AF3-1 Marine Waterborne Intumescent Flame Retardant Paint
Product Description
AF3-1 Marine Waterborne Intumescent Flame Retardant Paint
Product Introduction:
The AF3-1 is a single-pack, waterborne intumescent coating formulated to provide passive fire protection for interior steel and wood substrates in marine and offshore environments. As a water-based system, it offers low volatile organic compound content—less than 80 g/L—making it a low-toxicity, environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-borne flame retardant coatings. When exposed to elevated temperatures or direct flame, the AF3-1 expands significantly to form a thick, insulating char layer that effectively delays heat transfer to the underlying substrate, thereby preserving structural integrity and providing valuable escape time in the event of a fire.
This product is a single-pack, ready-to-use waterborne coating with a volume solids content of 45 percent, plus or minus 2 percent. It dries to a matt or flat sheen finish. Being a one-pack system, it requires no mixing ratio and has no induction period – it can be applied straight from the container. The volatile organic compound content is less than 80 grams per litre, which is relatively low for a flame-retardant coating.
For application, the recommended methods are brushing or rolling. However, it is important to note that multiple coats are required to achieve the specified dry film thickness, as the material is not designed for high-build application in a single pass. Airless spray and conventional air spray are not recommended for this product. Thinner is generally not recommended, but in exceptional circumstances where adjustment is absolutely necessary, clean water may be added at a maximum of 5 percent by volume. All application equipment should be cleaned with water after use.
Intended Uses：
*Flame-retardant protective coating for steel structures (interior compartments, bulkheads, decks) and wood surfaces (furniture, panelling, trim) in marine vessels and offshore installations.
*Fire barrier layer within multi-coat paint systems for passive fire protection.
*Maintenance and repair coating over intact aged AF3-1 films or compatible primer systems.
Film Thickness & Theoretical Coverage:
| Parameter | Minimum | Standard | Maximum |
| Dry Film Thickness (DFT) | 50 μm | 125 μm | 250 μm |
| Wet Film Thickness (WFT) | 111 μm | 278 μm | 555 μm |
| Theoretical Coverage | 9 m²/L | 3.6 m²/L | 1.8 m²/L |
Drying & Overcoating Data：
| Parameter | 5℃ | 15℃ | 25℃ |
| Touch Dry | 4h | 3h | 2h |
| Hard Dry | 48h | 36h | 24h |
| Overcoating - Min | 48h | 36h | 24h |
| Overcoating - Max | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Pack Size & Shelf Life:
The product is supplied as a single component in a 20-litre container, containing 21.6 kg net weight (equivalent to 18 litres by volume). When stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions away from direct sunlight, heat, and fire sources, with the container kept tightly sealed, the shelf life is a minimum of 12 months at 25°C. Storage life should be confirmed by actual inspection after this period. Protection from freezing is essential during transport and storage.
Surface Preparation:
All surfaces to be coated must be clean, dry, and free from contamination. Remove oil, grease, soluble salts, and other foreign matter by high-pressure fresh water washing or appropriate fresh water rinsing, followed by solvent cleaning in accordance with SSPC-SP1 standards. For cloth or wood substrates, wipe the surface with solvent or water to remove oil and dust, and allow it to dry completely before application.
Application & Handling Notes：
Being a single-pack product, AF3-1 requires no mixing and has no induction period – it is ready to use straight from the container. Apply by brush or roller; note that multiple thin coats are necessary to achieve the specified dry film thickness because the coating is not designed for high-build application in a single pass. Spray application (airless or conventional air) is not recommended. If thinning becomes absolutely necessary due to unusual conditions, use clean water at a maximum of 5% by volume – but this should be avoided wherever possible. All equipment should be cleaned with water immediately after use.
Newbuilding / Major Refurbishment & Repair:
*For new construction and major refurbishment, AF3-1 should be applied over a recommended primer system. The primer surface must be clean, dry, and contamination-free, and the topcoat must be applied within the specified overcoating window. Damaged or broken areas should be prepared to the required standard (e.g., St3 hand-tool cleaning) and primed before the full AF3-1 coat is applied.
*For repair and maintenance, AF3-1 may be applied directly over intact, tightly adherent aged AF3-1 coatings after thorough fresh water washing and degreasing. If the old coating is loose, flaking, or otherwise unsound, it must be removed back to a firm edge, and the exposed area should be repaired with AF3-1 or an appropriate primer before the full finish coat is applied.
Storage & Safety Precautions:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight, fire, and heat sources. Keep containers tightly closed. Protect from freezing during transport and storage. Although waterborne and low in VOC, the product should be handled with care – avoid eye and skin contact. Ensure adequate ventilation during application, and follow standard safety practices for painting operations.