rate, i.e. 100 sq.ft. per gallon - then 1200 square feet divided by 100 = 12 gallons.

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Q: How must the coating be applied ?

A: Many fire retardant coatings may be applied by any paint contractor or the property owner, but some coatings may require a licensed applicator.

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Q: Can fire retardant coatings be top coated to increase their durability ?

A: Yes, but top coats must be as designated in the test information on the can label. Note that many conventional coatings, used as topcoats, are inherently flammable or may interfere with the performance of the fire retardant coating. Do not confuse top coats with fire retardant coatings.