Description
Safewalls Insulating Basecoat
Thermoguard Safewalls Insulating Basecoat is an intumescent fire protection coating designed for internal walls and ceilings with existing paint layers, wallpaper or difficult-to-remove decorative finishes.
As the first stage of the Thermoguard Safewalls system, this specialist insulating basecoat helps control surface spread of flame, smoke development and flaming droplets while preparing the surface for the Safewalls Anti-Viral Smoke & Flame Retardant finish coat.
The system is particularly suited to communal buildings, high-occupancy environments and refurbishment projects where stripping back multiple historic paint layers would be impractical or disruptive.
What It Does
- Provides an intumescent insulating layer for walls and ceilings.
- Helps slow surface flame spread during a fire.
- Works beneath Safewalls Anti-Viral Smoke & Flame Retardant topcoat.
- Allows upgrading of previously painted surfaces without full removal.
- Supports smoke suppression and flaming droplet control within the complete system.
Why Choose Safewalls Insulating Basecoat?
- Ideal for refurbishment work: suitable over multiple layers and combinations of existing paints.
- Reduced disruption: avoids the need for major stripping or wall replacement in many projects.
- Modern fire standards: designed to help achieve EN Class B s1 d0 performance.
- Works as part of a hygienic coating system: compatible with the Safewalls anti-viral finish coat.
- Smooth decorative finish: designed to provide a clean finished appearance after overcoating.
Where It Can Be Used
- Previously painted walls and ceilings
- Wallpapered surfaces
- Communal hallways and stairwells
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals and healthcare settings
- Care homes and sheltered accommodation
- Commercial buildings and offices
Ideal For
- High occupancy buildings
- Public sector refurbishments
- Fire safety upgrades
- Property management companies
- Social housing projects
- Hotels and hospitality environments
- Buildings requiring enhanced smoke control performance
Fire Performance
- Designed to achieve BS EN Class B s1 d0 as part of the complete Safewalls system.
- Supports Class 0 performance requirements.
- Helps control toxic smoke production and flaming droplets.
- Intumescent technology expands during fire exposure to create an insulating barrier.
- Can form part of systems specified for 30 or 60 minute fire resistance in certain applications.
How The System Works
- Safewalls Insulating Basecoat forms the intumescent fire protection layer.
- Under heat exposure, the coating expands to create an insulating char barrier.
- The Safewalls Anti-Viral Smoke & Flame Retardant topcoat adds decorative finish and additional smoke suppression properties.
- Together, the system helps reduce flame spread and smoke hazards across wall and ceiling surfaces.
Compatible Topcoat
- Thermoguard Safewalls Anti-Viral Smoke & Flame Retardant should be used as the finishing coat.
- Matching colours should normally be selected in both basecoat and topcoat for best appearance.
- The full Safewalls system is required to achieve tested performance.
Application Information
- Apply one coat at the specified coverage rate.
- Suitable for brush, roller or spray application.
- Use woven fabric roller sleeves and synthetic brushes for best results.
- Do not overspread the product, as this may affect fire performance.
- Overcoat with Safewalls Anti-Viral Smoke & Flame Retardant after drying.
Surface Preparation
- All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from grease, smoke residue and contamination.
- Loose or unstable coatings should be removed back to a sound edge.
- Smooth glossy surfaces should be lightly abraded before application.
- Repair damaged areas with suitable filler before coating.
- Seal water stains using a compatible stain-blocking primer if required.
Drying Information
- Typically touch dry in approximately 1 hour under normal conditions.
- Usually overcoatable after around 4 hours.
- Drying times vary depending on temperature, humidity and ventilation.
- Do not apply below recommended temperature limits.
Good To Know
- This product is designed as the first stage of the complete Safewalls system.
- The matching Safewalls topcoat is required for tested performance.
- Coverage rates are critical to achieving certification.
- Suitable for many previously painted surfaces without total paint removal.
- Project-specific specification advice is strongly recommended for large or regulated projects.
Need To Upgrade Existing Painted Walls Without Major Removal Work?
Many older buildings contain multiple historic paint layers which can increase flame spread risk. Safewalls Insulating Basecoat is designed to help upgrade these surfaces to modern fire standards without the disruption of complete wall stripping or replacement.
Need Help Specifying A Safewalls System?
Different buildings, substrates and fire performance targets may require different Safewalls specifications. If you are unsure which system build-up is suitable for your project, contact the Thermoguard technical team before ordering.
Technical Support: 01142 768008
Email: technical@thermoguard.co.uk
