Fire protection is a critical consideration in modern construction, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects. Steel structures provide strength and design flexibility, but when exposed to intense heat, unprotected steel can lose its structural strength and load-bearing capacity.
Hempel fire protection coatings offer a specialised solution for protecting structural steel against fire. Hempel’s intumescent coatings expand when exposed to fire, forming an insulating layer that helps slow the temperature rise in steel and provides additional time for evacuation and emergency response.
Through C. W. Mackie PLC, businesses and construction professionals in Sri Lanka can enquire about Hempel coating solutions for suitable industrial and infrastructure applications.
In this guide, we explore how Hempel fire protection coatings work, the available Hempafire and Hempacore product ranges, their benefits, and the factors to consider when selecting a suitable fire protection system.
Table of Contents
What Is Hempel Fireproof Paint?
Hempel offers specialised passive fire protection coatings designed to protect structural steelwork during a fire. These coatings are commonly known as intumescent fire protection coatings.
Unlike conventional decorative paints, intumescent coatings are designed to react to high temperatures. When exposed to fire, the coating expands and forms a layer of insulating char over the protected steel surface.
This layer helps reduce the rate at which heat reaches the steel, allowing it to retain its structural capacity for a specified period under the relevant tested conditions.
Hempel’s cellulosic passive fire protection portfolio is designed for structural steel used in applications such as:
- Commercial and office buildings
- Shopping malls and retail complexes
- Airports and transport infrastructure
- Industrial facilities
- Sports stadiums and public buildings
- Data centres
- Large steel structures and infrastructure projects
The required coating system depends on the project’s fire-resistance target, structural design, environmental exposure, and applicable standards.
How Do Hempel Intumescent Fire Protection Coatings Work?
Steel is widely used in construction because of its strength and versatility. However, its mechanical properties change as its temperature rises. During a fire, unprotected structural steel may lose strength and stiffness, potentially compromising the stability of a building.
Hempel intumescent coatings help address this risk through a heat-responsive protective layer.
The process can be understood in three stages:
1. Application to structural steel
The specified coating system is applied to prepared steel surfaces in accordance with the product’s technical requirements. Depending on the system, compatible primers and topcoats may also be required.
2. Expansion when exposed to fire
When the coating encounters high temperatures, it expands to form an insulating char layer.
3. Slower heat transfer to the steel
The insulating layer slows the temperature rise of the underlying steel, helping it maintain its load-bearing capacity for the specified fire-resistance period.
The actual protection achieved depends on the selected product, applied dry film thickness, steel section geometry, exposure conditions, and approved system design.
Fire protection coatings are one part of a building’s overall fire safety strategy. They do not replace other required fire safety measures.
Benefits of Hempel Fire Protection Paint
Hempel’s cellulosic passive fire protection brochure highlights several benefits of its intumescent coating portfolio.
1. Fire Protection for Structural Steel
Hempel intumescent coatings are designed to help protect steel structures by providing thermal insulation during a fire. Depending on the selected system and approved specification, different fire-resistance periods can be achieved.
2. Application Efficiency
Selected Hempel products offer high dry film thickness per coat and faster drying or overcoating times. These characteristics can reduce the number of application coats and help improve project productivity when the coating is applied under suitable conditions.
3. Corrosion Protection
Compatible Hempel primers, intumescent coatings, and topcoats can form a coordinated system designed to address fire protection and corrosion protection requirements.
The appropriate system depends on whether the steel is located indoors, outdoors, or in a more demanding environment.
4. Durable Finish and Appearance
Hempel’s coating systems are designed to provide a durable finish while protecting the underlying steel. Suitable topcoats can help maintain appearance and provide additional protection against the specified environmental conditions.
5. Solutions for Different Project Requirements
The Hempel range includes water-based, solvent-based, and epoxy-based passive fire protection technologies. This gives project teams options for different structural profiles, application conditions, environmental exposures, and fire-resistance requirements.
6. Environmental Considerations
The brochure highlights environmental product declarations for relevant primers, intumescent coatings, and topcoats in Hempel’s cellulosic PFP systems. Selected products also offer low-VOC characteristics.
Environmental performance and certification should be checked against the specific product documentation and the project’s sustainability requirements.
Explore Hempel Fire Protection Products
Hempel offers several product families for passive fire protection of structural steel. Each has different characteristics and application requirements.
The following examples are drawn from Hempel’s January 2025 cellulosic passive fire protection brochure. Confirm current technical documentation and product availability before specifying a system.
1. Hempafire Pro 315
Hempafire Pro 315 is a solvent-based intumescent coating designed for passive fire protection of structural steel.
According to the brochure, the product offers fire protection of up to 90 minutes and is designed to support efficient application through high dry film thickness per coat and faster processing.
The brochure lists it for exposure conditions up to Type X under the referenced assessment and corrosion category C4 under ISO 12944.
Potential project considerations include:
- Structural steel in suitable commercial and infrastructure projects
- Projects requiring efficient application and turnaround
- Steel sections covered by the product’s approved specifications
- Projects requiring a coordinated fire and corrosion protection system
The required coating thickness must be determined from the relevant product data and approved fire protection calculations.
2. Hempafire Pro 320
Hempafire Pro 320 is an intumescent coating developed to improve application efficiency, particularly on four-sided open steel sections.
The brochure describes it as an evolution of the Pro 315 family, with further reductions in required dry film thickness for relevant applications.
Its suitability depends on the structural profile, fire-resistance requirement, exposure conditions, and applicable product assessment.
For steel fabricators and contractors, selecting the appropriate product early in the project can help streamline coating calculations and application planning.
3. Hempafire Pro 400
Hempafire Pro 400 is designed for structural steel projects requiring higher fire-resistance periods within its approved applications.
The brochure lists fire protection of up to 120 minutes and highlights its application efficiency for the relevant steel profiles.
It is identified for Type X exposure conditions and corrosion category C4 under the referenced classification.
For projects with demanding fire protection requirements, the selected system must be calculated and specified according to the steel section, required fire-resistance period, and applicable approvals.
4. Hempafire Optima 500
Hempafire Optima 500 is a water-based intumescent coating designed for suitable structural steel applications.
According to the brochure, it offers fire protection of up to 180 minutes, with application benefits that include high-build coats, quick recoat or overcoat times, and very low VOC characteristics.
The brochure lists Type Y semi-exposed conditions and corrosion category C3 interior under the referenced classifications.
Potential considerations include:
- Projects with low-VOC requirements
- Suitable commercial building interiors
- Steel protection applications covered by its approved specifications
- Projects where a smooth finish and application efficiency are important
The actual exposure classification and system requirements must be checked before specification.
5. Hempacore One
Hempacore One is part of Hempel’s established passive fire protection portfolio.
The brochure lists fire protection of up to 120 minutes and describes it as a solvent-based system for structural steel, with applications in shop and on-site environments under suitable conditions.
The product family includes variants intended for different application temperatures, including Hempacore One Fast Dry.
For construction and refurbishment projects, the selected variant and complete coating system must match the application conditions and project specifications.
6. Hempafire Extreme 550
Hempafire Extreme 550 is an epoxy-based cellulosic passive fire protection coating intended for demanding structural steel applications.
The brochure lists fire protection of up to 240 minutes, or four hours, and highlights its durability, reduced paint consumption in suitable applications, and resistance to mechanical damage.
It is listed for Type X outdoor exposure conditions and corrosion category C5 exterior under the referenced classifications.
Potential applications include large steel structures and projects requiring extended fire-resistance periods, subject to the product’s approved scope.
Because epoxy-based passive fire protection systems have specific application and inspection requirements, the complete system should be selected and applied by suitably qualified professionals.
Comparing Selected Hempel Fire Protection Coatings
The following summary reflects the product information in Hempel’s January 2025 brochure. The stated fire-resistance periods are maximum values listed in that document, not a guarantee that every steel section will achieve the same rating.
| Product | Technology | Fire protection listed in brochure |
|---|---|---|
| Hempacore AQ | Water-based | Up to 90 minutes |
| Hempafire Optima 500 | Water-based | Up to 180 minutes |
| Hempafire Optima 510 | Water-based | Up to 180 minutes |
| Hempacore One | Solvent-based | Up to 120 minutes |
| Hempafire Pro 315 | Solvent-based | Up to 90 minutes |
| Hempafire Pro 320 | Solvent-based | Up to 90 minutes |
| Hempafire Pro 400 | Solvent-based | Up to 120 minutes |
| Hempafire Extreme 550 | Epoxy-based | Up to 240 minutes |
Important: This table is a general overview, not a product selection chart. Actual fire-resistance performance depends on the approved system, steel section factor, required fire rating, applied thickness, exposure conditions, and the relevant technical assessment.
Where Can Hempel Fire Protection Coatings Be Used?
Hempel intumescent coatings are used in a variety of structural steel projects. The specific product and coating system must be suitable for the project’s design and environmental conditions.
Commercial Buildings
Office buildings, shopping complexes, hotels, and other commercial developments often incorporate structural steel. Intumescent coatings can form part of the passive fire protection strategy for suitable steel elements.
Airports and Transport Infrastructure
Large transport projects can contain extensive structural steelwork. Appropriate passive fire protection helps address the fire performance requirements of the structure.
Industrial Facilities
Industrial buildings may require a combination of fire and corrosion protection. Selecting a compatible coating system helps address the relevant operating and environmental conditions.
Data Centres
Data centres contain critical infrastructure and equipment that support digital services. Hempel’s brochure identifies intumescent coatings as a solution for protecting structural steel while also highlighting the importance of appropriate finishes in controlled environments.
Steel Fabrication and Construction Projects
Steel fabricators, contractors, engineers, and applicators must account for fire protection requirements during design, fabrication, coating, and installation.
Selecting the appropriate coating early can help coordinate material requirements, application processes, and project schedules.
How to Choose the Right Hempel Fireproof Paint
Selecting an intumescent coating requires technical assessment rather than simply choosing a paint based on its name or advertised fire rating.
Consider the following factors before selecting a system.
1. Required fire-resistance period
Determine the fire-resistance period required by the project design and applicable regulations. The requirement may differ between structural elements.
2. Steel section geometry
Steel section size, shape, and exposed sides influence the amount of protection required. The specified dry film thickness must be calculated for the actual structural sections.
3. Environmental exposure
Identify whether the steel is located indoors, outdoors, or in a more demanding environment. This influences the suitable coating system and corrosion protection requirements.
4. Application conditions
Consider whether the coating will be applied in a fabrication shop or on site, along with temperature, humidity, drying time, and overcoating requirements.
5. Compatible primers and topcoats
Use the primer, intumescent coating, and topcoat combination approved for the specified system. An incompatible coating can compromise the intended performance.
6. Product approvals and documentation
Check the relevant technical data sheets, fire test reports, certifications, and project specifications. The coating system must meet the applicable requirements for the intended application.
7. Technical guidance
Work with qualified fire protection engineers, coating specialists, and approved applicators to establish the correct system and required thickness.
A technically appropriate specification helps avoid unnecessary material use, application problems, and delays during project execution.
Hempel Fire Protection Paint in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s construction and industrial sectors rely on suitable protective coating systems for buildings, infrastructure, and steel structures.
For projects requiring passive fire protection, the selection of an appropriate intumescent coating is an important part of structural fire safety planning.
C. W. Mackie PLC supplies Hempel coating solutions in Sri Lanka, including Hempel marine and industrial coating products. Customers planning a structural steel fire protection project can enquire about relevant Hempel products and technical documentation.
When making an enquiry, it is helpful to provide:
- The project type and location
- The type and dimensions of the structural steel
- The required fire-resistance period
- The environmental exposure conditions
- Whether the application will be carried out on site or in a fabrication shop
- Any specified standards, approvals, or project requirements
These details help establish which products and technical assessments may be relevant to the project.
Product availability, application suitability, and distribution arrangements for individual Hempafire or Hempacore products should be confirmed directly with C. W. Mackie PLC.
Why Consider Hempel Coatings Through C. W. Mackie PLC?
C. W. Mackie PLC has more than 120 years of business experience serving Sri Lanka’s industrial and commercial sectors.
For projects involving protective coatings, selecting the right solution requires attention to product specifications, environmental conditions, and application requirements.
Customers can contact C. W. Mackie PLC to enquire about:
- Hempel coating products
- Structural steel protection requirements
- Relevant product data and technical documentation
- Suitable coating system options
- Product availability and project enquiries
For passive fire protection applications, the final product and system specification should be confirmed against Hempel’s current technical documentation and the project’s approved fire engineering requirements.
Conclusion
Hempel fire protection coatings provide specialised solutions for protecting structural steel against the effects of fire. Through intumescent technology, these coatings form an insulating layer that helps slow the temperature rise in steel and supports structural stability for the specified fire-resistance period.
The Hempafire and Hempacore portfolios include different technologies and product options for projects with varying fire-resistance, application, and environmental requirements.
For the best results, select the coating system according to the structural design, required fire rating, exposure conditions, and approved technical documentation.
Looking for Hempel fire protection coatings in Sri Lanka? Contact C. W. Mackie PLC through MackieMarket.lk to discuss your project requirements and enquire about suitable Hempel coating solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hempel fireproof paint?
Hempel offers specialised intumescent coatings designed to protect structural steel during a fire. When exposed to high temperatures, these coatings expand and form an insulating char layer that slows the heating of the steel.
How long can Hempel fire protection paint protect steel?
The protection period depends on the selected product and approved system. Hempel’s January 2025 brochure lists products offering fire protection periods ranging from up to 90 minutes for certain products to up to 240 minutes for Hempafire Extreme 550. Actual performance depends on the steel profile, coating thickness, and applicable approvals.
What is the difference between Hempafire and Hempacore?
Hempafire and Hempacore are Hempel product families that include passive fire protection coatings. Individual products differ in technology, application characteristics, fire-resistance capabilities, and environmental suitability. The correct product should be selected using current technical documentation.
Can Hempel intumescent coatings be used outdoors?
Certain Hempel products are assessed for specified outdoor exposure conditions. The suitable product depends on the exposure classification, corrosion protection requirements, and complete coating system. Not every product is suitable for every outdoor environment.
Can intumescent paint be applied directly to steel?
The application requirements depend on the specified system. Surface preparation, compatible primers, the intumescent layer, and any required topcoat must follow the manufacturer’s technical instructions.
Where can I enquire about Hempel fire protection coatings in Sri Lanka?
You can contact C. W. Mackie PLC through MackieMarket.lk to enquire about Hempel coating solutions, product documentation, and availability for your project.