Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings has launched FIRETEX FX5092, a water based intumescent coating developed for the passive fire protection of structural steel in internal environments.
The new formulation builds on the company’s existing FIRETEX FX5090 product and provides up to 120 minutes of fire resistance while requiring a lower coating thickness than its predecessor.
Fire protection for structural steel
FIRETEX FX5092 has been developed to provide a broader scope of protection, allowing a single material to be specified across a wider range of requirements within a project.
According to Sherwin-Williams, this can reduce the complexity associated with specifying, purchasing and applying multiple materials.
The coating provides up to two hours of fire resistance for internal applications and can be used in environments classified up to C3 under ISO 12944 2.
Higher film builds are also intended to reduce the number of coats required, potentially reducing application time and labour requirements.
Lower VOC formulation
The new formulation has a VOC content of 0.66 g/l, which is lower than its predecessor.
Sherwin-Williams said the reduced VOC content can support projects working towards green building requirements including LEED and BREEAM, while also reducing odour and emissions during application.
The coating is intended for use on both concealed and exposed structural steel and has been formulated to provide a smooth finish where steelwork remains visible within a building.
Shelf life extended
FIRETEX FX5092 has a shelf life of 12 months, compared with six months for FX5090.
The extended period is intended to provide greater flexibility for distributors and contractors managing stock, particularly where weather conditions can restrict opportunities to apply water based coatings.
It can also provide additional time for international distribution and subsequent use following delivery.
Application process retained
Sherwin Williams has retained the application process associated with FIRETEX FX5090, allowing contractors familiar with the existing product to transition to the new formulation without substantial changes to application procedures.
FIRETEX FX5092 is manufactured in the UK and is also available through NBS Source, providing architects, engineers and specifiers with access to technical product information during the specification process.
Alex Tsiolas, Fire Protection Portfolio Manager at Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, said: “FIRETEX is the leading brand for structural fire protection in the UK because of decades of trusted products and service that architects, contractors, and applicators know they can rely on, project after project. With continuous development, we make sure that trust extends across the whole specification: that FIRETEX is the answer whatever the requirements are.
“Our new FIRETEX FX5092 reflects that perfectly, closing the gap for thin hollow sections in our water-based on-site offer. It brings improved coverage, lower dry film thickness requirements, reduced VOC content, and a longer shelf life, delivering real efficiency gains across the chain.
“Following our recently introduced new solvent-based on-site product, FX1008, this launch continues the work of strengthening what’s already the leading on-site fire protection offer in the UK: one specification, one trusted supplier, from design through to application.”
