Protective coatings can be used to achieve an equivalent of a group 1 surface rating for timber based substrates in a clear, white wash or opaque white finish.

When exposed to high temperatures caused by fire, the Fireshield coatings intumesce to create a protective thermal barrier which insulates and slows the rate of temperature increase in the underlying substrate, allowing more time for occupants to escape and firefighting to occur.

This lets any timber with a density of 338kg/m3 or greater , 8mm thick or more be classed as a Group 1 fire rated.

Coatings available that provide passive fire protection timber:

• Clear – water and solvent-based clear intumescent coating system designed for use on interior timber wall and ceiling surfaces and is available in a matt or semi-gloss finish.
• White – waterborne intumescent coating with a matt white finish for use on interior timber wall and ceiling surfaces.
• Whitewash – waterborne intumescent coating with a whitewash finish for use on interior timber wall and ceiling surfaces.