Protecting Timber and Wooden Structures with Fire Retardant Paints
Wood and timber are highly flammable materials, making fire protection essential in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. At Promain, we offer an extensive selection of fire retardant wood paint, intumescent coatings, and fireproof finishes designed to reduce flame spread and fire risks.
Applying fire retardant paint for wood adds an insulating layer, protecting surfaces from heat and oxygen while enhancing structural integrity. Whether for ceilings, walls, floors, or wooden panels, our products provide effective fireproofing solutions while maintaining the natural look of wood.
Why Fire Protection for Wood is Essential
Wood is a popular building material due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, but it has one major drawback—it burns easily. Fires spread rapidly across untreated wood surfaces, putting lives, properties, and businesses at risk.
With fire protection coatings, you can:
- Delay ignition, giving occupants time to evacuate
- Reduce the spread of flames, limiting structural damage
- Comply with UK fire regulations and safety standards
- Preserve the aesthetics of wooden surfaces with clear or colored finishes
Understanding Fire Retardant Paint for Wood
Fire retardant paint is designed to slow down combustion and reduce heat release rates when exposed to high temperatures. Unlike standard paints, these coatings contain specialised additives that react to fire by forming a protective barrier, significantly reducing fire hazards.
There are two main types of fireproof paint for wood:
- Intumescent Paint – Expands when heated, forming an insulating char layer that shields the wood
- Flame Retardant Paint – Chemically slows down combustion, preventing rapid flame spread
Both solutions are used in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications where fire resistance is required.
Fire Resistant Paints: Meeting Fire Safety Standards
All fire retardant wood paints at Promain meet British and European safety standards. Many products comply with BS 476 and EN 13501-1, ensuring that wooden surfaces achieve the necessary fire ratings.
These coatings can provide Class 0 and Class 1 fire protection, helping to:
- Limit the fire’s impact on wooden structures
- Prevent flashover, reducing heat release
- Enhance fire safety compliance for businesses and homeowners
Intumescent Paint: Advanced Fireproofing Technology
Intumescent coatings are among the most effective fireproofing solutions. When exposed to high temperatures, the paint swells and forms a char layer, creating an insulating shield that prevents flames from penetrating the wood.
Key Benefits of Intumescent Paint for Wood
- Protects wooden structures by preventing charring
- Provides heat resistance in case of fire exposure
- Complies with fire regulations for safety and compliance
- Maintains the original aesthetics with a smooth finish
Intumescent coatings are commonly used on wooden beams, doors, flooring, and paneling in public buildings, schools, hotels, and hom.
Fireproof Coatings for Different Applications
At Promain, we supply fireproof coatings for various wooden surfaces, ensuring that structures receive the best level of protection based on their requirements.
- Timber Frames and Structural Wood – Reinforce fire resistance while maintaining durability
- Wooden Ceilings and Walls – Slow down flame spread and reduce smoke development
- Heritage and Decorative Wood – Use clear varnishes for an invisible protective barrier
- Floors and Staircases – Apply hard-wearing fireproof finishes for long-term safety
How to Choose the Right Fire Retardant Paint for Your Needs
Selecting the best fireproof paint for wood depends on:
- Type of wood – Softwood, hardwood, MDF, plywood, or engineered wood
- Location – Indoor, outdoor, high-traffic areas, or industrial environments
- Fire rating requirements – Check for Class 0, Class 1, or Euroclass ratings
- Aesthetic preferences – Gloss, matte, clear varnish, or decorative finish
For expert recommendations, contact our technical department, and we will guide you to the best fire retardant paint work for your project.
Top Fire Retardant Paint Products at Promain
Bollom Intulac Ultra Intumescent Basecoat
Bollom Intulac Ultra Intumescent Basecoat offers exceptional fire protection for timber surfaces. When exposed to high temperatures, it expands and forms an insulating layer, reducing fire spread.
Flameguard Ultra Gloss – A Fire Retardant Gloss Finish
For a decorative yet fire-resistant coating, Flameguard Ultra Gloss provides a durable, high-gloss protective finish. It is perfect for interior woodwork that requires both aesthetic appeal and fire protection.
Thermoguard Fire Varnish Overcoat – A Clear Fireproof Solution
Thermoguard Fire Varnish Overcoat is an ideal solution for heritage buildings. This clear fire-retardant varnish maintains the wood’s natural beauty while offering fire protection.
FAQs About Fire Retardant Paint for Wood
Can you paint wood to make it fire-resistant?
Yes. Fire retardant paint for wood significantly slows down flame spread and reduces fire risks by forming a protective barrier against heat and combustion.
How long does fire retardant paint last on wood?
With proper application and maintenance, fireproof coatings can last up to ten years. Environmental factors and wear may require reapplication sooner.
Does fireproof paint work?
Absolutely. Fireproof coatings effectively reduce flame spread and heat penetration, ensuring better fire safety compliance.
What is a disadvantage of using fire retardant treatment on wood?
Some fireproof paints require multiple coats, which can increase application time. Additionally, solvent-based coatings may emit strong odors.
Is intumescent paint better than standard fire retardant coatings?
Yes. Intumescent coatings provide superior fire resistance, especially for structural wood. They form an expanding char layer under heat, offering longer-lasting protection.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Fire Retardant Paint for Your Project
Protecting wooden surfaces with fireproof coatings is a smart investment in safety and compliance. Whether you need intumescent paint, flame retardant varnishes, or high-gloss fire-resistant coatings, Promain has you covered.
Explore our full range of fire retardant paints today:
Fire Retardant Paint Collection
Promain take safety seriously and we understand that fire risks are a very important thing to keep under control and that is why we make sure that we stock only the very best fire resistant paints and coatings that can be used on wood and timber to ensure a safe environment whether it is in the workplace, schools, hospitals or homes. If you are unsure as to what product would be best for you then please don't hesitate to give us a call and we would be more than happy to provide you with the information you need and to point you in the right direction of which timber and wood fire resistant paint would be best for you.
All of our timber fire resistant paints and surface covering for wood and timber are all up to British regulations and standards when it comes to these type of products. Promain have our customers interests as our first priority which is why we like to make sure that the products we sell are only the very best quality as we only stock materials that we would be more than happy to use ourselves.
- Fireproof and Intumescent Coatings such as Bollom, Ameron, Zeroflame for wood and steel,
- WE DO NOT SUPPLY INTUMESCENT PAINT FOR DOORS.
- NOT for use on DOORS see UPGRADING INTERNAL DOORS TO HALF HOUR FIRE RESISTANCE.