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Sherwin-Williams expands its world-class range of solvent-based intumescent coatings

Faster drying, lower thickness, improved performance: welcome to the evolution of FIRETEX

Do more with less, thanks to two new additions to the Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine’s FIRETEX world-class range of solvent-based intumescent coatings. FIRETEX FX1008 and FX2008 offer superior performance and up to 120 minutes of fire protection in line with BS-476 testing. Compared to conventional 1-pack solvent-based material, they provide faster drying times and lower film thickness for more efficient, more cost-effective protection of assets such as stadiums, high-rise buildings and transportation hubs, factories, warehouses and data centres.

While FX2008 has a more specialised solvent blend with a lower flash point temperature and is suitable for use during application in shop, FX1008, employs a high-flash point solvent blend to optimise application characteristics and improved safety for use on site. Both ensure consistent film build, excellent durability, and a smooth architectural finish, even under demanding site conditions.

Part of the organisation’s one-pack solvent-based intumescent fire protection range, the products enable faster build time and higher throughput, with no compromise on quality, safety, or performance.

Combined with support from Sherwin-Williams’ Fire Engineering and Estimation Team (FEET), FIRETEX helps provide cost-effective, code-compliant, sustainable fire protection solutions. FEET, which includes qualified engineers and members of recognised professional institutions, offers an estimation service based on customer drawings and 3D BIM models to evaluate the necessary thickness of FX in each steel section. The team implements the industry-leading Firetex Design Estimator (FDE) software, which offers advanced engineering analysis features, to further optimise fire protection material requirements, and offers a comprehensive CO2 report for each project.

Alex Tsiolas, Senior Portfolio Manager: Fire Protection EMEAI at Sherwin-Williams said:

“FX2008 for controlled in-shop coating and FX1008 for dynamic on-site work were engineered to boost efficiency on projects ranging from high-value infrastructure to manufacturing and processing facilities.

“Their superior performance provide 90 to 120 minutes of passive fire protection. And their faster drying and lower thickness requirements keep schedules moving, reduce material usage, and, ultimately, save contractors valuable time and money.”

Key features and benefits:

Greater application efficiency:

Faster drying enables quicker recoating and reduced waiting times, helping projects stay on schedule, both in-shop and on-site;

Lower material consumption: reduced film build means less product is needed per project, leads to cost savings and more competitive bids;
Versatile use across environments: FX2008 supports controlled in-shop production workflows, while FX1008 withstands variable on-site conditions without compromising finish;
Improved productivity for contractors: Faster project turnaround and reduced labour hours, making it ideal for complex, large-scale or time-sensitive builds;
High-quality final appearance: Smooth, consistent finish with coloured and tintable topcoats suitable for exposed architectural steel;
Enhanced performance for high fire-resistance requirements: Reliable protection for 90–120-minute ratings, addressing increasing safety demands in modern infrastructure.

For more information: protectiveemea.sherwin-williams.com