Primers for steel are usually classified according to the main corrosion inhibitive pigments used in their formulation, e.g. zinc phosphate primers and metallic zinc primers, etc. Each of these inhibitive pigments can be incorporated into a range of binder resins giving for example, zinc phosphate alkyd primers, zinc phosphate epoxy primers, etc. Detailed guidance on the installation of board protection systems is available from the Association for Specialist Fire Protection [3]. You can use either a gloss finish, which not only looks great but is also easy to clean and very hardwearing. Alternatively, an acrylic eggshell paint can be used with an intumescent base coat, which will give you a subtler finish than a gloss, with all the fire protection you need. Finally, you could opt for a vinyl matt finish, although this isn’t as easy to clean and isn’t quite as hardwearing as the other paints. Brands

The structural fire resistance requirement in Approved Document B was 120 minutes. However, time equivalence analysis demonstrated that 60 minutes was sufficient to ensure that the structure would retain its stability in the event of a fire. You may have already selected your paint before embarking on this tutorial. However, it’s absolutely crucial to discuss your needs with your local paint supplier for advice on the best product. These products can be very different, and will change according to external factors like weather, humidity, geographical location and exposure to the elements. Timber structural elements, such as beams, char at a rate of 0.8mm/min and release combustible gases, which further fuels fire. Despite certain natural fire-resistant qualities, timber can be fireproofed by an application of thin-film intumescent coating. The design and detailing of a structure can affect the durability of any protective coating applied to it. Structures designed with many small structural components and fasteners are more difficult to protect than those with large flat surfaces. The key issues to consider include:Heavyweight boards are usually in the range 700-950kg/m³ and will generally accept decorative finishes. They are typically used where an aesthetic finish is required. Intumescent paint is an integral part of effective passive fire protection system. When exposed to extreme temperatures, it rapidly expands to protect the surface that it’s applied to. This prevents, minimises, or delays fire damage to building structures, ultimately providing time for occupants to evacuate safely. The fire resistance time and application method ofintumescent paints available from these manufacturers can be filtered by the sub-category buttons:

Alternatively you can just forward us drawings, fabrication/cutting lists and we'll extract the information from them but in that instance we'd need some guidance as to what to allow for i.e. all steels on first floor, etc. Normal fabrication procedures (e.g. welding, gas cutting) must not be significantly impeded by the coating, and the primer should not cause excessive weld porosity. A welding certificate should be available from the paint manufacturer. Gloss paint ideally provided the best finish for steel and metals, generally. It is particularly recommended for outdoor and high traffic areas. Passive & reactive fire protection to structural steel. Lennon, T. & Hopkin, D. Building Research Establishment SP 10 is an abrasive blast cleaning standard. “We call that near-white metal,” SSPC’s Berish said. “By the nature of the definition of the standard, it’s gone through abrasive blasting, would completely remove all old paint, mill scale, and rust, leaving no more than 5 percent of staining—discoloration with no volume.”You need to get the RSJs signed off by building control! Depending on what paint you use, you can get a certificate from the paint company to say you have applied it, but at a cost! You are also free to use water-based acrylic paints or latex paints, especially those created for metal surfaces. They are cheaper, emit low to no odor, and have nothing near the toxicity levels of solvent-based paints. Surface preparation is the essential first stage treatment of a steel substrate before the application of any coating, and is generally accepted as being the most important factor affecting the total success of a corrosion protection system.

Intumescent coatings are passive fire protection measures which swell up when heated (in a fire for example) and protect the material (steel, plasterboard or wood ) underneath it, from fire. As the intumescent layer swells up, it increases its surface volume, which then helps to decrease the intensity of the flames. The top coating produces a light char as it is burnt, which makes it a poor conductor of heat and fire spread. You can see the extent of the steel beams needed and the supporting beam in the diagram below. Interior steel beams highlighted in red You definitely will not want to leave your steel beams the color of the intumescent paint (white) so you will need to apply a topcoat and color over the intumescent paint once it is completely dry. I struggled to find a definite answer as to what kind of paint you should use over the top. In addition, an assessment of the potential for fire spreading externally eliminated the need for fire-rated construction for the external facade.If you want to keep the beautiful, natural quality of your timber then fire retardant varnish could be your best bet. As this provides the same flame-protection standards as the fire proof timber paint, but retains a clear finish, existing varnishes, natural wood or wood stains will still show through. In fact, you won’t be able to tell that the varnish is fire resistant, so the focus can remain on the aesthetics of your surfaces. Intumescent Paint Colours For Steel Intermediate and finish coats are usually classified according to their binders, e.g. epoxies, vinyls, urethanes, etc.

Intumescent coatings are paint-like materials which are inert at low temperatures but which provide insulation as a result of a complex chemical reaction at temperatures typically of about 200-250°C. At these temperatures the properties of steel will not be affected. As a result of this reaction the coatings swell and provide an expanded layer of low conductivity char.With a simple building that has a standard structure, it might well be that an architect in conjunction with a structural engineer and specialist manufacturers might develop an appropriate strategy,” says Alan Wilson, senior engineer at Arup Fire. “But when dealing with complex designs, you’re more likely to require expert advice.” The optimum protection treatment, which combines appropriate surface preparation, suitable coating materials, required durability and minimum cost, is achievable using modern surface treatment technology. Where steelwork is to be protected by intumescent paint for fire purposes, manufacturers’ recommendations should be followed. RSJ beams are heavy, so all beams we dispatch over 60Kg in weight have to be delivered by a haulier rather than a standard courier service - delivery times are estimated from information we receive from the haulier companies, therefore, we cannot guarantee that any delivery will reach you on a certain date or at a certain time as these oversize deliveries are outsourced. We recommend that you do not organise workmen until your goods have been delivered so that you can avoid any losses.