At Intumescent Painting, we provide a vital part of passive fire protection, designed to delay structural failure and give occupants more time to evacuate during a fire.

We provide professional intumescent painting services for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

Whether you’re working on a new build or refurbishing an existing property, our coatings help you meet fire safety regulations without compromising appearance or structure.

As fire safety standards become more stringent, intumescent coatings offer a reliable and compliant solution for steel and timber protection.

Request a free, no-obligation quote for intumescent painting services.

What Is Intumescent Painting?

Intumescent painting is the application of a specialist coating that reacts to fire by expanding and forming a protective char layer.

This layer insulates structural elements from extreme heat, helping prevent premature collapse and allowing time for safe evacuation and fire service response.

It is most commonly applied to steel beams and columns but can also be used on timber and concrete where specified.

As the coating is typically thin and can be finished with a decorative topcoat, it is widely used in visible structural applications.

How Much Does Intumescent Painting Cost?

The cost of intumescent painting generally ranges from £15 to £35 per m².

The cost depends on the required fire rating, substrate type, and accessibility.

Smaller projects with lower fire resistance needs may be priced closer to £15 per m², while complex steel frameworks needing 90 or 120 minutes of protection can reach £30–£35 per m².

A site visit and specification are required for a precise quotation.

As factors like steel thickness, primer type, and surface condition affect coverage rates, we provide tailored pricing for each job.

What Fire Ratings Can Intumescent Coatings Achieve?

Intumescent paints can provide fire resistance ratings of 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes depending on the system used and substrate being protected.

These ratings indicate how long the structural integrity of the material will be maintained during a fire.

Steel elements typically require 60- or 90-minute ratings for commercial and multi-storey buildings, which can be achieved with the correct thickness and application.

As fire strategy is determined by building regulations and risk assessment, we align our work with your fire engineer’s requirements.

Can You Apply Intumescent Paint on Existing Structures?

Intumescent fireproofing can be applied during refurbishment projects as well as new builds.

We assess the condition of existing coatings, remove damaged or incompatible finishes, and prepare surfaces to meet manufacturer guidelines.

We also work with main contractors and fire engineers to ensure the application matches the required fire rating and inspection protocols.

As long as the substrate is properly prepared and accessible, retrofitting intumescent coatings is both viable and effective.

What Surfaces Can Be Protected with Intumescent Paint?

Intumescent coatings are most commonly used on steelwork but can also be applied to timber, plasterboard encasements, and some concrete elements depending on their use and structural role.

Different systems are used for each material, and fire testing data from manufacturers guides the specification.

We work with leading intumescent paint suppliers to select the correct system for your substrate and fire rating.

As compatibility is essential for certification, all coatings are applied in line with tested application data sheets.

What Are the Benefits of Intumescent Painting?

Intumescent coatings provide a compliant, non-invasive solution for structural fire protection.

The main benefits include:

• Passive fire protection up to 120 minutes
• Maintains load-bearing capacity of steel during fire
• Thin, decorative finish with optional topcoats
• Suitable for visible structural areas and design-led interiors
• Complies with UK Building Regulations and BS 476 / EN 13381
• Can be applied on-site or off-site, depending on the project

Do You Provide Intumescent Painting for Steel in Commercial Buildings?

We provide intumescent painting services specifically for structural steelwork in commercial buildings.

This includes office blocks, retail units, warehouses, schools, and public facilities.

We apply coatings in line with specified fire ratings and work alongside contractors and fire consultants to ensure compliance.

As structural steel must often meet 60 to 120-minute fire ratings, we carefully match the coating system to the load-bearing requirements of each element.

Can Intumescent Coatings Be Painted Over?

Intumescent coatings can be painted over with approved topcoats, provided they are compatible with the fireproofing system.

Topcoats are usually applied for decorative purposes or to improve durability in high-traffic areas.

We only use topcoat systems that have been tested with the base intumescent paint and do not compromise the fire rating.

As incorrect overcoating can reduce fire protection, we always follow manufacturer specifications.

How Long Does Intumescent Paint Take to Dry?

Drying times vary depending on the product used, the required thickness, temperature, and humidity.

In most cases, intumescent coatings are touch-dry within a few hours but may take 24 to 72 hours to fully cure.

Where multiple coats are required to build up the specified film thickness, drying times are monitored between applications.

As drying impacts project timelines, we provide realistic scheduling based on site conditions and manufacturer data.

Is Intumescent Painting Required by Building Regulations?

UK Building Regulations require structural elements in many buildings to have a defined level of fire resistance.

This is especially important in multi-storey commercial or residential developments, stairwells, fire escape routes, and areas with high occupancy.

Intumescent painting is often the most practical method to achieve compliance without altering the building’s design or structure.

As regulations vary depending on building type and use, we work with your fire consultant to meet the required specifications.

Can You Apply Intumescent Paint Off-Site?

Intumescent coatings can be applied off-site in a controlled environment, which is often preferred for large steel components or fast-track builds.

Off-site application ensures consistent conditions, faster drying, and less disruption to site activities.

The coated elements are then delivered and installed as part of the construction programme.

As some projects require reduced site time, off-site application is a cost-effective and reliable solution.

How Do You Ensure the Correct Film Thickness?

We use wet film gauges and dry film thickness meters to verify that the intumescent coating has been applied correctly.

The required thickness depends on the fire resistance rating, steel size, and type of paint used.

Each project includes a quality control process with documented readings for compliance.

As thickness directly affects fire performance, precise application is essential and monitored throughout the job.

Get a Quote for Intumescent Painting

If you’re planning a commercial, residential, or industrial project that requires passive fire protection, we’re here to help.

We’ll ensure your fire strategy is compliant, effective, and professionally executed.

We offer expert intumescent painting, with fire-rated coatings tailored to your building’s needs and approved by major building control bodies.

Contact us today to arrange a site visit and receive a detailed quotation.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great intumescent paint services.

For more information on Intumescent Painting in Barking IG11 8, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.