Intumescent coating

A passive fire protection coating that reacts to heat by swelling into a thick, insulating char, slowing the rate at which the protected substrate, typically structural steel, loses strength in a fire. Thin film and thick film systems are applied in buildings, offshore installations and industrial plant.

Also known as: intumescent paint

Related terms

Dry film thickness

DFT

The thickness of a coating measured after it has dried or cured, usually specified per coat and for the complete system. It is a key quality control parameter, checked non-destructively on metal substrates with magnetic induction or eddy current gauges.

Coatings & protectionTesting & standardsAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Primer

A preparatory coating applied to a substrate before an adhesive, sealant, coating or waterproofing membrane, improving adhesion by sealing porosity, binding dust or providing a chemically compatible surface. Primer selection depends on both the substrate and the product to be applied over it.

Resins & adhesivesCoatings & protectionRoofing & waterproofingAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Topcoat

The final coat of a coating system, providing the specified colour, gloss and resistance to weathering, ultraviolet light and chemical exposure. It is the system's first line of defence against the environment and largely determines how the finish looks over time.

Coatings & protectionAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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