Applying water-based intumescent paint for steel beams can be time-consuming due to the number of required coats and the total dry film build needed to provide adequate fire protection. What’s more, water-based intumescent paints also suffer from poor water resistance, which limits their application in indoor spaces and areas that require a waterproof topcoat.
Conversely, solvent-based coatings are generally used on semi-exposed steel due to its ability to withstand various weather conditions. They also offer the added benefit of drying faster and leaving a smoother finish.