Fire-retardant coatings are a type of specialized coating that provides flame-retardant and fire-protection functions.

Fire-retardant coatings are a special type of coating that provides flame-retardant and fire-protection functions. After being applied to the surface of a substrate, they form an insulating protective layer under high-temperature fire conditions, slowing down the substrate's temperature rise, inhibiting the spread of fire, and reducing the substrate's combustibility. They are commonly used for fire protection of architectural and industrial components such as steel structures, concrete, and wood.

By Fire-Prevention Mechanism Classification (Core Function Classification)

Intumescent Fire-Retardant Coating
Core principle: At high temperatures during a fire, components in the coating—such as foaming agents and charring agents—react to form a porous, charred insulation layer that prevents heat from transferring to the substrate. At the same time, this layer releases inert gases that smother and extinguish the fire source.
Features: Thin coating (typically 1–5 mm), excellent decorative performance, suitable for components with high aesthetic requirements (such as architectural steel structures and wooden furniture).
Applicable scenarios: Fire protection for indoor steel structures, flame retardancy for wood-based materials, and fire protection for decorative components.

Non-expanding fire-retardant coating
Core principle: The coating itself is non-combustible and, under high temperatures, forms a dense, inorganic glassy glaze layer that provides thermal insulation and flame retardancy. Some formulations also contain fire-retardant fillers (such as aluminum hydroxide and mica powder), which lower the temperature by absorbing heat and undergoing endothermic decomposition.
Features: The coating is relatively thick (5–50 mm), has poor decorative appeal, but offers long-lasting fire-retardant and thermal-insulation performance and exhibits strong resistance to high temperatures.
Applicable scenarios: Fire protection for industrial high-temperature equipment, tunnel concrete, and heavy-duty steel structures.

Classified by substrate application range

Steel structure fire-retardant coatings are categorized into indoor and outdoor types, with most being two-component systems. They must meet the standards specified in "Fire-Retardant Coatings for Steel Structures" (GB 14907). The key performance indicator is the fire-resistance rating, which typically ranges from 0.5 to 3 hours.
Concrete fire-retardant coating: Used for concrete building components to enhance fire resistance and prevent concrete from cracking under high temperatures.
Wood fire-retardant coatings—typically single-component intumescent types—combine flame-retardant and decorative functions, making them suitable for wooden furniture, wood flooring, and wooden structural components.
Cable fire-retardant coating: Applied to the surface of cables, it prevents fire from spreading along the cable and possesses both flame-retardant and insulating properties.