Dulux Trade is giving specifiers greater choice when it comes to addressing fire safety regulations, with the launch of Pyroshield Durable Eggshell. Extending its existing Pyroshield range of flame retardant coatings, Dulux Trade has unveiled a new water-based, highly scuff and stain resistant finish, which is designed to upgrade surface fire classification from Class 3 to Class O of Approved Document B to the Building Regulations, as measured by British Standard BS 476-10:2009.
As part of the Building Regulations, high traffic areas, such as public spaces and escape routes in residential and non-residential buildings, are required to meet Class O, the highest level of fire safety performance. While multiple layers of existing paint can contribute to fire growth and spread, the Pyroshield range works in three ways – firstly, it reduces the amount of oxygen available to the fire. Secondly, when exposed to heat, Pyroshield takes in oxygen and releases steam, which cools the heat of the fire. Thirdly, it creates a thermally stable char which forms a barrier between the flames and the flammable sub-layers.
Building on the technology behind the current Pyroshield range, Dulux Trade has created a new formulation, which allows for the easier removal of stains and marks, thus extending maintenance cycles. Emeka Maduka, Brand Manager for Specialist Products at Dulux Trade, explains: “Alongside meeting required levels of fire performance, maintenance professionals are also challenged to achieve excellent standards of durability, especially in busy circulation areas. To meet these needs, Pyroshield Durable Eggshell offers good adhesion, meaning it provides a robust, decorative finish which can be washed allowing for the easier removal of stains.
“When developing Pyroshield Durable Eggshell, we’ve considered the time and design pressures faced by maintenance professionals too. In fact, the coating provides a Class O finish in just two coats, saving valuable time and resources, and with the introduction of the product in Pure Brilliant White and a light base, it can be purchased in a wide range of pale colours, giving extensive colour scheming flexibility.”
Pyroshield Durable Eggshell joins the existing range of Dulux Trade flame retardant paints, including Pyroshield Basecoat, which when used as part of a system can upgrade surfaces from a Class 4 to Class O rating, and Pyroshield Durable Matt. The new Eggshell finish is available in 5l tins.
