Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ is a white thin-film waterborne intumescent coating with a new and improved formula designed to provide 30 and 60 minutes fire resistance on standard structural steel members in internal environments. It provides an easier and more efficient alternative to cladding steel members in plasterboard.

Normally calculating the required material to achieve fire protection for structural steel involves the complicated and time consuming process of getting details of all the steel members involved in the project and calculating the exact amount of material required for each one.

However, new and improved AquaSteel WB+ intumescent coating combines the ability to protect all standard steel sizes and profiles for both 1/2 hour and 1 hour fire resistance in a single product.

If a decorative finish is required, the product can be overcoated with Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ Finish which has a wide range of colour options (RAL, BS & NCS)

Quick Links - Click To Jump To Section:

• Features & Benefits
• Coverage & Application Rates
• Product Data
• Storage Instructions
• Surface Preparation
• Site Conditions During Application
• Application Methods
• Drying Times
• Health & Safety

Features & Benefits

• New improved formula
• Designed to provide 30 and 60 minutes fire resistance on standard structural steel members in internal environments
• Provides an easier and more efficient alternative to cladding steel members in plasterboard
• Combines the ability to protect all standard steel sizes and profiles for both 1/2 hour and 1 hour fire resistance in a single product
• Tested to British Standard - BS476 Part 21:1987
• Waterborne - Suitable for C1 and C2 environments.
• Can be applied by brush, roller or airless spray
• Simple specification
• If a decorative finish is required, the product can be overcoated with Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ Finish which has a wide range of colour options (RAL, BS & NCS)

Coverage & Application Rates

Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ is suitable for all types of structural steel, subject to the following miniumum steel thicknesses:

The table below gives the recommended coverage rates in m²/litre and wet and dry film thicknesses (WFT and DFT) in mm (1mm + 1000 microns):

*Limited to Hp/A - 205m-¹

For thinner/lighter members, please consult Zeroflame or contact Rawlins Paints' Technical Support Team on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected] for more information.

Maximum Application Rates per coat:

Theoretical Coverage:

• 0.43mm DFT:1.60m²/litre; 0.85kg/m²

Product Data

Storage Instructions

• Should be stored internally between 5°C and 30°C
• At temperatures above 25°C, the shelf life will be reduced
• Shelf life is usually 6 months in sealed containers
• PROTECT FROM FROST

Surface Preparation

• Steelwork must be primed with an anti-corrosion primer suited to the intended environment of the building
• The primer must be applied to the manufacturer's specification with the exceptions that the Dry Film Thickness does not exceed 100 microns and that thermoplastic, bitumen or chlorinated rubber coating are not used
• If the steel has been galvanised or coated with a zinc-rich primer a suitable tie-coat should be applied*
• Before applying Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ patch prime any damaged areas and ensure the surface is dry, free from rust, oil, grease, dust and other contaminants. Existing decorative finishes must be removed.

*Please consult Zeroflame or contact Rawlins Paints' Technical Support Team on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected] for more information.

Site Conditions During Application

• Recommended for application to dry, protected, interior structural steels only
• If the product is allowed to get wet, it is likely to become damaged and may cause blistering and wrinkling to occur
• The product should only be applied when the air and steel temperatures are above 5°C
• Relative humidity should be below 80% for successful application
• Steel surface temperature should be a minimum of 3°C above the dew point
• Ensure the steel is dry and protected from contact with rain or condensation during the application, drying and curing process

Application Methods

Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ is supplied ready for use and must not be thinned but should be thoroughly mechanically stirred prior to use.

Airless Spraying:

• The product may be applied up to a maximum wet film thickness (WFT) of 1.0mm in a single spray coat comprising of several quick passes
• Achieving maximum loadings will depend on site conditions
• It may be possible to apply two coats in one day, particularly if the atmospheric temperature is above 20°C and the relative humidity below 70%
• However, before doing this ensure that the previously applied coat is dry, particularly in the web/flange junctions

Brush/Roller Application:

• Low surface temperatures may cause slumping at recommended coverage rates
• To achieve maximum thickness when brushing, use a 'laying on' technique with a well loaded brush

Drying Times

Drying times between coats (20°C and 60% RH) are as follows:

• Brush/Roller: - 4 hours
• Spraying: - 6 hours
• Application of Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ Finish: Allow a minimum of 16 hours after final coat of Aquasteel WB+ before applying topcoat.

If applying Zeroflame Aquasteel WB+ off site, ensure the coating is fully cured, hard and dry before transport and erection, any damaged areas being made good.

Protect from frost and wetting until dry.

Health & Safety

• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying
• In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment
• Do not breathe spray
• Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
• In case of contact with skin, wash well with plenty of soap and water
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice
• Keep out of reach of children
• When not in use keep containers tightly closed

Please contact Rawlins Paints' Technical Support Team on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected] for more information.

IMPORTANT FIRE PRODUCTS NOTICE: The information displayed on this website should be used as a guide ONLY and our Technical Department should be contacted to obtain a tailored specification and any advice necessary before you place an order for fire protection products. Fire protection products are non-returnable except in accordance with Condition 8 of the Terms and Conditions and should be applied only by an individual with the necessary expertise and experience. We will not be held liable for any resulting damage to property, human life or monetary costs incurred due to the incorrect specification you have prepared or use of fire protection products caused by your negligence, including your failure to have contacted us to obtain the relevant advice/specification.