When structural steel fails in a fire, buildings collapse. Intumescent paint is the front-line passive fire protection system that buys critical time — keeping steel load-bearing long enough for occupants to evacuate and emergency services to respond. At Top Gun Blasting, we are approved applicators of the leading intumescent coating systems in Australia, applying them to structural steel fabrications of every scale from our PCCP-accredited facilities in Pakenham, Victoria.
What Is Intumescent Paint?
Intumescent paint is a specialist coating that, when exposed to heat, undergoes a chemical reaction causing it to expand dramatically — up to 50 times its original thickness. This expansion forms a thick, insulating char layer around the steel, significantly slowing the rate of heat transfer to the substrate. The result is a steel member that retains structural integrity for a prescribed period (typically 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes) during a fire event.
Unlike traditional fireproofing methods such as spray-applied cementitious products, modern intumescent paints offer a thin, aesthetically clean finish ideal for exposed architectural steelwork, data centre fit-outs, commercial buildings, and industrial structures where both appearance and fire performance matter.
Fire Rating Requirements for Structural Steel in Australia
The National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard AS 4100 set out fire resistance requirements for structural steel based on building type, occupancy classification, and fire compartment size. Steel members must achieve a specific Fire Resistance Level (FRL) — expressed in minutes — for structural adequacy.
Our team works with structural engineers, project managers, and fire engineers to confirm the correct FRL for your project and select the appropriate intumescent system. All systems we apply are BRANZ-assessed or CodeMark-certified for use under the NCC.
Intumescent Coating Systems We Apply
We are trained and approved applicators of the following market-leading systems:
Firetex (Sherwin-Williams)
One of the most widely specified intumescent systems in Australia. We apply the full Firetex range including FX6002 and FX6000 for both internal and external structural steelwork. Firetex systems are compatible with a wide range of topcoats, making them ideal for visible steelwork in commercial and institutional buildings.
Nullifire
Nullifire's SC902 and S707 water-based intumescent systems are engineered for fast recoat times and excellent topcoat compatibility — particularly well-suited to fabrication shop application on tight programme jobs.
Cafco (Isolatek International)
Cafco 300 and Cafco BLAZE-SHIELD spray-applied systems are used where high film builds or complex section profiles are required. Commonly specified on large-scale commercial, industrial, and data centre projects.
Our Application Process
Correct application is critical — an improperly applied system will not perform in a fire. Our process follows manufacturer guidelines with independent quality assurance at every stage:
•Surface preparation — Sa2.5 or Sa3 shot blast to the correct anchor profile
•Primer coat — manufacturer-specified primer applied to the correct DFT
•Intumescent basecoat — airless spray application in multiple passes to the specified DFT
•DFT testing — wet and dry film thickness checks using calibrated instruments
•Sealer/topcoat — applied for UV resistance, moisture protection and aesthetic finish
•Final QA documentation — full traceability records provided for every project
Quality Assurance & PCCP Accreditation
Top Gun Blasting is PCCP accredited (Painting Contractor Certification Program). Our processes and quality management have been independently audited and certified. We provide full documentation including DFT records, applicator certificates, inspection and test plans, and conformance certificates on project completion.
Why Choose Top Gun Blasting?
PCCP Accredited — independently certified, giving your project manager and fire engineer full confidence in compliance.
Full in-house capability — shot blasting and intumescent coating under one roof at our 8,000m² Pakenham facility.
Multi-brand approved applicators — approved by Firetex, Nullifire and Cafco, so we specify the right system for your project.
Fast turnaround — automated blast line and large spray booths handle high volumes without compromising schedule.
Full documentation — DFT records and conformance certificates on every project as standard.
Ready to specify intumescent paint for your next project? Call 03 5940 5737 or email admin@topgunblasting.com.
What Is Intumescent Paint?
Intumescent paint is a specialist coating that, when exposed to heat, undergoes a chemical reaction causing it to expand dramatically — up to 50 times its original thickness. This expansion forms a thick, insulating char layer around the steel, significantly slowing the rate of heat transfer to the substrate. The result is a steel member that retains structural integrity for a prescribed period (typically 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes) during a fire event.
Unlike traditional fireproofing methods such as spray-applied cementitious products, modern intumescent paints offer a thin, aesthetically clean finish ideal for exposed architectural steelwork, data centre fit-outs, commercial buildings, and industrial structures where both appearance and fire performance matter.
Fire Rating Requirements for Structural Steel in Australia
The National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard AS 4100 set out fire resistance requirements for structural steel based on building type, occupancy classification, and fire compartment size. Steel members must achieve a specific Fire Resistance Level (FRL) — expressed in minutes — for structural adequacy.
Our team works with structural engineers, project managers, and fire engineers to confirm the correct FRL for your project and select the appropriate intumescent system. All systems we apply are BRANZ-assessed or CodeMark-certified for use under the NCC.
Intumescent Coating Systems We Apply
We are trained and approved applicators of the following market-leading systems:
Firetex (Sherwin-Williams)
One of the most widely specified intumescent systems in Australia. We apply the full Firetex range including FX6002 and FX6000 for both internal and external structural steelwork. Firetex systems are compatible with a wide range of topcoats, making them ideal for visible steelwork in commercial and institutional buildings.
Nullifire
Nullifire's SC902 and S707 water-based intumescent systems are engineered for fast recoat times and excellent topcoat compatibility — particularly well-suited to fabrication shop application on tight programme jobs.
Cafco (Isolatek International)
Cafco 300 and Cafco BLAZE-SHIELD spray-applied systems are used where high film builds or complex section profiles are required. Commonly specified on large-scale commercial, industrial, and data centre projects.
Our Application Process
Correct application is critical — an improperly applied system will not perform in a fire. Our process follows manufacturer guidelines with independent quality assurance at every stage:
•Surface preparation — Sa2.5 or Sa3 shot blast to the correct anchor profile
•Primer coat — manufacturer-specified primer applied to the correct DFT
•Intumescent basecoat — airless spray application in multiple passes to the specified DFT
•DFT testing — wet and dry film thickness checks using calibrated instruments
•Sealer/topcoat — applied for UV resistance, moisture protection and aesthetic finish
•Final QA documentation — full traceability records provided for every project
Quality Assurance & PCCP Accreditation
Top Gun Blasting is PCCP accredited (Painting Contractor Certification Program). Our processes and quality management have been independently audited and certified. We provide full documentation including DFT records, applicator certificates, inspection and test plans, and conformance certificates on project completion.
Why Choose Top Gun Blasting?
PCCP Accredited — independently certified, giving your project manager and fire engineer full confidence in compliance.
Full in-house capability — shot blasting and intumescent coating under one roof at our 8,000m² Pakenham facility.
Multi-brand approved applicators — approved by Firetex, Nullifire and Cafco, so we specify the right system for your project.
Fast turnaround — automated blast line and large spray booths handle high volumes without compromising schedule.
Full documentation — DFT records and conformance certificates on every project as standard.
Ready to specify intumescent paint for your next project? Call 03 5940 5737 or email admin@topgunblasting.com.