Pre-Install Intumescent Coatings

Factory-Controlled Fire Protection, Maintained Through Installation

Pre-install intumescent coating provides controlled, high-accuracy fire protection before steel is delivered to site. Applied in factory or workshop conditions, the system is protected through handling, erection and follow-on trades, with post-install inspection and touch-up ensuring continuity of fire performance through to final sign-off.

Request Quote

Three beige metal steel panels standing upright on a concrete floor against a perforated industrial metal wall background.

Methodology

Controlled Application in Off-Site Conditions

Pre-install application is carried out under controlled environmental conditions, allowing precise management of substrate temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point. This controlled setting enables consistent coating build, accurate Wet Film Thickness and a high-quality finish across all steel profiles, including complex connections and fabricated sections.

Off-site application reduces on-site risk, improves programme certainty and supports consistent compliance across large steel packages.

Long metallic strips laid out on black metal stands and floor against a white brick wall.

Surface Preparation

Preparation Selected to Match Steel Condition

The condition of the steel dictates the preparation method prior to intumescent application. Sound steel may require cleaning and degreasing, lightly contaminated surfaces are prepared by mechanical abrasion, and corroded or mill-scaled steel is abrasive blasted where required.

Preparation standards are selected to meet manufacturer requirements and ensure long-term adhesion, durability and compatibility with the specified intumescent system.

Surface Prep

Application & Environment

Controlled Application and Environmental Assurance

Pre-install intumescent coatings are applied using tightly controlled methods to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance. Application technique and environmental conditions are managed together, allowing precise Wet Film Thickness control, predictable curing and fully verifiable fire-protection performance.

Application

Airless Spray for Uniform Coverage and WFT Control

Intumescent coatings are applied by airless spray to achieve uniform coverage and controlled film build across every face, edge and profile of the steel member. Application is carried out in defined stages and passes, ensuring specified Wet Film Thickness targets are achieved without over-application or defects.

This method supports predictable curing, consistent fire performance and clean handover documentation.

Environmental Monitoring & QA

Conditions Logged and Verified Throughout Application

Environmental conditions are monitored continuously during pre-install application. Substrate temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point are recorded and maintained within manufacturer-specified limits.

Environmental logs form part of the project compliance record, alongside WFT measurements and product traceability data.

Handling, Transport & Erection Protection

Once coated, steel members are handled, transported and erected using agreed protection measures to minimise damage to the fire-protection system. We coordinate closely with fabricators, hauliers and erection teams to identify risk points and manage handling procedures that preserve coating integrity from workshop to final position.

Long steel beam coated with wet white intumescent paint hanging in a clean industrial spray booth.

Post-Install Inspection & Touch-Up

Continuity of Fire Protection After Erection

Bolting, welding, access equipment and follow-on trades can cause localised disruption to pre-applied coatings. Post-install inspection identifies any affected areas, which are then prepared, recoated and verified to restore full system continuity.

Touch-up works follow the same technical standards as primary application.

Inspection and assessment of affected areas

Surface preparation to specification

Touch-up application with WFT measurement

Documentation and verification

Two large black cylindrical objects standing upright on square bases in an industrial workshop.

Measured, Verified and Documented

Touch-Up Works Held to the Same Compliance Standard

All remedial application is measured by Wet Film Thickness, recorded and documented as part of the final compliance file. This ensures fire protection remains continuous and aligned with tested system performance across the full steel package.

Programme Integration

Sequenced Around Fabrication and Erection

Pre-install application and post-install touch-up works are programmed around fabrication schedules, delivery phases and erection sequences. Coordination with the main contractor and steelwork teams ensures fire-protection works integrate smoothly without causing disruption or delay.

full lifecycle

Fire Protection Across the Steel Lifecycle

From controlled factory application through to final site verification, FireCoatings.co.uk delivers compliant fire protection across the full lifecycle of structural steel.