Where to use FIRECOAT Interior
FIRECOAT Interior is suitable for interior surfaces such as natural timber, MDF, plywood and plasterboard. It can be applied on top of existing paint if the surface is clean, dry and not flaking.
Surface preparation
Before application, ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, wax, grease, dirt and resin and any loose or flaking paint. Any existing coatings with poor adhesion must be completely removed. Surfaces should be completely dry prior to the application.
Mixing
Stir the contents thoroughly before use, either with a paint paddle or power mixer, ensuring the paint is mixed evenly from the bottom to the top of the tin.
Application Information
Application conditions
Only apply and cure FIRECOAT Interior at temperatures between 10 °C and 35 °C, ensuring good air circulation and a relative humidity no greater than 75%. Avoid extremely hot or cold conditions for optimal results. Protect the coating from the elements and contamination during application to achieve the best performance and finish. We recommend maintaining a complete record of the application by filling out the Application Quality Control form (see below).
Application method
FIRECOAT Interior can be applied with a brush, roller, or airless spray.
- Brush: Use a top-quality polyester/nylon blend brush or similar.
- Roller: Use a roller with a 20 mm or greater nap. A shorter nap (closer to 20 mm) will give a smoother finish.
- Airless spray: Use equipment with a minimum 1 GPM rating at 3000 psi, such as a Graco 795, Graco 1095 or similar model. Use a tip size of 531 or greater, with a pressure of 2100 psi or higher. Due to the unique properties of FIRECOAT, it’s important to use an airless spray gun with the right specification to avoid clogging.
Compatible water-based acrylic paints can be applied as a topcoat for aesthetic purposes. We recommend testing the chosen topcoat on a small area to check
for compatibility. Allow FIRECOAT to fully dry before applying the topcoat – refer to the Recoat and drying time section for details.
Important: Do not thin FIRECOAT Interior.
Coating and thickness coverage
To ensure the desired level of fire protection, it’s essential that the fully dried coating achieves the minimum dry film thickness (DFT). The easiest way to do this is by measuring the wet film thickness (WFT) immediately after application. You can then identify the corresponding minimum DFT for your substrate, as shown in the following table.

Each coat should achieve a coverage of 1.43 square metres per litre. However, actual spreading rates may vary due to factors such as roughness and porosity of the substrate, overspraying, choice of application method, and environmental conditions such as wind, temperature and humidity. Adjust application techniques or apply additional coats as necessary to achieve the specified DFT.
Remember that conforming to the specifications requires meeting the DFT targets, not simply applying a certain number of coats.
How to use a wet film gauge for measuring paint thickness
A wet film gauge is a simple tool used to measure the thickness of applied paint while it’s still wet. This helps ensure the correct application thickness, which is critical for achieving the desired protection and finish.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you accurately measure the WFT and ensure your coating is applied according to specifications, to provide optimal performance and durability.
- Apply the paint or coating: Begin by applying the paint to the surface, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Choose the appropriate gauge: Select a wet film gauge that covers the range of thickness you expect for your application. The gauge has notches or teeth that correspond to different thickness measurements (usually in microns or mils).
- Position the gauge: Hold the wet film gauge perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the coated surface.
- Place the gauge in the wet paint: Immediately after applying the paint, gently press the gauge into the wet paint so that it touches the surface underneath. Be careful not to drag the gauge, as this could alter the paint film.
- Read the measurement: Remove the gauge and examine the notches. The last notch with paint on it indicates the WFT. For example, if the paint fills the notches up to 150 microns but does not reach the 200-micron notch, the thickness is between 150 and 200 microns.
- Clean the gauge: After use, clean the wet film gauge with an appropriate solvent or water to remove any paint residue. This will keep the gauge in good condition for future use.



Recoat and drying time
Drying time depends on temperature, air movement, humidity, coating thickness and application method. Under ideal application and drying conditions (above 10 ºC), a single coat should dry in 2 to 5 hours. Allow longer drying time under cooler or humid conditions.
Ensure the paint is thoroughly dry to touch before applying the next coat, to prevent cracking and peeling.
Paint maintenance and repair
- Repair any substrate damage before reapplying FIRECOAT Interior.
- Remove any loose material such as paint flakes and sand and rough edges.
- Make sure the surface is clean and dry before reapplying FIRECOAT Interior to the intended thickness, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
Cleaning equipment
- After painting, promptly clean application tools with clean, cold water. Flush airless spray equipment thoroughly.
- Dispose of wash water according to local regulations.
- Ensure any dried product is removed from tools.
- To minimise waste, use all product completely. If any remains, contact a licensed disposal company for proper disposal.
Disposal
- Avoid releasing product into the environment.
- Do not pour leftover paint down the drain.
- Dispose of contents and containers at an authorised chemical waste collection point in accordance with any local regulations.
Storage
- Store at temperatures between 5–35 °C.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
- Ensure containers are tightly closed when not in use.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
Safety recommendations
All users should refer to the Safety Data Sheet for FIRECOAT Interior for further safety and handling information.
- Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet the requirements of Australian standards AS 1336 and AS 1337.
- Respiratory protection: When spraying, use half or full masks with P2 or P3 ratings to protect against spray mists.
- Skin protection: Wear gloves made of PVC or rubber that meet the requirements of Australian standard AS2161. Wear covered shoes.
Note: This product has been independently tested and certified as non-irritant to skin and minimally irritant to eyes. However, if a skin irritation or rash should occur, wash the affected area with cold water. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell or are concerned.
Testing and results
Refer to the Technical Documents and Certifications for our world-first fire protection products.
Quality Control forms
The success of any coating application can be influenced by multiple factors, including:
- ambient conditions during surface preparation, application and curing
- cleanliness and condition of equipment
- suitability of the chosen coating system
- correct application methods for surface preparation and coating
- adherence to specified DFT
- quality of the paint used
- proper site access, lighting, and ventilation.
Thorough inspection and detailed record-keeping are essential for quality assurance, future assessments and any possible warranty claims. As the product manufacturer, Flame Security International recommends that users maintain, at a minimum, the following records during the application of FIRECOAT Interior and related products:
- Table 1 – Coating inspection (PDF)
- Table 2 – Equipment details and conditions (PDF)
- Table 3 – Surface and ambient conditions (PDF)
Disclaimer: While every care is taken in providing these application instructions and users are always directed to follow the application instructions explicitly, Flame Security International Pty Ltd has no direct control over the end application of the product. Neither Flame Security International Pty Ltd nor any of its employees, contractors or agents are responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage which might arise from the use of FIRECOAT Interior.