Can You Paint Over Fire Retardant Paint?

Fire retardant paint can be vital to any business's fire safety protocols. Applying a coating that can slow the spread of flames and reduce the heat intensity can help ensure your building is as safe as possible in a fire hazard.

If you’re a business owner, you must take the necessary steps to ensure your building is up to code regarding fire safety. One way you can do this is by using fire retardant paint on surfaces such as walls or ceilings.

But what do you do when you need to repaint those areas? Can you paint over fire retardant paint? Let's look at what you can do in this situation and tips for getting the best results.

Is Paint Fire Resistant?

The short answer is yes–fire retardant paints are specifically designed and made with additives that protect if there is ever a fire. These paints have been tested for effectiveness against the flame spread and smoke development, so if you use them in your business, they should provide sufficient protection from any potential fires.

Fire Retardant Paint Tips

When painting over fire retardant paint, it depends on what paint was initially used. If it is latex-based paint, you can apply another layer over the top without issue.

However, if the original layer was an oil-based paint,–you cannot add another coat of paint over the top because oil-based paints don't adhere well to other types of paints and may peel off in time.

Some additional tips to get the best results when painting over fire retardant paint include:

1. Make sure the original layer is completely dry before beginning the painting process; otherwise, the new coat won't adhere properly and may start peeling off soon after application.
2. Test out small patches first before committing to the entire area, just in case there are any issues with adhesion or compatibility between the old and new coats of paint.
3. Be sure touse a primer before starting; this will help ensure better adhesion and prevent potential problems.
4. If painting over an oil-based layer, make sure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned prior; otherwise, dust or dirt particles may disrupt adhesion resulting in poor finish quality or peeling later down the line.
5. Use brushes instead of rollers for better coverage; this will also help ensure a more even finish with fewer streaks throughout the painted surface(s).

Get the Best in Class Products for Each Code Requirement

AtRDR Technologies, we specialize in providing high-quality fire retardants that meet all industry standards for safety and performance as mandated by codes and regulations across various industries, including commercial construction and residential housing markets.

We offer best-in-class products from major manufacturers along with our custom formulas built for each unique customer requirement.

If you require a special fire retardant or are still determining which product you need, call us at 405-306-3062 or doug@rdrtechnologies.com.