Technical Information

SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

The following technical information is given as guidance for acceptance of other manufacturers
primers based on generic type and for the maximum primer dry film thickness (dft) for use with
SteelMaster. Guidance for Jotun topcoats on SteelMaster is also given.

Recommendations herein are based on current available knowledge and best practice.
Operating outside of these constitutes a risk which requires further evaluation and must be
confirmed from a regional technical and commercial viewpoint.

This document is relevant to the following SteelMaster products:

SteelMaster [1200WF] / [600WF] / [60WB] / [120SB] / [60SB] / [60/120]

Jotun reserve the right to update and modify this document as required.

Table of Contents
1. Primers by Generic Types ........................................................................................... 2
1.1 Primer System Maximum Dry Film Thickness ............................................................. 3
1.2 Primer Compatibility Letter of Confirmation ............................................................... 3
2. Approved Topcoats .................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Topcoat Systems and Environments ......................................................................... 4
3. Approval Process for Jotun Primers and Topcoats .......................................................... 5
4. On-site Adhesion Requirements .................................................................................. 5

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Technical Information
SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

1. Primers by Generic Types

Jotun primers for SteelMaster are to be selected from the latest revision of the approved Jotun
primer and topcoat list (TSS-TI-092). It is preferred that Jotun primers are specified, however
acceptance of other manufacturers primers can be given on a project by project basis, after
evaluation of the product and safety data sheets for the primer.

Evaluation and initial approval is based on the generic type, curing mechanism and declared
gloss level for the manufacturers primer. Due to on-site practicalities and application
conditions, laboratory evaluation can therefore only have limited application. It is recommended
that a coatings procedure test (CPT) or reference panel for the fireproofing system is made to
confirm surface preparation and adhesion before the main application work commences.

It should be clear that Jotun does not accept any responsibility with primers and primer systems
manufactured by third parties. Jotun does not have control over consistency or quality of
products manufactured by other parties, nor have control over the application or condition of
these materials at the time of over coating with SteelMaster products. It is therefore strongly
recommended that the user, whether they are the fabrication company, paint applicator or
SteelMaster applicator, conduct whatever evaluation is necessary on-site to ensure that the
primer is in sound condition at time of over coating with SteelMaster fireproofing systems.

The generic types of primers given in Table 1 are suitable for use with SteelMaster. Evaluation
to be made in review of primer product and safety data sheets, with comparison to type of
primers on the approved Jotun primers list.

If the primer system matches with the requirements in table 1, then is it acceptable. If
uncertain, contact TSS PFP.

Generic Type Comparable Product

Single pack alkyd (including ZP)

Pilot QD Primer
modified, quick drying, xylene based short oil alkyd

Epoxy (including ZP, MIO)

Penguard Primer/Express/HSP/WF, Muki EPS
2-pack, solvent & water borne

Zinc epoxy + epoxy tie-coat

Barrier(s) + Penguard Primer / Tie Coat 100
2-pack, solvent & water borne

Zinc silicate + epoxy tie-coat Resist(s) + Penguard Primer / Tie Coat 100

Jotun Gloss Levels (GU 60°)

• Matt (0-30) finish is acceptable.
• Semi-gloss (30-75) will require caution for sanding may be required of primer to improve hold
up for first coat of intumescent.
• Gloss is not acceptable for use.
Caution: Other manufacturers definitions/terminology for gloss finish may differ.

Table 1. Generic comparison

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Technical Information
SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

1.1 Primer System Maximum Dry Film Thickness

Jotun’s first line of recommendation given in the current SteelMaster Application Guide is based
on guidance from the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection); the maximum
recommended dry film thickness (DFT) of the primer system is 150μm depending on the type of
product used. If the primer system exceeds the maximum recommended DFT of 150μm sanding
or sweep blasting maybe required to bring down the total DFT of the primer system to below
the specified limit of 150μm.

If required, project specific approval may be given for generic epoxy primer systems up to a
mean dry film thickness of 250µm, with single readings up to 300µm. Evaluation of each
project is to be made by country TSS responsible before acceptance.

1.2 Primer Compatibility Letter of Confirmation

Confirmation of Jotun or third party primer compatibility is to be given by country or regional
TSS. TSS Policy is that letters are to be project specific. If general approval for primer is given,
letter template from by TSS PFP to be issued on local Jotun company letter head.
Take note of maximum overcoating intervals stipulated in primer product data sheet, which
should be stated in the compatibility letter. For example, the modified alkyd primer may have a
maximum overcoating interval of 14 days and must be abraded before overcoating.

2. Approved Topcoats
Topcoats are used with intumescent coatings to provide aesthetics and/or protection. Since
most thin film intumescent coatings are formulated using water sensitive ingredients, at
relatively high pigment level, topcoats provide protection by inhibiting the adverse effects of
water and moisture on the intumescent coating. This is specifically relevant with single pack
intumescent products.

Topcoat selection is dependent upon the intumescent coating to which it is applied, on whether
the function of the topcoat is decorative, protective or both. The final environmental conditions
which the intumescent coatings are to be situated in, typically determines the topcoat system.
SteelMaster is to be used in internal environments and must be protected against high
humidity, rain and consequent water ponding during application, transportation or during
storage prior to being erected at site, otherwise blistering/delamination will occur.

Only approved Jotun topcoats may be used on SteelMaster. The topcoat or top seal is critical
for the fire performance of thin film intumescent coatings. Incorrect or improper use of
topcoats may result in reduced fire performance. Jotun does not have control over consistency
or quality of products manufactured by other parties.

Topcoats are to be selected from the current list of Jotun approved SteelMaster topcoats. The
approved list consists of topcoats which have been evaluated by adhesion, compatibility, fire
testing and confirmed by the Intumescent R&D Laboratory.

Topcoat system and application to be in line with relevant SteelMaster Technical Data Sheets
(TDS) and Application Guide (AG). It is recommended that the total dft of the topcoat does not
exceed 125µm.

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Technical Information
SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

2.1 Topcoat Systems and Environments

Topcoat specification for SteelMaster in conjunction with ISO 12944-2:2017 Classification of
Environments, for interior use.
Examples of typical interior
Corrosivity
environments Intumescent Type Topcoat System
Category
(informative only)
• Topcoat not necessary if
applied in C1.
Heated buildings with clean
C1 Water based or • 50µm acrylic sealer coat
atmospheres, e.g. offices, shops,
Very low solvent based for protection during
schools, hotels
transportation

C2 Unheated buildings where condensation Water based or • 50µm acrylic sealer coat
Low can occur, e.g. depots, sports halls solvent based
Production rooms with high humidity • 2x 50µm acrylic or
C3 and same air pollution, e.g. food- Water based or • 2x 50µm polyurethane,
Medium processing plants, laundries, breweries, solvent based polysiloxane, epoxy
dairies
• 2x 50µm polyurethane,
Solvent based polysiloxane, epoxy
C4 Chemical plants, swimming pools,
Water based
High coastal ship and boatyards • 2x 50µm polyurethane,
(subject to approval
and project evaluation polysiloxane, epoxy
by TSS)
Table 2. SteelMaster topcoats for ISO 12944-2:2017 Classification of Environments

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Technical Information
SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

3. Approval Process for Jotun Primers and Topcoats

Approval for additional Jotun primers and topcoats must be submitted through the Intumescent
R&D Work Request (WR) procedure. Current WR form can be found in the PFP Technical
Information page on JOIN.

4. On-site Adhesion Requirements

X-cut (ISO 16276-2 or ASTM D3359, method A) is Jotun’s recommendation for evaluating an
applied intumescent system. However, clients may require pull off testing as part of project
quality control, therefore the given guidelines can be provided.

• Primer only evaluation, minimum 3 MPa (435 psi) by pull off test, with cohesive fracture
in primer (ISO 16276-1, ISO 4624 or ASTM D4541) using a self-alignment adhesion
tester.
• Applied intumescent system adhesion to be X-cut Level 0 (ISO 16276-2) or 5A (ASTM
D3359, method A).
• If client requires pull off value for applied PFP, then minimum 1 MPa (145 psi) with
cohesive fracture in SteelMaster.

When reference is made to ASTM E2924 Standard Practice for Intumescent Coatings, item
9.3.4, adhesion shall be measured in accordance with test method ASTM D4541. Jotun states
the following:

• Testing in accordance with ASTM D4541 standard test method for pull-off strength of
coatings using portable testers, using a self-alignment adhesion tester.
• Minimum value for primer coating to be 3 MPa (435 psi) with cohesive fracture in the
primer.
• Minimum value for SteelMaster to be 1 MPa (145 psi) with cohesion fracture in the
intumescent.

Adhesion testing should only be performed when the full coating system has had sufficient
drying time. The amount of drying time will vary depending on applied dry film thickness and
ambient temperatures. As a guide, it is recommended that at 23˚C (73˚F) ambient
temperature to allow 14 days drying time.

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Technical Information
SteelMaster Primer and Topcoat Requirements

Important Information
The information in this guideline is not intended to be exhaustive; any person using the product for any purpose
other than that specifically recommended in this guideline without first obtaining written confirmation from Jotun
as to the suitability of the product for the intended purpose does so at their own risk. All advice given or
statements made about the product (whether in this guideline or otherwise) is correct to the best of our
knowledge. However, we have no control over the quality or the condition of the substrate or the many factors
affecting the use and application of the product. Therefore, unless specifically agreed in writing to do so, Jotun
does not accept any liability at all for the performance of the product or for (subject to the maximum extent
permitted by law) any loss or damage, direct or indirect, arising out of the use of the product. We hereby
disclaim any warranties or representations, expressed or implied, by operation of law or otherwise, including
without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. All products
supplied and technical information given is subject to our Conditions of Sale, which can be provided to you by
your local Jotun supplier. The information contained in this guideline is liable to modification from time to time in
the light of experience and our policy of continuous development. It is the user’s responsibility to check with
their local Jotun representative that this guideline is current prior to using the product.

Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this document may be
reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission from Jotun.

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