When installing intumescent coatings, it is crucial to spray them effectively and accurately. With the help of Paint to Protect, IDI put together this handy guide for ease of application along with some cold weather DC315 tips to get you through the winter months.
DC315: Preparation & Usage Best Practice Tips
DC315 is the most cost-effective intumescent coating solution available today — but it only performs accurately when prepared and sprayed correctly. Ensure you and your crew finish every insulation project with a secure thermal barrier by always following these best practices:
Make compliance your number 1 priority
Successful jobs start with choosing a coating that meets every IBC/IRC code requirement. DC315 is the most tested coating on the market. It is approved for spray over the most insulation products (compared to competitors) and carries two evaluation reports that list all code compliant assemblies.
The team at IFTI (International Fireproof Technology Inc.) and IDI are committed to helping you whenever an authority with jurisdiction needs training or added support.
Learn more about DC315’s safety beyond compare and certified rating/testing, then order yours through your local IDI rep.
Mix properly — one of the most crucial steps!
What’s so important about mixing? When you first open a bucket of DC315, all the solids have latched onto each other in groups. This leaves you with a very thick product, which makes running it through your sprayer a frustrating challenge. Therefore, it’s crucial to fully mix the DC315 product before applying it.
Our recommended best practices:
- Paddle mix the product for a full five minutes to help decrease the viscosity by nearly 1/3.
- Always have a copy of the DC315 Application Guide handy at all times. Ideal for unexpected issues or less-experienced crew members.
Find the right equipment
Spraying water is easy, but high solid materials like DC315 require next-level equipment. Getting the right equipment in the beginning prevents headaches and helps your machine last longer.
Before your next project, check out this DC315 Equipment Guide for more information on choosing the right size of equipment. Then, contact your local IDI rep with any further questions to ensure you’re not forgetting important materials for the job ahead.
Understand surface texture
The foam that you’ll be coating may need a little extra attention — so always be sure to inspect for glossy surfaces before you spray. Glossy or smooth spray foam can cause adhesion issues and uneven foam, which will take more paint and more labor to cover.
Watch this 2-minute video to see how you can identify and eliminate glossy foam surfaces while maximizing your SPF yield.
Teach & enforce proper spraying methods
Spraying evenly prevents excessive amounts of wet coating from building up and protects against potential cracking.
Our recommended best practices:
- When spraying DC315, spray up and down as well as left to right to ensure optimal coverage.
- If you find bald spots, wait until the foam is fully cured and spray using the same method above a second time. Check out this video for a tutorial on this cross-out method.
- Be sure to check coating thickness during application to ensure you’re up to code. Use this simple method for measuring coating thickness in the field.
Plan for cold weather
In most cases, applying DC315 in the winter isn’t too different than applying it in any other season, but there are a few important things to remember:
- Do not store DC315 at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Do not place containers that contain DC315 directly on concrete or warehouse floors
- When applying DC315, maintain a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the area of application for at least 4 days
- Never leave DC315 in rigs overnight, outside, or in an unconditioned garage
If you are concerned that your DC315 might be frozen or is too thick to apply, please contact Paint to Protect at 949-975-8588 or reach out to your local IDI rep.
For detailed instructions on applying DC315 in the winter watch our 2-minute video tutorial!
Follow other temperature limit best practices
If you are applying intumescent coatings with temperature or humidity constraints, consider two lighter coats instead of one thick one. Two light passes will distribute the coating evenly during cold or humid conditions. Additionally, be sure to maintain proper ventilation for the duration of the intumescent coating cure time … not just until it’s time to go home.
See our Ventilation Guide to ensure you’re properly ventilating your job sites.
Keep accurate records
Having accurate records handy will help you avoid penalties and answer concerns, regarding application and compliance, should they arise. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Here are our recommended best practices:
- Complete Paint to Protect’s Installation Job Work Record for each project to ensure your work is up to code.
- Be sure to check out our Master Specification to find the equipment that’s been tested and approved for spraying DC315 in cold weather or unconditioned spaces.
Getting the Most Out of Your Product
Feel confident in the quality and safety of your projects and ensure your crew always follows these best practices when applying DC315.
For more information on properly applying DC315 or to ensure you’re equipped for up-to-code spraying — contact your IDI rep. Our experienced staff is capable of answering your most urgent questions!