Frequently Asked Questions

1 . How long have fire retardant paints been around?
In the early 1950's, flame retardants first appeared offering a new level of fire protection. While they were not capable of stopping fires, they were effective in slowing the development and giving more time to evacuate and react to a fire. These first generation coatings were expensive, difficult to apply, and foul-smelling. Virtually all early flame retardants were formaldehyde-based, extremely toxic and carcinogenic.

two . What is a fire retardant "intumescent" paint?
Work began in the mid 1980's to perfect a new genre of intumescent coatings called "reactive". The term "reactive intumescent" (IR) generally defines a type of coating that expands when exposed to high temperatures or direct fire, forming a "scorched barrier" several inches thick. This results in an effective, long-lasting barrier that either cuts off the fuel source a fire needs to develop or creates an insulating blanket to retard heat gain in structural steel.

3 . If intumescent materials have been around for 20 years, why
just at this moment I hear about them?
Until recently, most intumescents have had limited success because they had obvious shortcomings and limitations. Traditionally, intumescents have been thick, sticky, foul-smelling, toxic, carcinogenic, ugly, and expensive. They have required exotic preparations like two-part epoxy primers and couldn't be painted - or you had to buy a specially formulated top coat from the manufacturer. They had a limited shelf life and some had to be reapplied periodically, which of course is impossible. For example, some products that claimed to be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic still use formaldehyde and other toxic substances. Other products do not adhere well to surfaces, and coatings, such as paint. Flaws in the product's formula led them to produce a fragile barrier that was easily compromised. Once compromised, the fire could undermine the rest of the intumescent layer, rendering it useless. That was then - Contego is now.

Four . When have intumescents been traditionally used?
Despite their shortcomings, intumescent products have played an important role in high fire risk situations such as oil refineries, offshore oil rigs, tankers, and large chemical manufacturing facilities. Due to their limitations, most previous intumescents had to be applied with a special trowel or sprayer and require a highly trained operator. Also, they had to be applied in a thick layer (150 to 200 mils) to get acceptable protection. Today, with major improvements in intumescent techniques, there is a high demand for virtually any substrate in any design.

5 . What is the difference between Contego and other intumescent coatings?
The differences are many and very important. With just under ten years on the market, Contego has been around long enough to be a proven product, but young enough to take advantage of significant advances in polymer technology that simply didn't exist when the other products were formulated. . Contego is applied like a regular paint. No special tools are required. You can use a standard brush, roller or sprayer. It smells, feels and applies like high quality latex paint. It has a wide range of applications as its polymer base allows it to adhere strongly to many different substrates. It is not carcinogenic or dermal. It is completely safe to use around children and pets. It has a pleasant smell , without solvents or volatile organic compounds . For most combustible substrates, two coats (14 to 20 dry mils) give as much protection as 150 to 200 mils of older intumescents. Last but not least, it is very economical to use.

6 . What kind of substrates can Contego be used on?
Contego has proven to be effective on a wide range of substrates such as structural steel, wood (both dimensioned lumber and manufactured woods such as OSB, MDF, plywood, etc.), drywall, polyurethane foam spray, aluminum, PVC pipe, and more. It should not be applied over Styrofoam or EPS, as the material is liquid combustible below 200 degrees and Contego, like all intumescents, reacts at about 360 degrees.

7 . Why does steel need to be protected against fire?
The application for structural steel and architectural metals, such as the skeleton of a building or the steel trusses in a roof system, is extremely important. Although steel obviously does not burn when exposed to fire, it loses its structural integrity and collapses once the core temperature reaches prescribed limits, causing the structure to collapse. as occurred in the World Trade Center or the fire at McCormick Place in 1969. Contego products reflect heat, which reduces the risk of structural collapse.

8 . What colors are available?
Contego comes in white only, but can be stained or top coated. It is, however, a very attractive color and can be used as a ceiling finish. Unlike other intumescents, Contego does not have a patchy (imperfect) appearance and does not discolor over time.

9 . What if I want to add an ink to the primer?
Due to Contego's high solids content, it does not react to colored ink like normal latex. The maximum that can be added is 10% by volume. At most , you will be able to get a light pastel shade when you add ink . However, since the top may be coated, there is no reason to stain unless you are using the stain to help identify the layers from each other. See questions 10 and 11.

10 . Do I have to use a top coat with Contego ?
When using the primer on any surface that is exposed to the elements, high levels of humidity, or aggressive vapors, such as chlorine vapor, a protective coat of enamel or acrylic should be applied. For further clarification see the answer to question 11 below.

eleven . What type of top coat is recommended?
Any high quality 100% acrylic latex, oil based, enamel or latex topcoat will work. although top coating is optional it is always a good idea - and absolutely necessary for exterior applications or interior applications that will be exposed to high levels of humidity, water spray or chemical vapors such as chlorine. To add color or shine to Contego use virtually any alkyd paint or paint enamel as soon as the intumescent coating is completely dry. If using a roller, DO NOT TOUCH UP OR OVERCOAT until initial color coat is dry. Failure to wait for the first application of the acrylic/latex color coat to fully dry may result in color smearing or “rolling out”. Once the first coat of latex/acrylic color is dry, apply a second coat if necessary. The top coating does not reduce the intumescent ability.

12 . How long does the primer continue to protect?
It will last as long as the primer remains adhered to the substrate and is not damaged or penetrated. (Please see the next question).

13 . Contego products have been tested and approved ?
Please see ourtest page. Contego is the only manufacturer to use triple redundant quality control using UL, MAS, and MAGI. Each of them performs independent spectrofluoroscopic analysis of our "chemical signature" to ensure that each and every batch is identical. It also shows that our life has no limitations at the moment.

14 . Was the UL Contego product tested?
Although we include UL-263 and UL-CS101 as two of nine different standards to which we subject each Contego-painted steel sample (as noted in the foreword to our testing), we do not use Underwriters Laboratories as the primary testing laboratory. because: UL is not the basis for any building code. Building industry authorities and UL , as well as others, meet regularly to ensure that UL standards are complementary, but the actual basis for the building code is typically ASTM . Contego can be found on UL.com as a Classified Product. It is essential, however, to carry out the tests that the standards are based on the building codes and that the laboratories are accredited, audited and certified. Our associated laboratories are the most respected and recognized in the world and enjoy international acceptance.

fifteen . Who uses Contego ?
Some of the companies and institutions that use Contego include Federal Express, Boeing, General Dynamics, Department of Defense, nearly all of the industry's leading hotel chains, Sherwin Williams, resorts, theme parks, casinos, hospitals, churches, schools, universities, correctional facilities, major airports, city halls, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, telephone companies, fire protection specialists, food processing centers, distribution warehouses, banks, restaurants, architects, general contractors, and painting contractors. 72% of our business is repeat purchase from these industry leaders. The most satisfied users are displayed under CUSTOMERS on our website.

16 . Does Contego protect against fires caused by fuels, such as gas, oil, diesel, etc.?
The results of fires caused by petroleum derivatives are usually the same as in normal fires. The fire burns more dangerously and furiously until the fuel is consumed. Likewise, our products produce the same results.

17 . Do you guarantee that this is not going to burn?
All material eventually burns - even granite turns to lava given enough heat and time. Contego is designed to provide the best margin of safety by creating a hard carbon barrier between the fire and the fuel it needs to continue, or in the case of structural steel, effectively insulates the substrate to delay any increase in temperature. of the core, which would ultimately lead to a major loss of structural integrity.

18 . Is Contego in any way harmful, allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic?
No. Contego has no harmful side effects and does not release toxins, even when exposed to fire. This is one of the advantages of our products compared to the flame retardants of the past. Contego is solvent free and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free.

19 . If I repaint a room do I have to reapply the primer?
No. Surprisingly, a top coat of paint actually makes the carbon barrier 25-32% harder and more fire resistant according to laboratory tests.

twenty . Does the Contego product freeze?
It certainly can, and that could ruin the product, so it should be handled accordingly.

twenty-one . Will any of the insurance companies give a premium discount if this applies to a building?
Several major insurers are considering offering reduced rates to owners of buildings protected with Contego FireBarrier intumescent latex. We will put this on the website as soon as we are informed.

22 . Can an existing surface be treated with this product?
Yes. It is important, however, that the surface to be treated is completely clean, dry and free of dirt, debris or oil residue.

23 . Is a license or permit needed to apply this product?
No. Once again, Contego behaves like any high-quality latex paint.

24 . Do I need any special equipment to apply this product?
No. Any airless spray gun with 2,400 psi and a 0.25 tip will do. You can also use a brush, roller, or mitt.

25 . Are there critical storage issues?
Although the Contego product does not contain toxins, carcinogens or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), please dispose of any unused portions in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with local paint disposal codes. Do not apply when the temperature is below 0°C (32°F). Do not allow contents to freeze. Do not store product in temperatures above 120F degrees. Remember that product that sits in the sun will get hotter than room temperature.

26 . How is the product packaged?
Standard container is a 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket. The diameter is 13 inches (33cm); Height is 14 inches (35.5cm); weight is 58.5 pounds (26.5 K); empty bucket weighs 3 pounds (1.5k): Net weight per gallon 11.1 lbs (5.03k). The product is also available in 55 gallon steel drums (tanks).

27 . Do you ship abroad?
Yes. All prices are ex-factory with CIF quotes on request. The UCC Uniform Customs Code is 3209.10.000.