Fireproof & Intumescent Coatings
UL-listed intumescent and cementitious fireproofing systems for structural steel, applied by certified crews with full DFT documentation — keeping your project code-compliant and inspection-ready.
About This Service
Fireproof coatings are life-safety applications where there is zero margin for error. Gato Painting's crews are trained and certified in the application of thin-film intumescent coatings and spray-applied fire resistive materials (SFRM), following manufacturer specifications and third-party inspection protocols on every project.
Why It Matters
What sets our approach apart and what it means for your project.
Certified Applicators
Our crews hold manufacturer certifications for the products we apply. We follow AISC and ICC guidelines and can work directly with your special inspector.
1–3 Hour Fire Ratings
We apply systems tested and listed under UL Design numbers to achieve 1, 2, or 3-hour fire resistance ratings for columns, beams, and decks.
Full Inspection Documentation
We provide dry film thickness (DFT) logs, batch number records, and material certifications — everything your special inspector and AHJ need at closeout.
Aesthetic Topcoat Options
Intumescent systems can be topcoated with any architectural finish color, allowing exposed steel to look polished while meeting fire rating requirements.
Our Process
Every project follows a defined process that ensures quality at each stage.
- 1
Shop Drawing & UL Design Review
We review structural drawings to confirm the UL Design number, required DFT per member, and any special conditions before the project starts.
- 2
Steel Surface Preparation
Steel is prepared to SSPC SP-6 (Commercial Blast) minimum, or SP-3 (Power Tool Clean) where blasting is not feasible, to ensure product adhesion.
- 3
Primer Application
A compatible primer is applied per the UL Design and allowed to cure before the intumescent layer is started.
- 4
Intumescent Coat Application
The intumescent material is applied in multiple passes to achieve the specified DFT. Each pass is logged and measured before the next is started.
- 5
DFT Verification & Topcoat
We conduct a complete DFT survey, compile our inspection log, and apply the specified decorative topcoat before final inspector review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is intumescent coating and how does it work?
What fire ratings can you achieve?
What is the difference between intumescent and cementitious fireproofing?
Do you coordinate with the special inspector?
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us for a free consultation and quote on your fireproof & intumescent coatings project.