Industrial Paint and Protection Magazine

DC315 Review

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What is DC315?

DC315 Fireproof Paint is an intumescent paint designed to protect spray polyurethane foam (SPF). As an intumescent paint, DC315 expands and generates char when exposed to fire.

Per the International Building Code, SPF must be insulated from all building interiors by a 15-minute thermal barrier. DC315 provides this protection and also acts as an ignition barrier—resisting both the effects of high heat and catching fire.

Key Features of DC315

DC315 is a water-based acrylic paint with a flat finish that can be top coated or tinted to achieve your desired appearance. By default, it’s available in Charcoal Black, Ice Gray, and White.

Among intumescent paints, this product has some notable features:

Important note: DC315 can only be used to protect thermosetting plastics like spray polyurethane foam. It’s not designed or tested for other substrates.

What Standards Does DC315 Meet?

All products used in fireproofing must meet certain standards of safety and effectiveness. Certification to meet these standards is achieved through rigorous fire testing, both in isolation and as part of a fireproofing system.

DC315 meets the following domestic standards for fire protection:

  • ASTM E84, E2768, and E119
  • NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) plus NFPA 285 and 286

DC315 also meets the following international standards:

  • CAN/ULC S102, S 101, 9805, and S-145
  • BS 476 Parts 6 & 7
  • BS EN ISO 11925-2
  • EN 13823
  • EN 13501
  • AUS ISO 9705
  • AS/NZS 1530.3
  • AS 5637.1
  • ISO 5660 Parts 1 & 2

Additionally, DC315 has met VOC standards set by the EPA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).

Across these many fire safety standards, DC315 has been rated to protect interior and exterior wall systems, including unoccupied spaces.

What Equipment Can You Use to Apply DC315?

DC315 can be applied with an airless spray gun, brush, or roller. When sprayed, it should be applied according to the following specifications:

  • Output of 1 gallon/minute at 3000 psi
  • Tip size of .517-.525
  • Minimum 3/8-inch interior hose diameter (ID) up to 75 feet; min. 1/2-inch ID up to 200 feet; min. 3/4-inch ID greater than 200 feet

You should also be sure to remove any filters from both the spray gun and pump.

How to Use DC315

Before applying DC315, ensure the surface of the foam is clean, dry, and free of holes or indentations. That being said, the manufacturer recommends that the foam have a slight texture so the paint can adhere.

If the foam’s surface is too smooth, apply a coating of 3-4 millimeters of DC315 before a full application. This layer must cure for at least 1 hour before full application.

In Canada, applications of DC315 will also require a primer.

When spraying DC315, apply it in a cross hatch pattern, overlapping each stroke of paint halfway with the last in horizontal and then vertical strokes.

What thickness you’ll need to apply will depend on the brand of SPF. Refer to the IFTI testing matrix provided by the manufacturer to determine what thickness you’ll need and the expected coverage rate.

DC315 is dry to the touch in 1-2 hours and dry enough for another coat in 4-8 hours.

DC315 vs. DC360

DC315 has a companion in DC360, another water-based intumescent paint. It meets similar fireproofing standards but is designed for different contexts.

DC360 provides a 30-minute fire rating to gypsum, lumber, oriented strand board (OSB), and plywood. It also offers a Class “A” Interior Finish rating and has been tested for ASTM E2768 and NFPA 703.

With less than 7 grams/liter, DC360 is even lower in VOCs than DC315, making it an equally green option.

Ultimately, DC315 is a more specialized product only appropriate for use on spray foam, and DC360 is an alternative for general use on other construction materials.

Alternatives to DC315

DC315 vs. FireGuard E-84

FireGuard E-84 is a water-based intumescent coating with a smooth white finish that provides a 1- to 2-hour fire rating to protect steel, wood, and gypsum assemblies.

However, it isn’t designed for protecting spray foam, so it isn’t a replacement for a product like DC315.

  • Percent Solids: 54%
  • Drying Time: 24 hours per coat
  • VOCs: 3.6 grams/liter
  • Recommended Thickness: 25-30 mils WFT
  • Rate of Coverage: 28.9 square feet/gallon at 30 mil

For the appropriate substrates, FireGuard E-84 meets some of the same fire standards as DC315:

  • ASTM E-119
  • ASTM E-84
  • UL 263
  • NFPA 251
  • ULC-S-101

Additionally, FireGuard E-84 meets LEED standards and is very low in VOCs.

For non-SPF materials, FireGuard E-84 can be a flexible and effective choice—take a look at our review to learn more about its applications.

DC315 vs FireFree 88

FireFree 88 is an intumescent paint with a flat white finish that can be used to protect spray polyurethane foam as well as wood, plaster, gypsum, concrete, steel, and other substrates.

It provides a 15-minute fire barrier to spray foam and up to 2 hours of protection to other materials.

  • Percent Solids: 67%
  • Drying Time: 4-48 hours, depending on temperature, airflow, humidity, and thickness
  • VOCs: <36 grams/liter
  • Recommended Thickness/Coverage: None per the manufacturer

FireFree 88 meets many domestic and international safety standards:

  • ASTM E 119, 662-97, 3675-98, 162-98, 1354-94, 814, and ASTM E 84
  • FM 4975
  • UBC 8-2 and UBC 26-3
  • NFPA 286
  • BS 476 and 1530.4
  • EN 13501-1

FireFire 88 is an especially versatile and environmentally-conscious option for protecting SPF and other materials. It offers many of the same benefits and meets many of the same standards as DC315, but has many more potential applications.