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ORIGINAL THIN-FILM INTUMESCENT COATING

Certified Multi-Hour Fire Protection with Contego Original Intumescent Paint.

$390.00

  • ASTM E119 & UL 263 Fire Tested (Up to 2–3 Hr)
  • ASTM E84 Class A Flame Spread 0 & Smoke 10
  • Solids Content: 54.5% by Weight (48% Volume)
  • Zero Halogens & Ultra-Low VOC (< 15 g/L)

Shield interior spaces with Contego Original Intumescent Paint, the industry-standard reactive fire barrier. This full-bodied, water-based acrylic latex coating provides elite passive fire protection for wood, drywall, concrete, and spray foam insulation. Dries to a paper-smooth, paintable finish that expands under extreme heat to block thermal collapse and buy critical evacuation time. Non-toxic, zero-VOC, and completely odorless, Contego Original is perfect for schools, hospitals, and residential projects. Buy Contego Original for verified, code-compliant fire safety.

54.5%
Solids by Weight
1–3 Hour Ratings
UL 263 / ASTM E119

Contego Original Formula Intumescent Paint

Safeguard your interior spaces with Contego Original Formula Intumescent Paint, the industry-standard reactive fire barrier (RFB) engineered for versatile substrate compatibility. Designed primarily for interior building materials, this full-bodied, water-based acrylic latex coating provides elite passive fire protection without compromising on architectural beauty.

Unlike heavy, industrial fireproofing materials, Contego Original dries to a paper-smooth, crisp white finish. It looks exactly like a high-quality primer yet stands ready to expand up to 100 times its thickness into a thick, insulating char layer when exposed to extreme heat—buying critical evacuation time.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Multi-Substrate Versatility: Optimally formulated for seamless adhesion to dimensional lumber, manufactured wood (OSB, plywood, and MDF), drywall, gypsum board, plaster, and concrete.

  • Superior Spray Foam Protection: Meets and exceeds the 15-minute thermal barrier requirements (UL 1715/IBC-2603) for spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation.

  • Easy Application: No specialized equipment needed. It applies effortlessly using a standard brush, roller, or airless sprayer, reducing labor costs and shortening project timelines.

  • Zero-VOC & Non-Toxic: Safe for eco-conscious projects and occupied spaces. It is entirely odorless, non-carcinogenic, and non-dermatic, making it ideal for schools, hospitals, and homes.

  • Architectural Finish: Can be top-coated with any premium acrylic or alkyd paint, allowing you to meet strict building codes while matching any interior design aesthetic.

Certified Code Compliance

Contego Original is rigorously tested and certified by global standards (including UL, Intertek, and ASTM). It adds up to a 1-to-2-hour fire resistance rating depending on the substrate and film thickness, ensuring full compliance with local building codes.

The Fire Stops Here. Bring elite, non-toxic passive fire protection to your project. Order Contego Original Formula today for invisible safety and verified peace of mind.

Additional information

Weight 60 lbs
Dimensions 13 × 13 × 15 in

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UL 263 / ASTM E119
Certified 1, 2, and 3-hour fire endurance ratings for structural steel columns, beams, and fluted decking.
ASTM E84 / UL 723
Class A flame spread index 0, smoke development index 10 on steel, wood, and drywall.
NFPA 255 & 286
Complies with NFPA life safety codes for interior room corner burn compliance.
CAN/ULC-S101 & S102
Canadian standard fire endurance and flame propagation standards.
FORMULATED FOR STRUCTURAL STEEL, TIMBER & COMPOSITES

Why Professionals Specify Contego Original

Engineered specifically for architects and certified fireproofing contractors seeking maximum fire ratings with thinner dry film thicknesses, lower labor costs, and an ultra-smooth architectural finish.

Proven Thin-Film Smoothness

With 54.5% solids formulation and balanced 95–110 KU viscosity, Contego Original sprays effortlessly through standard commercial airless pumps, yielding an architectural-grade finish without cratering, orange peel, or sag.

  • Optimized 15–20 mils WFT per application pass
  • Fast recoat times for accelerated project schedules

Micro-Cellular Thermal Char

When exposed to fire or temperatures exceeding 392°F (200°C), Contego Original expands up to 30x–40x into a dense, closed-cell carbon matrix that insulates structural steel from reaching critical failure temperature (1000°F).

  • Expands up to 30x–40x original dry film thickness
  • Delays steel core temperature rise past 1000°F

Architectural Grade Aesthetics & Priming

Dries bright white with a flat architectural finish. Readily accepts acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane topcoats in any custom color without bleeding or adhesion issues.

  • Clean, bright white architectural flat appearance
  • Compatible with acrylic, alkyd, epoxy & urethane topcoats
UNIVERSAL SUBSTRATE COMPATIBILITY

Approved Substrates & Fireproofing Applications

Contego Original is tested and approved for a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, and residential structural materials.

Recommended Substrates & Assemblies

Structural Steel & Metal Decking

Wide flange I-beams, hollow structural sections (HSS), fluted metal roof and floor decks, and architectural columns requiring up to 3-hour UL 263 ratings.

Heavy Timber, Glulam & Wood Trusses

Exposed architectural timber framing, cross-laminated timber (CLT), dimensional lumber, plywood subfloors, and wood roof truss systems.

Aluminum, Spray Polyurethane Foam & Composites

Architectural aluminum facades, HVAC ductwork, and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation requiring an approved 15-minute thermal barrier.

Interior Gypsum, Drywall & Wallboard

Interior drywall partitions, elevator shafts, stairwells, and service corridors seeking Class A flame spread reduction.

Surface Preparation & Special Considerations

Steel Priming Required

Structural steel must be free of mill scale, rust, grease, and moisture. Apply over a compatible rust-inhibitive alkyd, epoxy, or zinc-rich primer meeting SSPC-SP 6 commercial blast cleaning.

Moisture Content on Wood (≤ 15%)

Verify wood substrates are dry and moisture levels are below 15% prior to coating. Do not apply onto wet, green, or resinous uncured lumber without proper solvent wipe down.

Exterior & High Humidity Top-Coating

For exterior exposures, unconditioned spaces, or high-humidity environments, Contego Original must be top-coated with an approved weather-resistant exterior acrylic or polyurethane finish.

Temperature & Dew Point Constraints

Apply only when ambient and substrate temperatures are between 50°F (10°C) and 95°F (35°C), and at least 5°F above the dew point with relative humidity below 80%.

LABORATORY VERIFIED

Technical Specifications & Engineering Data

Comprehensive physical, chemical, fire endurance, and environmental test properties for Contego Original Formula.

Property Specification Value Standard / Test Method
Physical State & Appearance Viscous white fluid, smooth architectural finish Visual Inspection
Solids Content by Weight 54.5% (± 2.0%) ASTM D2369
Solids Content by Volume 48.0% (± 2.0%) ASTM D2697
Specific Gravity / Density 1.28 – 1.32 g/cm³ (10.7 – 11.0 lbs/gal) ASTM D1475
pH Balance 7.5 – 8.5 (Neutral to Mild Alkaline) Standard pH Probe
Viscosity 95 – 110 Krebs Units (KU) @ 77°F (25°C) ASTM D562 (Stormer)
Flash Point Non-Flammable (Water-based formulation) Pensky-Martens Closed Cup
Theoretical Coverage Rate 770 sq. ft./gal @ 1 mil DFT (~51 sq. ft./gal @ 15 mils DFT) Calculated Volume Solids
Shelf Life 2 Years in unopened original container (Store 50°F–90°F) Accelerated Stability Testing
Fire Standard Rating Achieved Assembly / Substrate Tested
ASTM E119 / UL 263 1, 2, and 3-Hour Fire Endurance Ratings Structural Steel Columns (W-shapes, Tube, Pipe) & Restrained Beams
ASTM E84 / UL 723 Class A Flame Spread Index: 0 | Smoke Developed: 10 Plywood, Red Oak, Oriented Strand Board, and Gypsum Board
CAN/ULC-S101 & S102 1 & 2 Hour Fire Resistance Performance Canadian Building Code Structural Assemblies
NFPA 255 & 286 Passed Room Corner Fire Evaluation Interior Wall and Ceiling Assemblies with Spray Foam / SPF
UL 1715 15-Minute Thermal Barrier Approval Spray Applied Polyurethane Foam Insulation (Wall & Ceiling)
Expansion Ratio Up to 30x–40x Intumescent Expansion Char Volume Cone Calorimetry / Furnace Exposure (>392°F / 200°C)
Environmental Criterion Test Result / Verification Regulatory Standard
VOC Content < 15 g/L (Ultra-Low VOC, Waterborne) EPA Method 24 / SCAQMD Rule 1113 Compliant
Halogen & Asbestos Content 100% Free of Chlorine, Bromine, Asbestos, & Lead RoHS & REACH Directive Verification
LEED v4 / v4.1 Compliance Contributes to Low-Emitting Materials Credits CDPH Standard Method v1.2
Odor Profile Negligible, mild latex-like odor during wet application Occupied Space Friendly
Clean-Up Solvent Warm Water & Mild Soap (No organic solvents required) Safe Workshop & Jobsite Wash
SIMPLE 4-STEP INDUSTRIAL WORKFLOW

How to Apply Contego Original Intumescent Paint

Follow these verified industrial steps to achieve certified dry film thicknesses and pass municipal fire marshal field inspections.

1

Surface Prep & Priming

Clean substrates of mill scale, rust, dirt, and oils. Prime structural steel with an approved alkyd or epoxy primer. Ensure wood moisture is below 15%.

2

Mechanical Agitation

Power mix thoroughly using a heavy-duty mechanical drill with a spiral paddle for 2–3 minutes until completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in body.

3

Airless Spray Application

Apply utilizing an airless sprayer (min. 2,500–3,000 PSI, tip sizes .019″–.025″). Spray in even, cross-hatch passes at 15–20 mils Wet Film Thickness.

4

DFT Inspection & Topcoat

Verify Dry Film Thickness (DFT) with a calibrated magnetic or ultrasonic gauge. Apply architectural topcoat for exterior exposure or custom aesthetic tint.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Contego Original ratings, spray equipment, thicknesses, and code sign-offs.

Contego Original features a 54.5% solids content by weight (48% volume) with a viscosity of 95–110 KU, making it exceptionally easy to spray with standard commercial airless pumps without strain. It creates an ultra-smooth, fine architectural finish. Contego High Solids, by contrast, contains 71% solids by weight and is designed for applicators seeking to build higher wet mil thickness per pass (25–30 mils WFT) on large structural steel projects. Both formulas deliver certified multi-hour fire resistance.
No intumescent coating should be applied to bare unprimed steel. Contego Original is engineered to be applied directly over standard commercial rust-inhibitive alkyd, epoxy, or zinc-rich primers that have been applied over cleaned steel (SSPC-SP 6 commercial blast cleaning). Ensure primer is fully cured and free of oil or contaminants before coating with Contego Original.
Yes! While Contego Original cures to a clean, bright white architectural flat matte, it can be tinted using universal waterborne colorants up to 2 oz per gallon (pastel/light shades). For vibrant or dark branding colors, or for exterior and high-traffic interior walls, you can topcoat Contego Original with any compatible waterborne 100% acrylic, epoxy, or aliphatic polyurethane without degrading its fire resistance capabilities.
Contego Original is easily applied using standard commercial airless spray rigs (minimum 2,500 to 3,000 PSI and 0.75 to 1.0 GPM delivery, such as Graco Ultra Max II 695 / 795 or Titan Impact 740 / 840). Remove rock catchers and gun filters. Use a 3/8" or 1/4" high-pressure fluid hose with reversible spray tips sized between .019" and .025". Brush or roller application is approved for small touch-up areas and tight structural flanges.
Absolutely. Contego Original holds accredited third-party certified testing under ASTM E119, UL 263, ASTM E84, and CAN/ULC-S101. It satisfies the strict requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and municipal fire regulations nationwide. With every commercial order, our engineering desk supplies full submittal packages, UL design listings, and official Certificates of Compliance.
DIRECT TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Need a Custom Submittal, DFT Calculation?

Our in-house chemical engineers and fireproofing estimators assist architects, structural engineers, and applicators with beam W/D calculations, submittal packets, and bulk job site delivery.

Direct Phone Line
+1 (219) 926-1477
SUPPORT Desk Hours
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

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