NoFire Technologies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between 'fire retardant' 'fire protective' and 'fire proof'?

A: In our industry we have specific definitions for each, which is why we specifically claim our product to be 'fire retardant.'

Q: Are there other fire retardant coatings on the market? What are the differences?

A: Yes, there are other products, all with different levels of performance, application thickness required, toxicity, durability, ease of application and approvals for use.

Q: Can I mix nofire with other paints or finishes to make them fire retardant?

A: No, NoFire works only as a coating, not when mixed with other paints.

Q: Can I thin NoFire?

A: We don't recommend it, if you think your paint or coating is too thick, contact our technical department.

Q: What's the shelf life of NoFire in its container?

A: We guarantee the product for 1 year after we ship it.

Q: How long does NoFire last after it is applied?

A: Under normal conditions, NoFire will not lose its fire protection abilities.

Q: What finishes does NoFire come in?

A: NoFire comes in a matte finish, but a glossy or semi-glossy finish can be obtained by using one of our top coatings

Q: What colors does it come in?

A: Our base color is white, but we can mix it for any color you want.

Q: Can I tint NoFire to another color?

A: No, we need to mix it to the color you want

Q: Does it come clear?

A: No

Q: Can it be used outdoors?

A: Yes, but only with a protective top coat

Q: How do I apply it?

A: Just like normal paints, a brush, roller, or paint sprayers will all work.

Q: How thick is it when applied?

A: NoFire's thickness depends on your project's requirements. You should consult the Application Manual and Technical Data sheets to find the thickness you need.

Q: Can I order it to be thicker or thinner than normal?

A: Yes, we can vary the products viscosity upon request.

Q: Is NoFire toxic?

A: No, NoFire is a nontoxic, water-based coating

Q: Should I be worried if I get NoFire in my eyes, mouth, ears, or on my skin?

A: No, just wash with soap and water and NoFire will dissolve easily.

Q: Is it harmful if NoFire is swallowed as a liquid or ingested as paint chips?

A: No, refer to our Acute Oral Toxicity Test in the Technical Manuel.

Q: What does Intumescent mean?

A: It describes what our product does. When exposed to heat, an intumescent product will expand. When our paint is exposed to heat above 375 degrees F it expands to approximately 20-100 times its normal thickness. This part of what makes our product so effective.

Q: Is it a coating or a paint?

A: NoFire does both. It is a protective coating that comes in any color and finishes like any other paint.

Q: Do I need to do any special surface preparation?

A: Just like normal paints, the surface needs to be clean and smooth, nothing beyond that.

Q: Does NoFire require a primer?

A: Usually you won’t need a primer, but if you're coating anything that may corrode, like enamel or steel in marine environments, a primer is recommended.

Q: What kind of primer do I need for those special surfaces?

A: Many primers work well, but the best are matte finish or rough finish primers. Check with our Technical Department to get specific recommendations for your project.

Q: How long does it take to dry and cure?

A: It depends on temperature and humidity, but in normal room temperature and humidity it takes about 2 hours to dry and between a minimum of 24 hours and a recommended 48 hours to cure.

Q: If I'm applying NoFire outside, what are the minimum and maximum temperatures I should do it in?

A: Temperatures between 40 deg. F and 180 deg. F are fine.

Q: What size are the containers?

A: We have 5 gallon pails or 50 gallon drums.

Q: Does NoFire have a 'one hour' or 'two hour' rating?

A: Each of our products does not have a rating to themselves, but each system does. All the ratings for each system are in the Technical Manuel.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally crack or chip some of the dried paint?

A: Just touch it up like you would any normal paint. There won't be any loss of protection.

Q: Can I spray NoFire on my furniture, drapes or carpets to make them fire retardant?

A: No, NoFire only works as a coating on hard, smooth surfaces.

Q: What types of surfaces will it protect?

A: Nearly all smooth, hard surfaces such as wood, wood products, metals, and composites. NoFire will not work on soft surfaces like upholstery or carpets.

Q: How do I clean up after I'm done?

A: Just wash your brushes, rollers, surfaces, and skin with soap and water.

Q: Do you have approval for ASTM E119 on structural steel?

A: Yes, our patented S-Barrier wrap system meets all these requirements.

Q: Can you make curtains and wallpaper from your textile materials?

A: No

Q: Does NoFire insulate?

A: Not at room temperature, the insulating properties only activate at high temperatures.

Q: Is it class A Rated?

A: Yes

Q: Is it UL Classified?

A: Yes