Fire doors are built differently from normal doors, which is why you should take extra care when decorating. They are typically made from thick, heavy wood, and there are specific regulations that must be adhered to.
Fire doors can be painted using regular paint, as long as the coats aren’t too thick. This is to prevent anything from reducing the efficiency of the door. For example, if the layers of paint prevent the door from closing properly, this could render it ineffective.
How to safely paint a fire door
When painting a fire door, certain precautions should be taken. Follow the steps below to ensure the perfect finish.
1. Cover the hardware
Make sure to cover the hardware with masking tape so that any hinges or latches won’t be painted over. This could restrict the efficiency of the hardware and stop the door from shutting correctly.
2. Use the correct paint
Using ordinary wood paint is fine, but some types of gloss can be too thick and could affect the weight of the door, or how it sits within the frame.
3. Do not paint over fire and smoke intumescent strips
Intumescent strips with a brush or fin must never be painted, as this can compromise their ability to block smoke.
While some fire-only intumescent strips may be painted, the number of coats is limited. Excessive paint can interfere with the strip’s expansion and reduce its effectiveness during a fire.
4. Sand down the surface & prime
If the door is not already primed, be sure to sand down the surface of the door first, before applying a wood primer. This will allow a longer-lasting finish when you apply your paint.
5. Apply the paint using broad strokes
To achieve a smoother finish, apply the paint in the same direction using broad strokes. You can also add a gloss over the top for a slick, durable finish.
How We Can Help
For advice on how to maintain your fire doors, please get in touch with our expert team who will be happy to help.
