Dry Ice Blasting for Fire Protection

Dry ice blasting provides precision surface preparation where substrate preservation is critical. The process removes failing coatings, surface contamination and residues without abrasive damage, creating a clean substrate ready for compliant intumescent fire-protection systems.

Video Explainer

Surface Preparation Methods for Structural Steel

This short video explains the different surface preparation methods we use, when each one is specified, and why correct preparation is critical before any intumescent coating is applied.

Watch Explainer Video

Worker in a high-visibility vest on an orange scissor lift cleaning large rusty steel beams inside a construction site.

Technology

Non-Abrasive CO₂ Pellet Cleaning

Dry ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets propelled at high velocity. On impact, the pellets sublimate from solid to gas, lifting contamination and failing coatings from the surface without abrasion. As the pellets fully evaporate, no secondary waste is generated and the underlying substrate remains intact.

Removes failing coatings, grease and surface contamination
Leaves no abrasive residue or secondary waste
Preserves steel and timber substrate integrity

Method

When Dry Ice Blasting Is the Right Choice

Dry ice blasting is selected where existing coatings or contaminants must be removed without damaging the substrate. The process is particularly suited to steel or timber elements where coating adhesion and surface integrity are essential to fire-protection performance.

Ideal for Sensitive Substrates and Live Environments

Dry ice blasting is preferred where abrasive methods would be too aggressive, impractical or disruptive. It allows preparation works to be carried out with minimal dust, reduced waste handling and limited impact on surrounding areas, supporting efficient progression to coating application.

Close-up of a rusty steel beam in an unfinished construction site with metal studs and a weathered brick wall in the background.

Preferred Over Abrasive Methods in Specific Scenarios

Dry ice blasting is preferred where abrasive methods would be too aggressive, impractical or disruptive. It allows preparation works to be carried out with minimal dust, reduced waste handling and limited impact on surrounding areas, supporting efficient progression to coating application.

Rusty red steel beam above a cleaned steel beam in a construction area with yellow ladders and orange equipment.

Capability

Suitable Substrates and Key Advantages

Dry ice blasting is effective across a range of substrates commonly encountered in fire-protection projects, delivering both operational and compliance benefits.

01

Substrates

Suitable for structural steel, timber elements and existing sound coatings, without accelerating corrosion or damaging the substrate surface.

02

Operational Benefits

CO₂ pellets sublimate on contact, eliminating secondary waste streams. The process generates minimal dust and disruption, allowing works to proceed efficiently and reducing downtime between preparation and coating application.

Rusty and peeling painted steel beam on a concrete ceiling with pink insulation visible at the bottom.

Limitations

Where Dry Ice Blasting Is Not Suitable

Dry ice blasting does not remove heavy corrosion, mill scale or deeply embedded contaminants. Where these conditions are present, abrasive blasting to SA 2.5 is required to achieve the surface cleanliness necessary for fire-protection system adhesion and long-term performance.

Heavy corrosion requires abrasive blasting to SA 2.5
Mill scale and deep rust cannot be removed by dry ice alone
Final preparation method is determined by site assessment

Construction site with a large white painted steel beam with intumescent coatings, a grey steel beam below it, and a ceiling with circular apertures containing blue lights.

Adhesion & Fire-Protection Performance

Surface Preparation That Supports System Integrity

By removing failing coatings and surface contamination without leaving abrasive residue, dry ice blasting creates a clean substrate suitable for primer and intumescent application. Proper surface cleanliness supports adhesion between layers, allowing specified Wet Film Thickness to be achieved and verified in line with tested fire-performance requirements.

Indoor construction scene showing two steel beams, one old rusted and one painted, with a yellow ladder and orange equipment in front of a white paneled wall.

Quality Assurance

Verification of Surface Readiness

Following dry ice blasting, prepared surfaces are assessed to confirm suitability for coating application. Visual inspection and adhesion checks are carried out where required, with photographic records maintained as part of the project quality file. Surface preparation records form part of the compliance documentation issued at project completion.

Other Surface Preparation Methods

Different substrate conditions require different preparation techniques. We assess corrosion levels, existing coatings and site constraints to specify the most appropriate method for compliance and long-term performance.

Black textured glove holding a small pile of abrasive blasting media with work boots visible in the background.

Abrasive Blasting

Abrasive blasting used to remove coatings, corrosion, and surface contaminants, providing a clean, profiled substrate for long-term coating performance.

Close-up of rust and mill scale corrosion on structural steel beam under a concrete surface.

Mechanical Abrasion

Controlled preparation using hand and mechanical tools where full blasting is not required. Often used for localised preparation, edge treatment and touch-up areas.

Construction worker in a high-visibility vest and gloves inspecting a large riveted steel column inside an unfinished building.

Cleaning & Degreasing

Removal of surface contaminants such as oils, dirt and residues to ensure compatibility and adhesion of fire-protection systems on new or previously coated steel.

From the founder

“After a decade in the protective coatings industry, I built FireCoatings to deliver compliant fire protection without unnecessary noise — just clear documentation, a controlled application process, and professional site practice.”

Myles Howson

Managing Director

eyebrow

"Thank you Myles and team for all your hard work on this one. It wasn't easy working around the schedule but you got it done without causing any further issues. It was a pleasure to work with you."

Chris

Project Manager, Millcroft Services

Interior view of a construction site featuring steel beams and columns painted with white protective coating and temporary support props.

eyebrow

"NuColour worked efficiently around our programme and delivered a on time at late notice. The team were organised, flexible, and professional throughout the works."

Ciprian

Site Manager, Principal Contractor – GEMCO

Close-up of a bright yellow structural steel column with rivets installed on a construction site indoors.

For specialist commercial spraying, cladding coatings, and roof restoration services, visit our sister site at londonsprayers.co.uk.

FireCoatings.co.uk operates under NuColour Ltd, where all compliance, safety, and operational standards are centrally managed. This structure ensures consistent quality, robust governance, and specialist delivery on every project.

location index

Areas We Cover

NuColour delivers specialist contracting services across London and the surrounding regions. Our teams operate throughout the South East, supporting commercial, industrial, and large-scale refurbishment projects with consistent standards, professional oversight, and experienced delivery.

Intumescent Coatings Acton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Archway, London.

Intumescent Coatings Balham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Barking, London.

Intumescent Coatings Battersea, London.

Intumescent Coatings Beckenham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Belvedere, London.

Intumescent Coatings Bethnal Green, London.

Intumescent Coatings Brentford, London.

Intumescent Coatings Brixton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Camberwell, London.

Intumescent Coatings Camden, London.

Intumescent Coatings Canary Wharf, London.

Intumescent Coatings Chelsea, London.

Intumescent Coatings Chigwell, London.

Intumescent Coatings Chiswick, London.

Intumescent Coatings City of London, London.

Intumescent Coatings Clapham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Covent Garden, London.

Intumescent Coatings Dagenham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Dalston, London.

Intumescent Coatings Deptford, London.

Intumescent Coatings East Ham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Edgware, London.

Intumescent Coatings Epping, London.

Intumescent Coatings Erith, London.

Intumescent Coatings Finchley, London.

Intumescent Coatings Finsbury Park, London.

Intumescent Coatings Fitzrovia, London.

Intumescent Coatings Fulham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Golders Green, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hackney, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hammersmith, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hampstead, London.

Intumescent Coatings Harefield, London.

Intumescent Coatings Haringey, London.

Intumescent Coatings Harrow, London.

Intumescent Coatings Havering, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hayes, London.

Intumescent Coatings Highgate, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hillingdon, London.

Intumescent Coatings Holloway, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hornchurch, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hounslow, London.

Intumescent Coatings Hoxton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Ilford, London.

Intumescent Coatings Islington, London.

Intumescent Coatings Kensington, London.

Intumescent Coatings Kensington and Chelsea, London.

Intumescent Coatings Kilburn, London.

Intumescent Coatings Kingston upon Thames, London.

Intumescent Coatings Lambeth, London.

Intumescent Coatings Lewisham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Leyton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Marylebone, London.

Intumescent Coatings Mayfair, London.

Intumescent Coatings Merton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Mill Hill, London.

Intumescent Coatings Mitcham, London.

Intumescent Coatings New Malden, London.

Intumescent Coatings Newham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Northolt, London.

Intumescent Coatings Notting Hill, London.

Intumescent Coatings Orpington, London.

Intumescent Coatings Palmers Green, London.

Intumescent Coatings Peckham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Penge, London.

Intumescent Coatings Plaistow, London.

Intumescent Coatings Poplar, London.

Intumescent Coatings Rainham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Redbridge, London.

Intumescent Coatings Richmond, London.

Intumescent Coatings Richmond upon Thames, London.

Intumescent Coatings Romford, London.

Intumescent Coatings Ruislip, London.

Intumescent Coatings Shepherd's Bush, London.

Intumescent Coatings Shoreditch, London.

Intumescent Coatings Sidcup, London.

Intumescent Coatings Soho, London.

Intumescent Coatings Southgate, London.

Intumescent Coatings Southwark, London.

Intumescent Coatings Staines-upon-Thames, London.

Intumescent Coatings Stockwell, London.

Intumescent Coatings Stratford, London.

Intumescent Coatings Streatham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Surbiton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Sutton, London.

Intumescent Coatings Tooting, London.

Intumescent Coatings Tottenham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Tower Hamlets, London.

Intumescent Coatings Twickenham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Uxbridge, London.

Intumescent Coatings Waltham Forest, London.

Intumescent Coatings Walthamstow, London.

Intumescent Coatings Wandsworth, London.

Intumescent Coatings Wembley, London.

Intumescent Coatings West Ham, London.

Intumescent Coatings Westminster, London.

Intumescent Coatings Wimbledon, London.

Intumescent Coatings Wood Green, London.

Intumescent Coatings Billericay, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Basildon, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Braintree, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Brentwood, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Chelmsford, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Colchester, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Danbury, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Grays, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Harlow, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Hockley, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Maldon, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Loughton, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Rayleigh, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Rochford, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Tilbury, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Wickford, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Witham, Essex.

Intumescent Coatings Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Hertford, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Radlett, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Watford, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Ware, Hertfordshire.

Intumescent Coatings Ashford, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Canterbury, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Chatham, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Deal, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Dartford, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Dover, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Folkestone, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Gravesend, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Gillingham, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Herne Bay, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Maidstone, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Margate, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Northfleet, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Ramsgate, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Sevenoaks, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Sittingbourne, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Tonbridge, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Whitstable, Kent.

Intumescent Coatings Caterham, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Camberley, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Chertsey, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Esher, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Epsom, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Ewell, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Farnham, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Godalming, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Guildford, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Leatherhead, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Redhill, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Reigate, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Weybridge, Surrey.

Intumescent Coatings Woking, Surrey.