March 25, 2024

FIRETEX FX7002, a new thin-film intumescent fire protection coating from Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine, is designed to meet the high performance and aesthetic demands of the commercial construction industry. Ideal for on-site applications, this solvent-based coating protects structural steel substrates.

The FX7002 has the broadest range of beam listings on the market for up to a two-hour fire-resistance rating and approved listings for a solvent-based acrylic that are among the industry’s lowest coating thicknesses at that duration for steel beams. Those low thicknesses, combined with the coating’s broad application parameters and high film build capabilities, allow FIRETEX contractors to complete their projects quicker with enhanced peace of mind in the material’s ability to protect steel with proven testing results.

In addition, the comprehensive listings enable the protection of a wider range of steel sizes for both restrained and unrestrained assemblies without the need for extrapolation. FIRETEX FX7002 is also undergoing column and hollow steel section (HSS) testing that is intended to match that extended scope for steel columns.

FIRETEX FX7002 has high wet film build properties that can reduce the number of coats required. Applicators can build the coating to up to 56 mils wet film thickness, or 40 mils DFT, per coat. This higher film build compared to other solvent-based intumescent coatings, combined with lower required DFTs, means applicators can achieve the required protection sooner for most steel with two-hour fire rating requirements.

“The extensive certified listing of approved restrained and unrestrained beams for FIRETEX FX7002 is enhanced by the coating’s low thickness requirements” said Casey Herston, North America Fire Protection product manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. “In addition, the low coating thicknesses and higher per-coat film build mean fewer coats need to be applied, saving significant material and labor costs on projects, while also accelerating construction schedules. This means applicators can move to the next project faster, and general contractors can get the subsequent trades on and off projects quicker.”