Intumescent Fireproofing — Huron, Tuscola & Sanilac Counties
Metal building painting recoats pre-engineered steel buildings, structural steel, and metal-clad commercial structures — using DTM acrylics or two-component urethanes specced for the substrate's existing finish (Kynar, polyester, galvalume).
Why intumescent fireproofing projects fail
The failure modes we see most often across the Thumb — and how we prevent each one on every project.
- Painting over chalky Kynar without a bonding primer — peels in a year.
- Solvent flash off in summer heat — paint film cracks and pinholes.
- Skipping solvent wipe — silicone or oil contamination causes fisheyes.
Surface preparation we perform
Prep is the largest single driver of coating lifespan. Every step below is written into every estimate.
- Power wash and solvent wipe
- Test chalk with the cheesecloth pull test; if heavy, prime with bonding primer
- Spot-prime any bare or rusted steel with corrosion-inhibiting primer
Products we specify
We quote products we understand, explain the tradeoffs, and document the selected system in writing.
- Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial DTM Acrylic — workhorse DTM for sound metal
- Sherwin-Williams Sher-Loxane 800 — two-component polysiloxane for premium long life
- Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Acrylic Bonding Primer — for chalky Kynar/polyester
What it costs
$2–$5 per square foot. A typical 60x100 metal commercial building: $14,000–$35,000.
How long it lasts
10–15 years on properly prepped metal with DTM Acrylic; 18-25 years with Sher-Loxane 800.
Ongoing maintenance
Annual wash. Touch-up any scratches or screw heads to prevent rust bleed. Recoat at year 12-15 (DTM) or 20+ (Sher-Loxane).
Intumescent Fireproofing — Direct Answers
What is intumescent fireproofing?
Metal building painting recoats pre-engineered steel buildings, structural steel, and metal-clad commercial structures — using DTM acrylics or two-component urethanes specced for the substrate's existing finish (Kynar, polyester, galvalume).
Why does intumescent fireproofing fail?
- Painting over chalky Kynar without a bonding primer — peels in a year.
- Solvent flash off in summer heat — paint film cracks and pinholes.
- Skipping solvent wipe — silicone or oil contamination causes fisheyes.
What does intumescent fireproofing cost?
$2–$5 per square foot. A typical 60x100 metal commercial building: $14,000–$35,000.
What products should be used for intumescent fireproofing?
- Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial DTM Acrylic — workhorse DTM for sound metal
- Sherwin-Williams Sher-Loxane 800 — two-component polysiloxane for premium long life
- Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Acrylic Bonding Primer — for chalky Kynar/polyester
How long does intumescent fireproofing last?
10–15 years on properly prepped metal with DTM Acrylic; 18-25 years with Sher-Loxane 800.
What preparation is required for intumescent fireproofing?
- Power wash and solvent wipe
- Test chalk with the cheesecloth pull test; if heavy, prime with bonding primer
- Spot-prime any bare or rusted steel with corrosion-inhibiting primer
What maintenance is needed for intumescent fireproofing?
Annual wash. Touch-up any scratches or screw heads to prevent rust bleed. Recoat at year 12-15 (DTM) or 20+ (Sher-Loxane).
Why property owners across Michigan's Thumb hire us
- Fully insured — general liability and workers' compensation on every job.
- Written scope before work begins — line-item pricing, product spec, and start date in writing.
- Prep-first process — chalking, peeling, moisture, caulk failure, minor drywall repair, and wood movement are addressed before any color goes on.
- Appointment-only office in Bad Axe — most work happens at your home, cottage, barn, or commercial building.
- Serving homes, lake cottages, cabins, barns, decks, and commercial properties across Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac counties.
Prefer a fast estimate? Call or text (989) 268-7676 with a few photos or a short walkthrough video and we can usually scope most projects the same day.