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What is FireFree 88?
FireFree 88 is a water-based intumescent paint designed primarily for interior use. This latex paint has a flat white finish that can be tinted or painted over with a topcoat. It can be applied to a variety of substrates and provides a 1-to-2-hour fire rating depending on the material.
FireFree 88 generates a barrier of char when exposed to high heat to protect the underlying substance. Fire-resistant paints play a significant role in keeping fire from spreading—especially in areas with different materials (e.g. steel and wood).
If you need to fireproof a facility with very different interior substrates, it’s worth taking a look at what FireFree 88 has to offer.
Key features of FireFree 88
FireFree 88 stands out from other intumescent paints thanks to some notable features:
- Rated to many fire rating standards, including ASTM E119 and ASTM E84
- Low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with only 36 grams/liter
- Volume of 67% solids for a smooth application
- Cost-effective compared to other brands
- Can be applied to a wide variety of materials
Unlike other intumescent paints, which may be suited for two or three types of substrates, FireFree 88 can be applied to the following materials:
- Common interior substrates like gypsum board, lath and plaster, and wood
- Metals like aluminum, galvanized steel, embossed or pressed tin, as well as thin gauge metal
- Concrete and masonry
- Fiberglass
- Carbon fiber and plastics
- Polyurethane foam
When applied to most of these materials, FireFree 88 provides a 1- or 2-hour fire rating — the exception is polyurethane foam, which will only gain a 15-minute fire rating.
What standards does FireFree 88 meet?
Fire-resistant coatings must be tested under different fire conditions to determine how long they can hold up before degrading. FireFree 88 meets the following domestic and international standards for fire resistance:
- ASTM E84, E119, and D1623
- FM 4975
- FAR 21.607
- CAN & ULC-S10
- BS 476
- AS 1530.4 (CSIRO)
- EN 13501-1
FireFree 88 also meets certain environmental regulations:
- Master Painters Institute®(MPI) Green Performance GPS1/GPS
- VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations of organizations like the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
- Qualifies for LEED v4 credit toward a higher LEED certification for your structure
What equipment can you use to apply FireFree 88?
FireFree 88 can be applied with an airless spray gun, paint roller, or brush. The manufacturer recommends the following specifications for your applicators:
Airless sprayer: 780-3300 psi and spray tip with a .01-.023 heavy-duty 4-inch to 12-inch fan width
Roller: 1 1/4-inch nap with synthetic cover
Brush: Nylon or polyester, fully loaded with paint and applied via laying on
Keep in mind that these are guidelines, and you may need to adjust these specs depending on your desired thickness and finish. For example, the manufacturer points out that a short nap roller can lead to a more textured look, so bear that in mind if you want a smoother finish.
How to Use FireFree 88
First, you’ll need to prepare the surface of your substrate. Clear away any dust, flaking paint, grime, or other debris that may get in the way, and ensure the area is dry before applying your first coat.
Surfaces coated in a gloss or glaze will need to be primed with either a latex primer or an oil-based primer followed by a sealer. Certain materials, like concrete, will need to be etched in advance in order for the paint to stick.
Next, apply FireFree 88 with your preferred applicator. Do not thin or strain your paint, and be sure to apply it only above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Given FireFree 88’s composition of 67% solids, it has an average wet-to-dry thickness ratio of 1.5:1. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend a specific dry thickness due to the range of materials you might apply FireFree 88 to—similarly, they don’t list a defined coverage.
Let the paint dry fully between coatings. This can take from 4 to 48 hours depending on environmental conditions and coat thickness. You can speed this up by creating an environment with low humidity and high air circulation.
Once you’ve achieved the necessary dry film thickness, you can apply a latex topcoat to achieve your preferred color. To do this, you’ll need to apply a layer of primer first.
If you want to apply FireFree 88 to an exterior surface, you should be aware that Firefree requires all exterior applications of FireFree 88 to be finished with FireFree Exterior, their acrylic topcoat. Substituting this topcoat for another product voids any warranties by Firefree regarding FireFree 88.
Alternatives to FireFree 88
Now, let’s take a look at how FireFree 88 compares to some of its competitors.
Fireguard E-84
With a smooth white finish, very low VOCs, and a similar list of certifications to FireFree 88, Fireguard E-84 is a solid choice for interior painting. However, it has a lengthy drying time and can be applied to relatively few materials, making it a less versatile option.
- Can be applied to wood, oriented strand board (OSB), gypsum, and steel
- Meets ASTM 2768, ASTM E-84, ASTM E-119, UL 263, NFPA 251, and ULC-S-101
- LEED compliant with low VOCs – 3.6 grams/liter
- 54% solids
- 24-hour drying time for recommended 25-30 mil/coat thickness
Check out our full review of Fireguard E-84 for more details.
Firetex FX5090
Firetex FX5090 has a flat white finish and is designed specifically for structural steel, making it a more niche product than FireFree 88. That being said, it offers quick drying times under the right conditions and lower VOCs, making it a good choice for a large-scale structural project.
- Only applicable to steel and requires approved primers—can’t be applied directly
- Meets ASTM E-84, CAN/ULC-S101, and is UL 263 listed and UL Classified – UL CDXA and UL CDYD
- Impact-resistant
- LEED compliant with VOCs of less than 25 grams/liter
- 69% solids +/- 3%
- Drying times between 90 minutes and 12 hours depending on temperature
- Recommended thickness of 40 wet mils (airless spray) for coverage of 40 sq ft/gallon, or 18 wet mils (brush) for 92 sq ft/gallon
DC360
DC360 is an off-white paint with a flat finish, designed for gypsum and wood. It has a Class A flame spread rating—the highest possible—and is very low in VOCs.
- Provides a 30-minute fire rating
- Meets ASTM E84, ASTM E2768, and CAN/ULC S-102 and provides Class “A” Interior Finish rating
- Low in VOCs – less than 7 grams/liter
- Can be applied to gypsum and wood (including plywood, OSB, and exposed lumber)
- No recommended thickness, but 6 mils cover 267 sq ft/gallon