Intumescent Painting Contractors for Fireproofing Structural Steel

Intumescent paintings & coatings are designed to offer passive fire protection to structural steel. When exposed to heat, they swell up leading to an increase in volume and an accompanying decrease in density. The charred surface is a poor conductor of heat and thus retards heat transfer, giving the surface the building code required 1 or 2 hour fire rating (backed up by UL product safety certification). The coatings are applied to precise thicknesses depending upon the dimensions and thicknesses of the structural steel.

Industries and Facilities That Rely on Intumescent Fireproof Coatings

Intumescent fireproof coatings are critical in:

  • Manufacturing plants
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Commercial office complexes
  • Shopping malls and retail stores
  • Airports and transit hubs
  • Data centers and critical infrastructure
  • Parking garages and underground structures

These facilities demand reliable passive fire protection for steel framing, mezzanines, and columns, and intumescent painting provides a clean, effective solution.

Intumescent Paint vs. Other Fireproofing Methods

Feature Intumescent Painting Cementitious Fireproofing Fire-Retardant Boards
Aesthetic Finish Smooth, paint-like Rough, unattractive Covered or hidden
Application Thickness Thin and uniform Very thick, bulky Thick
Ideal for Retrofits Yes Limited Limited
Weight Added to Structure Minimal Heavy Moderate
Common Use in Exposed Areas Yes No No

Key Benefits of Intumescent Painting for Steel Fireproofing

  1. Enhanced Fire Protection

    Intumescent fireproof coatings expand when exposed to high heat, forming an insulating barrier that delays structural failure. This provides critical time for evacuation and fire suppression in commercial and industrial facilities.

  2. Code Compliance

    Intumescent painting helps buildings meet national and local fire safety standards, including requirements for 1-, 2-, or 3-hour fire ratings on structural steel.

  3. Minimal Aesthetic Impact

    Unlike bulky cementitious coatings, intumescent paint offers a smooth, architectural-grade finish—ideal for visible steel in modern industrial or commercial interiors.

  4. Lightweight & Space-Saving

    These coatings are thin and lightweight, reducing load on structures while maximizing usable space—essential for high-performance industrial environments.

  5. Easy Application & Retrofitting

    Intumescent painting can be applied on-site to new construction or retrofitted to existing steel, minimizing downtime in active commercial or industrial operations.

  6. Long-Term Durability

    When properly applied and maintained, fireproof coatings offer protection for 15+ years, resisting humidity, abrasion, and corrosion.

  7. Environmentally Friendly Options

    Many intumescent paints are low-VOC and compliant with LEED standards, supporting green building practices in commercial construction.

Why Choose Induspray’s Intumescent Painting Contractors?

As leading intumescent painting contractors, we bring decades of expertise in applying fireproof painting systems across a wide range of commercial and industrial sites. Our team is trained in surface preparation, film thickness verification, and environmental control—critical for ensuring long-lasting adhesion and maximum fire protection.

We provide:

  • Detailed surface prep and coating system selection
  • Accurate film build-up and DFT (dry film thickness) compliance
  • Safe, on-site application for new builds and retrofits
  • Post-application inspection and testing

Get a Quote for Intumescent Painting Services

Looking for reliable intumescent painting contractors? Induspray serves industrial and commercial clients across Ontario and beyond. Our fireproof painting solutions are engineered for performance, compliance, and durability. Contact us today for a customized quote and ensure your building is fire-safe and code-compliant.

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Photo Gallery

Click to view some of our industrial and commercial intumescent paint steel fireproofing projects.

Locations We Service

We are Toronto industrial painters serving Toronto, the GTA, Southern Ontario, Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario and parts of Northern Ontario.

Our territory includes:

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Our Customers

We’ve been in business since 1975, serving over 4,875 satisfied clients while completing thousands of industrial and commercial painting projects. These are just some of our customers:

General Electric
Emerson Electric
Cargill
Maple Leaf
Johnson Controls
Raymond
AECON
STELCO
Magna Automotive
Canada Wire
Molson Coors
Redpath Sugar
Celestica
Petro Canada
ABB

What Our Clients Say

Induspray painted 4 large stamping presses for us and were able to complete the work with minimal disruption to our production schedule. First rate equipment painters.

Andy and his crew cannot be more recommended. In all our dealings, he was professional and honest. The quality of the work was excellent, and the price was reasonable. Thanks again.

A professional painting contractor that I would recommend to anyone.

The crew from Induspray did a great job for us. We had our entire warehouse ceiling painted (at over 85,000 sqft), and they were in and out in less than the originally estimated time. I would definitely recommend them.

All the walls in our plant were painted and it all looks great now. Very happy with the work and the price we obtained.

Your Project

Have questions about fireproofing your structural steel with intumescent paint? We can quickly assess your needs and make cost-effective recommendations. Contact us today — we’re here to help.

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Start your project with expert advice and a great price.

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FAQs on Intumescent Fireproof Painting and Coating

Intumescent paint is a fire-resistant coating that expands when exposed to high temperatures. When applied to structural steel, it forms a thick, insulating char layer that protects the steel from heat and delays structural failure during a fire, helping to meet fire safety regulations.

Intumescent coatings offer several benefits over traditional fireproofing methods like cladding or cementitious coatings. They provide a sleek, aesthetic finish, reduce building load, and are easier to apply and maintain. They’re ideal for exposed steel in commercial and industrial settings.

The fire resistance rating of intumescent paint varies depending on the product and application thickness. Induspray ensures coatings are applied according to manufacturer specifications to meet required fire safety standards.

Yes, intumescent coatings are widely used in both commercial and industrial settings. Induspray specializes in applying these coatings to steel structures in warehouses, manufacturing plants, retail spaces, and other facilities where fire resistance is critical.

While intumescent coatings are durable, periodic inspections are recommended to ensure their integrity—especially in high-traffic or corrosive environments. Damaged areas should be repaired promptly to maintain fire protection performance.

Yes, but the surface must be properly prepared. Existing coatings may need to be removed or tested for compatibility. Induspray evaluates each project to determine the best surface prep and application process to ensure effective fireproofing.

The cost of applying intumescent coatings depends on factors such as steel surface area, required fire rating, accessibility, and environmental conditions. Induspray offers competitive quotes tailored to each project’s specifications.

Depending on environmental conditions and maintenance. In indoor settings with minimal exposure to moisture or physical damage, its lifespan is typically much longer.

Intumescent paint is primarily used to fireproof structural steel in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. It’s also applied in warehouses, factories, hospitals, schools, and any facility requiring compliance with fire safety regulations.

The cost of intumescent paint varies based on the required fire rating (e.g., 1-hour vs. 2-hour), square footage, surface complexity, and access conditions. A site-specific quote from Induspray will provide the most accurate estimate.

Fireproofing paint is another term for coatings that protect structural materials from fire damage. For steel, intumescent paint is the most commonly used fireproofing paint due to its ability to meet stringent fire safety standards.

Intumescent paint is a specialty product with advanced chemical formulations that meet strict fire safety standards. The high cost reflects the research, fire testing, performance requirements, and application complexity involved in providing reliable fire resistance.