Intumescent paint is specially formulated to react to extreme heat. When exposed to temperatures around 350–400°F, the coating undergoes sublimation, expanding up to 100 times its original thickness to form a stable, carbonaceous char layer. This char acts as an insulating barrier, slowing heat transfer and protecting the underlying substrate.
By delaying heat penetration, intumescent coatings provide crucial fire protection—buying valuable time when every second counts.