Fire protection coatings don’t have to be purely functional. While intumescent paints are designed for life safety, IFTI has developed solutions that also give builders and designers a choice in appearance.
IFTI’s leading products, DC315 is available in several 4 factory-approved intumescent paint colors. These coatings provide proven fire resistance and a clean, professional finish — all without compromising code compliance.
IFTI Intumescent Paint Color Options
DC315 is available in standard, pre-tinted colors direct from the manufacturer. These options provide aesthetic flexibility while maintaining tested performance under NFPA 286, ASTM E84, and ASTM E119 standards.
Available colors include:
- White – The most common and reflective finish, ideal for commercial and industrial applications.
- Ice Grey – A light, neutral grey tone suited to modern architectural interiors and exposed installations.
- Dark Gray – An aesthetically pleasing dark gray finish
- Black – Available upon request for darker finishes where a uniform appearance is required.
Each color is tested to ensure identical performance — including adhesion, expansion and thermal protection — across all approved substrates and application thicknesses.
Tinting DC315 and DC360: Do It Carefully
IFTI’s DC315 and DC360 coatings can be tinted within specific limits, but it must be done precisely to avoid altering the coating’s chemistry. Tinting should only be performed by qualified paint professionals using compatible water-based colorants.
IFTI’s approved guideline is no more than 1 ounce of tint per U.S. gallon. This ensures that:
- The product maintains its fire-rated expansion and char formation properties.
- Viscosity and coverage remain within tested application parameters.
- The coating continues to meet UL/C, ASTM and NFPA listing requirements.
Exceeding the approved tint amount, or using solvent-based colorants, can negatively affect the fire performance of the coating. For that reason, IFTI recommends contacting a certified distributor or the IFTI technical team before making any tinting adjustments.
Top-coating IFTI Intumescent Paints
If a project requires a specific color beyond the standard factory range, both DC315 and DC360 can be top-coated with an approved water-based latex or acrylic paint.
However, certain rules apply:
Wait For the Full Cure
The IFTI coating must dry and cure completely (typically 24 hours) before applying a topcoat.
Use Only Water-Based Topcoats
Solvent-based finishes can break down the intumescent film.
Apply a Thin, Even Layer
Excessive build-up can reduce the coating’s ability to expand during fire exposure.
IFTI’s Top-Coat and Tinting Guide outlines the full procedure, including compatible paints and recommended film thickness. Following these instructions ensures the system remains compliant and retains its tested performance.
Why Color Control Matters for ‘Fireproof’ Paints
Intumescent coatings react to heat — expanding to form a protective char that insulates the underlying surface. Even small changes to pigment content or topcoat chemistry can alter how that reaction occurs.
By offering pre-approved color options and controlled tinting methods, IFTI ensures that builders and applicators can achieve both design flexibility and certified safety. Every color formulation is tested for consistent adhesion, expansion ratio, and long-term durability under real-world conditions.
IFTI’s approach eliminates the need for guesswork, giving architects and contractors peace of mind that the chosen color still delivers the same fire protection the coating was designed to provide.
Performance Meets Aesthetic
IFTI’s DC315 and DC360 coatings are engineered for high performance, but they also offer a clean, professional finish suited to visible spaces in commercial, industrial and residential projects.
Whether you need a bright white for light reflectivity, a neutral gray for open industrial spaces, or a darker tone for architectural continuity, IFTI’s factory-approved intumescent paint colors give you both the safety and the finish your project demands.
Contact our technical team for help selecting the right color and coating system for your application.