Steelmaster 1200WF: Technical Data Sheet Application Guide
Steelmaster 1200WF: Technical Data Sheet Application Guide
Steelmaster 1200WF: Technical Data Sheet Application Guide
Application Guide
Steelmaster 1200WF
Product description
This is a one component waterborne acrylic thin film intumescent coating. Independently tested and approved
for fire protection of structural steel exposed to cellulosic fire up to 180 minutes. Suitable for properly prepared
carbon steel substrates.
Scope
The Application Guide offers product details and recommended practices for the use of the product.
The data and information provided are not definite requirements. They are guidelines to assist with efficient and
safe use, and optimum service of the product. Adherence to the guidelines does not relieve the applicator of
responsibility for ensuring that the work meets specification requirements.
Jotuns liability is in accordance with general product liability rules.
The Application Guide (AG) must be read in conjunction with the relevant specification, Technical Data Sheet
(TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all the products used as part of the coating system.
Referred standards
Reference is generally made to ISO Standards. When using standards from other regions it is recommended to
reference only one corresponding standard for the substrate being treated.
Surface preparation
The required quality of surface preparation can vary depending on the area of use, expected durability and if
applicable, project specification.
Metal surface preparation refers to requirements for preparation prior to application of approved primers. All
steel must be physically clean, dry and free from mud, concrete slurry, grease, zinc salts and other forms of
contamination. Complete washing down of steelwork may be necessary. Oil & grease should be removed in
accordance with SSPSC SP1 solvent cleaning.
Paint solvents (thinners) shall not be used for general degreasing or preparation of the surface for painting due
to the risk of spreading dissolved hydrocarbon contamination. Paint thinners can be used to treat small localised
areas of contamination such as dye penetration inks and marker pens. Use clean, white cotton cloths that are
turned and replaced often. Do not bundle used solvent saturated cloths. Place used cloths into water.
Process sequence
Surface preparation and coating should normally be commenced only after all welding, degreasing, removal of
sharp edges, weld spatter and treatment of welds is complete. It is important that all hot work is completed
before coating commences.
Carbon steel
Metal finishing
Surface laminations and sharp edges should be removed, sharp edges must be rounded off smooth prior to
priming. Weld spatter, or flux, dust and spent abrasive and all contamination must also be removed before
primer application. Ensure substrate is clean and dry before painting.
Coated surfaces
Over coating
When applied on coatings past maximum intercoating interval light abrading may be required to achieve proper
intercoat adhesion.
Organic primers/intermediates
This product must always be applied over a primer approved by Jotun and must be applied within the recoating
interval of the primer as specified. Areas with breakdown, damage, etc. must be prepared to the specified
standard of blast cleaning to Sa 2½ (ISO 8501-1) or power tool cleaning to minimum St 3 (for small areas) and
a coat of primer touched up before the product is applied.
The product has been fire tested as part of a system. For the complete list of approved Jotun primers and other
approved primers please contact Jotun’s technical department.
The typical primer thickness is 75 µm. The maximum recommended dry film thickness of the primer system is
150 µm depending on the type of product used. If the primer system exceeds the maximum recommended DFT
of 150 µm sanding or sweep blasting maybe required to bring down the total DFT of the primer system to below
the specified limit of 150 µm.
If in doubt contact Jotun’s technical department.
In all cases, the intumescent coating manufacturer must be consulted to confirm the compatibility of the priming
system with the intumescent system and, where applicable, the tie coat.
Application
Environmental conditions
Intumescent coatings require a greater degree of environmental monitoring than conventional coatings.
Intumescent coatings are moisture sensitive and must be protected against high humidity, rain and consequent
water ponding both during application, transportation or during storage prior to being erected at site. Otherwise
blistering/delamination will occur.
Moisture resistance:
Steelmaster coated steelwork must be protected. Steelmaster products will react to high humidity, moisture
condensation, rain and/or any water ponding when exposed. This will cause blistering and delamination of the
intumescent coating. Where a topcoat is specified, application must occur as soon as the final coat of
Steelmaster is fully through dry.
Air temperature 10 - 50 °C
Substrate temperature 10 - 50 °C
Relative Humidity (RH) 10 - 80 %
When storing and transporting, the temperature must be between 5 ºC and 25 ºC. Outside of this, it is advisable
to use climatic control. Protect from freezing at all times during storage and transport.
• Only apply the coating when the substrate temperature is at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point
• Do not apply the coating if the substrate is wet or likely to become wet
• Do not apply the coating if the weather is clearly deteriorating or unfavourable for application or curing
• Do not apply the coating in high wind conditions
Where the substrate temperature during application is likely to exceed 40 ºC, it is recommended to apply a thin
coat at DFT 400-500 µm. Allow to dry as per recommended minimum drying time between coats mentioned in
the product technical data sheet. Apply further coats to build up the DFT to the specified thickness as per
loading table/project specification.
It is advisable to apply the product to the steelwork when the building has been made water tight and dry.
Where a topcoat is specified, application must occur as soon as the final coat of Steelmaster is fully through dry.
It is recommended that the ambient conditions are monitored every 4 hours. Where conditions vary it will be
necessary to monitor at least every one or two hours.
Product mixing
Product mixing
Single pack
This product is a high viscosity product. It is possible that this may be effected when stored. It should be mixed
with an air powered mechanical paint mixing tool that is clean and fit for purpose. Mechanically mix for about
1-2 minutes to ensure that the product is mixed to a uniform consistency and to fully incorporate all of the
ingredients into a homogenous mixture.
Slow speed mixers or mechanical mixers are highly recommended to ensure no aeration or air bubbles are
formed during the mixing process.
Thinner/Cleaning solvent
Do not add thinner. The product is ready to use and should not be thinned.
Spray application
Several factors influence, and need to be observed to maintain the recommended pressure at the nozzle. Among
factors causing pressure drop are:
- extended hoses or hose bundles
- extended hose whip-end line
- small internal diameter hoses
- high paint viscosity
- large spray nozzle size
- inadequate air capacity from compressor
- incorrect or clogged filters
The over coating time between each coat depends on the total DFT required to be built up as a system. The
actual drying time can vary depending on environmental conditions such as air temperature, relative humidity,
weather conditions, ventilation and also the number of coats, total dry film thickness applied, etc. Water
ponding must be avoided. Early exposure of Steelmaster to moisture, rainwater, high humidity or condensation
will cause defects such as blistering and/or delamination.
Brush application
This product is suited for brush application only on small areas. Application rates will always be slow when
compared to airless spray. Multi-coat application by brush to achieve high DFT is neither practical nor
economical. Care should be taken to achieve a uniform DFT.
Equipment cleaning
It is recommended as best practice to use airless spray equipment suited exclusively for spraying waterborne
coatings. Although this is not mandatory, well maintained airless spray equipment will perform well. Alternating
use of solvent and water borne coatings need conditioning of the spray equipment to avoid solvent
contamination of the water borne paint. All equipment containing solvent in the pump, hoses and gun must be
thoroughly cleaned. Before spraying, circulate a suitable thinner such as Jotun Thinner No. 17 through the
equipment, hoses and gun until such time clean solvent flows through them. This should be followed by flushing
with clean fresh water through the pump, hoses and gun until you see clean water flow. Care should be taken to
ensure no water is mixed with Steelmaster when the paint is circulated through the pump, hose and gun. Allow
some of the Steelmaster to flow out into the waste container to ensure that any product mixed with water is not
used for spraying. Mixing of even small quantity of water with Steelmaster can affect the spray properties of the
product.
All steel sections must be coated with correct film thickness to achieve the required fire rating. Please refer to
the current loading tables. For further advice please contact your local Jotun office.
Note: The film thickness is only achievable by airless spray application in one coat.
To ensure correct film thickness, it is recommended to measure the wet film thickness continuously during
application using a painter's wet film comb (ISO 2808 Method 1A). Use a wet-to-dry film calculation table to
calculate the required wet film thickness per coat.
A wet to dry film thickness chart is available on the Jotun Web site.
The effectiveness of an intumescent coating is controlled by thickness applied to give the appropriate fire rating.
It is essential to ensure that the correct thickness applicable to each section size is obtained according to the
loading tables issued by Jotun. It is the responsibility of the applicator to ensure all coatings are applied in
accordance with this working procedure and that the specified dry film thickness is achieved on each section.
The film thicknesses for Jotun's intumescent coating are included in the Jotun loading tables (Dft). These
thicknesses apply only to the intumescent coating and are not inclusive of any primer coat. Allowance will have
to be made for the thickness of primer & topcoat (deduct) when measuring the overall system.
Primer thickness may be determined either after application in shop, or on site prior to commencement of
application of the intumescent basecoat. It should be a requirement of the contract that steelwork delivered to
site in primed condition should be accompanied by a documented record of primer thickness supplied by the
fabricator. If this is not available, the site contractor must be required to conduct a primer thickness survey
prior to commencement of intumescent application. Establishing the correct primer thickness is important.
Measurement at this stage will more easily facilitate any subsequent corrections which may prove necessary. If
the total intumescent dry film coating thickness, allowing for the underlying primer, is found to be within
specified tolerances, application of the next coat (usually a decorative and/or protective coat) can proceed.
Indentation of the intumescent coating by the measuring instrument probe indicates insufficient hardness of the
intumescent coating and measurements should be deferred. However, if programming requires coating to
proceed urgently, by agreement with the specifier a shim of known thickness can be used to spread the load of
the probe tip on the coated surface, allowing measurement to proceed before the coating has fully hardened.
The dry film thickness of coating and shim together can then be measured and the shim value deducted to give
the coating thickness.
If the total intumescent dry film coating thickness is found to be outside the specified tolerances, the procedure
outlined below.
stated in the manufacturer’s recommendations, guidance must be obtained from the manufacturer.
Frequency of measurement
The recommended procedure for measuring dry film thickness and the acceptance criteria is based on Section 4.
7 of ASFP Technical Guidance Doument 11.
Where members are less than 2 m in length, three sets of readings shall be taken, one at each end and at the
centre of the member. Each set shall comprise the number of readings on each face given by (i), (ii) or (iii)
above, as appropriate.
When taking DFT readings, it is recommended that no readings are taken within 25 mm of the edge of an I
section or within 25 mm of the join of flange to web of an I section.
The average dry film thickness (dft) applied to each steel section shall be greater than or equal to the specified
dry film thickness.
Where any single thickness reading is found to be less than 80 % of the specified dft, a further three readings
shall be taken within 200 to 300 mm around the area of the low reading. The initial reading may be considered
isolated if all the additional readings are at least 80 % of the specified nominal value. If one or more of the
additional readings are less than 80 % of the specified nominal value, further readings shall be made to
determine the extent of the area of under thickness. In such cases, low thickness areas identified must be
brought up to the specified dry film thickness before proceeding to the next application stage. Individual dry film
thickness readings of less than 50 % of the specified dft are not acceptable.
The average measured dry film thickness of any face of any member should not exceed 10 % of the
manufacturer’s recommended maximum thickness for the particular member shape and orientation.
Ventilation
Coating loss
The consumption of paint should be controlled carefully, with thorough planning and a practical approach to
reducing loss. Application of liquid coatings will result in some material loss. Understanding the ways that
coating can be lost during the application process, and making appropriate changes, can help reducing material
loss.
Some of the factors that can influence the loss of coating material are:
- type of spray gun/unit used
- air pressure used for airless pump or for atomization
- orifice size of the spray tip or nozzle
- fan width of the spray tip or nozzle
- the amount of thinner added
- the distance between spray gun and substrate
- the shape of the substrate target
- environmental conditions such as wind and air temperature
Pre-commissioning considerations
During the above operations damage to the coating system can occur particularly between in-shop applications
through to final erection on site. Due to the relative high film thickness of intumescent systems, coupled with
their drying mechanism, particular care must be taken during handling of steel sections. The paint system
should be allowed to dry for as long as possible before movement to stock or site or before further coating.
Lifting devices should be of suitable material in order to limit the extent of mechanical damage. Contact points
on the coated steel should be protected. If necessary lifting lugs should be incorporated into the fabrication
process to facilitate the lifting of large or complex configurations of steel sections.
Steelmaster coated steelwork must be protected and suitably covered to avoid water ponding. Section pieces
must be stored in a horizontal position with toes down. Provide adequate ventilation and allow air circulation to
facilitate thorough drying. Minimal stacking is recommended.
For transportation of the applied sections from the fabrication yard to the erection site, the complete system
with approved topcoat must be applied. Systems must be allowed to hard dry and approved before movement
to site.
Drying and curing times are determined under controlled temperatures and relative humidity below 80 %, and
at average of the DFT range for the product.
All drying times have been measured at a wet film thickness of 1000 µm.
Topcoating: The minimum overcoating interval of this product with approved topcoats is 48 hours. Prior to
application of topcoat, the applicator must ensure that the specified dry film thickness has been achieved and
the system is dried to handle.
Surface (touch) dry: The state of drying when slight pressure with a finger does not leave an imprint or reveal
tackiness.
Dried to handle: Minimum time before the coated objects can be handled without physical damage.
Dry to over coat, minimum: The shortest time allowed before the next coat can be applied.
The drying time of the intumescent coating system will increase as the DFT of the total system increases, hence
for coating systems higher than 1000 µm DFT the minimum over coating interval of any subsequent coat other
than itself is 48 hours.
The subesequent coat will adhere to the subtrate when applied on top of this product within the given time
frame. However during this period the surface coated with this product should not be exposed to humidity above
80 %. Direct exposure to water without an approved topcoat will have a negative effect on the performance of
the coating system.
Topcoating:
Only topcoats approved by Jotun can be applied over Steelmaster products. Contact Jotun’s technical
department for the approved topcoats.
Prior to application of the topcoat ensure that the Steelmaster has been applied to the specified DFT. The
surface must be clean, dry and free of contamination before applying the topcoat.
The minimum over coating time between Steelmaster and the top coat is 48 hours and when the system is dried
to handle. If the system is not dried to handle, the over coating time may be extended.
Topcoat will normally be applied as per specification. For exposure to corrosivity category C2 (ISO 12944-2) a
minimum of one topcoat at 50 µm dft is recommended. For corrosivity categories C3 and C4 Jotun recommends
two topcoats at 50 µm dft per coat.
It is recommended that the total dft of the topcoat does not exceed 125 µm.
Apply using an airless spray machine and follow the instructions contained on the technical data sheets. Topcoat
can be applied on site by brush/roller, where there is no access or limited access and shall be recorded in the
reports.
It is important that the topcoat is applied at the specified dft film thickness. To achieve a uniform finish on an
uneven surface is difficult and may require additional coats. As a guide the wet film thickness of the topcoat
should be measured at regular intervals to ensure the specified dry film thickness is obtained.
Top coated steelwork should not be exposed to direct sunlight and/or elevated temperatures immediately after
application of the topcoat as this may cause blistering due to entrapped solvents within the Steelmaster.
Even when top coated correctly, any contact with pooling or running water must be avoided.
It is always recommended that all types of damages are repaired at the earliest opportunity to avoid any
moisture ingress that can lead to degradation of the intumescent coating. The repair method will depend on the
extent of damage.
Substrate preparation:
Ensure exposed substrate is clean, dry and free from any contamination such as grease, oil, or salt formation.
Damage to Steelmaster coating - Depending on the extent of damage lightly abrade the surface or ‘’Cut Out’’
as described below. Ensure the primer is not damaged. If the primer is damaged a priming coat will be necessary
. Apply the Steelmaster to the specified film thickness by airless spray/brush.
Damage to the coating that exposes bare steel - Damage to small areas may be mechanically cleaned by
abrasive sanding to a minimum standard of SSPC SP11. Care must be taken to avoid burnishing of the steel
substrate. Overlapping zones to intact coating shall be masked off to a minimum 200 mm distance to the
damaged area. The surrounding area must be covered so that overspray to the sound coating does not occur
during repair application. Edges of intact coating around damage area shall be feathered to ensure a smooth
transition from the coating to the prepared steel.
Large areas of damage shall be dry abrasive blast cleaned to Sa 2½ (ISO 8501-1) preferably by the use of
vacuum blasting equipment to avoid damage to intact coating.
Apply one coat of the original primer or the recommended repair primer prior to applying Steelmaster to the
specified dry film thickness.
Damage to Topcoat only - If only the topcoat is damaged then remove loose unsound coatings and feather
the rough edges. Ensure the surface is free from contamination, sound and dry before applying the topcoat to
the recommended/specified dry film thickness.
When repairing Steelmaster, the intumescent coating must not be applied over top coated areas. Ensure to limit
the primers/ Steelmaster/topcoat within its own layers of coating on feathered edges.
Cut out:
Cut out the Steelmaster coating at least five centimeters from the damaged/heat affected area, in all directions
back to sound edge (large enough to allow manual/mechanical preparation). In case of scattered spot blistering/
damages caused due to water ingress, moisture, high humidity the blisters need to be cut open. Sand down the
affected area, feather the edges and repair as recommended above. In case of extensive blistering/swelling of
the Steelmaster due to the above reasons the coating needs to be removed to bare/primed steel and repaired as
above.
Repair Primer:
Jotamastic 70 Grey / Jotamastic 80 Grey / Jotamastic Smart Pack Grey at DFT 75 -100 μm
Patch prime exposed steel only, using Jotamastic 80 Grey / Jotamastic Smart Pack Grey to achieve DFT 75-100
μm, then allow to dry. Take care not to overlap into the adjacent Steelmaster exposed / feathered area, by
proper protection.
Surface finish
The cosmetic finish of Steelmaster products will depend largely on the method of application. Generally airless
spray application will give a superior finish.
ASFP Technical Guidance Document 11 section 2.1.11 outlines three standards of finish:
1. Basic Finish: The coating system achieves the required fire and corrosion protection performance but is not
required to achieve any required standard of finish
2. Decorative Finish: In addition to item 1, a good standard of cosmetic finish is required when viewed from a
distance of 5 meters. Minor orange peel or other textures resulting from application or localized repair is
acceptable.
3. Bespoke Finish: In addition to item 1, the finish coating is required to have a standard of evenness,
smoothness and gloss agreed between specifier and contractor.
Quality assurance
The following information is the minimum required. The specification may have additional requirements.
- Confirm that all welding and other metal work has been completed before commencing pre-treatment and
surface preparation
- Confirm that installed ventilation is balanced and has the capacity to deliver and maintain the RAQ
- Confirm that the required surface preparation standard has been achieved and is held prior to coating
application
- Confirm that the climatic conditions are within recommendations in the AG, and are held during the application
- Confirm that the required number of stripe coats have been applied
- Confirm that each coat meets the DFT requirements in the specification
- Confirm that the coating has not been adversely affected by rain or other factors during curing
- Observe that adequate coverage has been achieved on corners, crevices, edges and surfaces where the spray
gun cannot be positioned so that its spray impinges on the surface at 90° angle
- Observe that the coating is free from defects, discontinuities, insects, abrasive media and other contamination
- Observe that the coating is free from misses, sags, runs, wrinkles, fat edges, mud cracking, blistering, obvious
pinholes, excessive dry spray, heavy brush marks and excessive film build
- Observe that the uniformity and colour are satisfactory
All noted defects shall be fully repaired to conform to the coating specification.
Caution
This product is for professional use only. The applicators and operators shall be trained, experienced and have
the capability and equipment to mix/stir and apply the coatings correctly and according to Jotun's technical
documentation. Applicators and operators shall use appropriate personal protection equipment when using this
product. This guideline is given based on the current knowledge of the product. Any suggested deviation to suit
the site conditions shall be forwarded to the responsible Jotun representative for approval before commencing
the work.
For further advice please contact your local Jotun office.
Accuracy of information
Always refer to and use the current (last issued) version of the TDS, SDS and if available, the AG for this
product. Always refer to and use the current (last issued) version of all International and Local Authority
Standards referred to in the TDS, AG & SDS for this product.
Colour variation
Some coatings used as the final coat may fade and chalk in time when exposed to sunlight and weathering
effects. Coatings designed for high temperature service can undergo colour changes without affecting
performance. Some slight colour variation can occur from batch to batch. When long term colour and gloss
retention is required, please seek advice from your local Jotun office for assistance in selection of the most
suitable top coat for the exposure conditions and durability requirements.
When applicable, refer to the separate application procedure for Jotun products that are approved to
classification societies such as PSPC, IMO etc.
Disclaimer
The information in this document is given to the best of Jotun's knowledge, based on laboratory testing and
practical experience. Jotun's products are considered as semi-finished goods and as such, products are often
used under conditions beyond Jotun's control. Jotun cannot guarantee anything but the quality of the product
itself. Minor product variations may be implemented in order to comply with local requirements. Jotun reserves
the right to change the given data without further notice.
Users should always consult Jotun for specific guidance on the general suitability of this product for their needs
and specific application practices.
If there is any inconsistency between different language issues of this document, the English (United Kingdom)
version will prevail.