Thin-Film Intumescent Coating
Structural Steel Fire Protection

CharCoat SC

120-Minute Water-Based Thin-Film Intumescent Coating for Structural Steel

CharCoat SC is a high-performance, water-based thin-film intumescent fire protection coating designed for use on structural steel. Engineered to offer up to 120 minutes of fire resistance (BS 476 Part 21), it expands rapidly when exposed to heat, forming a robust insulating char that safeguards steel integrity during fire exposure.

This single-component solution combines aesthetic flexibility, low VOCs, and exceptionally low dry film thicknesses (DFT), making it an ideal choice for interior and semi-exterior applications in architectural, industrial, and commercial settings.

Industries

Oil & Gas

Infrastructure & Utilities

Industrial Plants

Commercial Buildings

Residential Buildings

Power

Smelters

Mining

Steel Plants

What is CharCoat SC?

CharCoat SC is a high-performance, water-based thin-film intumescent fire protection coating designed for use on structural steel. Engineered to offer up to 120 minutes of fire resistance (BS 476 Part 21), it expands rapidly when exposed to heat, forming a robust insulating char that safeguards steel integrity during fire exposure.

This single-component solution combines aesthetic flexibility, low VOCs, and exceptionally low dry film thicknesses (DFT), making it an ideal choice for interior and semi-exterior applications in architectural, industrial, and commercial settings.

How It Works

CharCoat SC utilizes intumescent technology—upon exposure to fire, the coating undergoes a controlled chemical reaction, expanding 20 to 30 times its original thickness. This results in a durable char layer that insulates steel substrates against extreme temperatures, maintaining structural stability and preventing collapse.

Charcoat SC

Certifications & Fire Test Performance

exova
greentech

 Standard/Test

Result

Fire Resistance Rating

Up to 120 minutes for structural steel

Tested Durations

SC – 120 minutes (Interior/Semi-Exterior)

Key Features & Advantages

Fire rates steelwork up to 120 minutes

Water-based, ZERO VOC

Extremely low DFTs (as low as 187 microns)

Non-toxic, non-hazardous, environmentally safe

Smooth, architectural finish; brush or spray application

Single-component—no mixing required

Zero maintenance after application

Permanent, cost-effective fire protection solution

High solids, low spread rate for reduced material use

Applications / Where to Use

Airports

Stadiums & Leisure Facilities

Office Buildings

Retail Complexes

Cinemas

Residential Apartments (Low & High Rise)

Warehousing & Industrial Units

Power Stations

Mines & Smelters

Shipyards

Swimming Pools (C4 topcoat required)

Industries Served

Technical Specifications Table

Parameter

Value/Details

Fire Resistance

Up to 120 minutes

Application Method

Spray (single coat 0.600mm WFT), Brush

Coverage Rate

1800 g/m² @ 1.0mm DFT

Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

As low as 250 microns

Drying Time @ 25°C

Touch: 2 hrs, Hard: 4 hrs, Full Cure: 72 hrs

Coating Interval @ 25°C

Minimum 4–6 hrs

Color/Finish

White, Matte

Packaging Sizes

25kg Pails; other sizes available on request

Service Temperature

+5°C to +35°C (Storage & Application)

VOC Content

ZERO

Certifications

BS 476 Part 21, GB14907-2018

Downloads

2 MB

2 MB

Information Videos

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Youtube video background image
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Case Studies / Proof of Performance

Application of CharCoat CC on electrical cable trays in Nueva Vizcaya mining plant

Protecting Mineral Processing Infrastructure in the Philippines with 90-Minute Fire-Rated Cable Coating

Application of fire rated cable coating in Nueva Vizcaya mining processing plant

Securing Critical Electrical Infrastructure at a Philippine Mining Plant with 90-Minute Fire-Rated Cable Coating

CharCoat CC cable coating applied in Transgrid Central Sydney substation cable trench for passive fire protection and firebreak performance

Transgrid Central Sydney — Upgrading Fire Resilience in Australia’s Power Backbone with CharCoat CC

Sustainability / Environmental Information

CharCoat SC is engineered with sustainability in mind:

Have questions? Our engineers can help.

From specification to application, we offer full technical support and fire engineering guidance.

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Get in touch with our team for product information, partnerships, or technical support.

Get in touch with our team for product information, partnerships, or technical support.