«Water-based acrylic-resin fire paint is for dry rooms only» — this is one of the most persistent myths about protecting steel in an open environment. Because of it, water-based compounds are sometimes rejected outdoors and in damp conditions in favour of solvent-based ones, although a modern water-thinnable paint in a weather-resistant grade works perfectly outdoors too. Modern water-based acrylic resins are also successfully used in atmospheric conditions and aggressive service environments. Let us look at where the myth came from, how water-based paint differs from solvent-based, and when to choose each.
Where the myth came from
The idea that water-based paints are «temperamental» formed when the first water-thinnable compounds were indeed intended mainly for heated rooms and coped worse with moisture and temperature swings, due to the limited use of the acrylic-resin base. Formulations have changed greatly since: weather-resistant acrylic-resin versions have appeared, resistant to moisture, UV and temperature fluctuations. But the habit «water-based means indoors only» has remained and still influences the choice.
Water-thinnable weather-resistant paints
A modern water-based acrylic fire paint is an intumescent compound that forms a heat-insulating layer on heating and protects the steel. In a weather-resistant grade, such as STABITERM 219 paint, it withstands outdoor conditions: moisture, temperature swings and sun. The key to outdoor durability is the right system: an anti-corrosion primer under the paint.
Water-based or solvent-based
Both paints solve one task — they slow the heating of steel — but each has its strengths:
- Water-thinnable (STABITERM 219) — no harsh smell or aggressive solvents, easy to apply and maintain, suitable for occupied premises and, in a weather-resistant grade, for outdoor structures. It cares for the environment and our planet’s future.
- Solvent-thinnable (STABITERM 209) — performs well in difficult conditions and when applied at lower temperatures, traditionally used on open sites and industrial facilities. It requires a careful approach to application, protection for painters and time for full curing.
The choice depends on service conditions, requirements for smell and environmental friendliness, application temperature and the required fire-resistance rating. We help select the compound for the specific site.
How outdoor durability is achieved
Outdoor fire-protection durability is provided not by one paint but by a two-layer system:
- Primer — anti-corrosion primer GF-021 or equivalent, alkyd, epoxy or polyurethane primers — protects the steel and ensures adhesion.
- Fire-protective layer — water-thinnable STABITERM 219 paint at the calculated thickness.
When water-based paint is the right choice
Water-thinnable fire protection should be considered first where the absence of smell and environmental friendliness matter, as well as ease of work:
- Public buildings, shopping and office centres, sites with a constant presence of people.
- Warehouses, car parks, production premises.
- Outdoor structures and facades — in a weather-resistant grade.
Preparation and application
As with any fire protection of steel, the surface is cleaned and primed, the paint is applied in layers with thickness control up to the calculated value, and where a certain colour is required, it is finished with a top enamel of the needed colour. Exact parameters (consumption, number of coats, thickness, drying time) are taken from the material’s technical data — we provide it for the site. More in our article on fire protection of steel structures.
STABITERM materials
For water-system fire protection of steel we use: STABITERM 219 (water-thinnable, weather-resistant) and STABITERM 217 (up to 120 minutes indoors); for difficult conditions — solvent-thinnable STABITERM 209. We select the compound for the site conditions, calculate consumption and provide technical data.
Why STABITERM
- A complete steel fire-protection system — primer, water-based or solvent-based paint and top enamel in one place.
- Materials in stock in Tashkent, next-day delivery to cities across the republic.
- Years of use on sites in Uzbekistan — proven effectiveness and long service life.
- Valid certificates and test reports of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan.
- Selection of compound and system for service conditions, consumption calculation and a technical-data package.
Not sure which paint suits your site — water-based or solvent-based? Leave a request and we will select the compound and calculate consumption.
See also: Fire-retardant paints in Tashkent and Uzbekistan — catalogue, compound selection and consumption calculation for your site.