Do you think all intumescent paints are created equal? They are not.
A big part of the toxicity story goes back to when a particular fire retardant paint was formulated. Not that long ago, the only way to formulate a fire retardant paint meant you had some very toxic components in it. Not only are they toxic in a fire, but they also leak toxins in the air you breathe every day – especially in hot, humid environments. Always read the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) carefully and always look to see if the MSDS was prepared independently or by the manufacturer. If it hasn’t been independently prepared, don’t trust it.
It is also critical that the intumescent paint manufacturer supports VOC claims with third party independent certified laboratory tests for content (ASTM D 3960) as well as toxic gas generation (BSS7239-88). You can view what these test documents look like and see Contego’s results here.
To view the damaging results of toxic fire retardant paints you may want to view the HBO documentary “Toxic Hot Seat”, a searing expose on the use of chemical flame-retardants. You can watch this incredibly informative film here.
Contego, like other intumescent coatings, is latex based. While Contego can be applied over an existing finish, you need to know what it is. If alkyd, or if you just don’t know, do an adhesion test. If the existing finish is good, apply a bonding primer before applying Contego. If you’re unsure, it’s better (and a lot less expensive) to apply a bonding primer and not need it than skipping that step and wishing you hadn’t.
Here’s an article from “Durability + Design” on the subject that we found particularly useful:
A failed coat of latex over alkyd must be completely removed, usually by power sanding or scraping. (Photo: D&D)
https://contegointernational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/contego-logo-redder.png00Lisa Schwartzhttps://contegointernational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/contego-logo-redder.pngLisa Schwartz2013-12-10 18:54:562024-07-17 15:24:47Repainting: Why an Adhesion Test Can Save You Time & Money
Contego fire resistant paint has been chosen by Saudi Arabia Railway to protect its railway stations.
The SAR (Saudi Arabia Railway) project will include both passenger and cargo railway systems. The passenger service utilizing advanced modern trains will start in 2014 and will have six stations in Riyadh, Majma’a, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Al-Qurayyat. All of the stations have been protected by Contego intumescent paint.
Are Intumescent Paints Toxic?
Smoking Building
© Rukicc | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
Do you think all intumescent paints are created equal? They are not.
A big part of the toxicity story goes back to when a particular fire retardant paint was formulated. Not that long ago, the only way to formulate a fire retardant paint meant you had some very toxic components in it. Not only are they toxic in a fire, but they also leak toxins in the air you breathe every day – especially in hot, humid environments. Always read the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) carefully and always look to see if the MSDS was prepared independently or by the manufacturer. If it hasn’t been independently prepared, don’t trust it.
It is also critical that the intumescent paint manufacturer supports VOC claims with third party independent certified laboratory tests for content (ASTM D 3960) as well as toxic gas generation (BSS7239-88). You can view what these test documents look like and see Contego’s results here.
To view the damaging results of toxic fire retardant paints you may want to view the HBO documentary “Toxic Hot Seat”, a searing expose on the use of chemical flame-retardants. You can watch this incredibly informative film here.
Repainting: Why an Adhesion Test Can Save You Time & Money
Contego, like other intumescent coatings, is latex based. While Contego can be applied over an existing finish, you need to know what it is. If alkyd, or if you just don’t know, do an adhesion test. If the existing finish is good, apply a bonding primer before applying Contego. If you’re unsure, it’s better (and a lot less expensive) to apply a bonding primer and not need it than skipping that step and wishing you hadn’t.
Here’s an article from “Durability + Design” on the subject that we found particularly useful:
Best Practices: No, you Can’t Just Paint Over That
A failed coat of latex over alkyd must be completely removed, usually by power sanding or scraping. (Photo: D&D)
Projects: Saudi Arabia Railway
Contego fire resistant paint has been chosen by Saudi Arabia Railway to protect its railway stations.
The SAR (Saudi Arabia Railway) project will include both passenger and cargo railway systems. The passenger service utilizing advanced modern trains will start in 2014 and will have six stations in Riyadh, Majma’a, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Al-Qurayyat. All of the stations have been protected by Contego intumescent paint.
Take a sneak peak at other projects.