Use and Care Guide

• DO NOT allow this product to freeze. If frozen the intumescent properties of this product may be adversely affected.
• Do not allow storage temperature to exceed 100 degrees F (38 C).
• If possible, store this product above 65 degrees F (18 C) for 48 hours prior to application – this will aid you during the application process.
• Do not reuse opened paint after 48 hours; the curing process has begun and may affect the product’s performance.
• If you wish to set some paint aside for future touch-up work fill a small clean container completely with fresh paint from a 5 gallon bucket after it has been mixed as described in the ‘Application’ section below and then seal tightly.

• Apply only in a well-ventilated environment with adequate respiratory protection as prescribed by OSHA for all latex paints.
• Do not ingest; induce vomiting if this happens.
• Avoid contact with eyes; if this happens flush eyes freely with water until all traces of paint are removed.
• Avoid prolonged contact with skin; paint can be removed with warm water & soap.

• VERY IMPORTANT: This product must be mixed thoroughly before application. We recommend using a mixing paddle with power drill for a minimum of three (3) minutes at highest speed. Concentrate on the bottom of the bucket periodically moving to the middle and top areas. Product is properly mixed when: (1) there are no solids attached to the paddle after mixing at the bottom and (2) the paint shows a uniform consistency when mixed at the surface.
• DO NOT dilute or thin this product with any other liquid.
• This product may be applied as any other high quality latex based paint: brush, roller, airless spray - either gravity feed or suction, or compressed air sprayers.
• Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of any grease, oils or other contaminants. Previous layers of paint must be solidly adhered to the surface with no flaking, chipping, or cracks. Bare steel should be primed with red oxide primer or its equivalent.
• Spraying is the recommended method of application. The minimum recommended spray setup is 2500 psi (172 bar) with a .015 inch tip (.38 mm). All Contego test applications are performed using a Graco XR5 with a .017 inch tip (.43 mm).
• Optimal application temperature is 85 degrees F (29 C); do not attempt application below 55 degrees F (13 C).

• Coverage: All coverage rates (except steel, below) are expressed on a ‘per coat’ basis. A single coat is applied at a rate of 130 sq feet (12 sqm) per gallon. This is equivalent to a wet coat of 12 mil (.30 mm) that will cure to a dry coat 7 mil thick (.18 mm). While under ideal conditions it is possible to apply a single coat of up to 20-22 mil (.50-.55 mm) wet, two thin coats are recommended to prevent the possibility of cracking while curing.
• Sheetrock (gypsum), OSB (orientated strand board), plywood, structural lumber, and SIPs (structural insulated panels): Requires two coats; the second can be applied when the first is dry to the touch. Full curing of both coats takes 72 hours.
• Polyurethane foam insulation (PUF): Also requires two coats but special consideration needs to be given to the condition of the foam’s surface prior to application. Age, type, and method of application affects the surface porosity of PUF. Field testing has shown that unless the foam is newly installed and uncut it can absorb a significant quantity of paint. In these cases priming with a quality latex primer/sealer such as Zinnser’s Bullseye 123 is recommended.
• Structural steel: A final dry film coating of 70 mil (1.8 mm) is recommended for adequate protection. Under proper conditions it is possible to achieve this with 6 coats of 20 mil (.50 mm) wet. Under less than ideal conditions, it may be necessary to apply more than 6 coats at a lesser thickness until a total of 120 mil wet (3mm) is achieved. In all cases the next coat may be applied when the prior is dry to the touch.
• Top coating is optional. To add color or sheen to surfaces Contego PFB may be top coated using virtually any alkyd, or enamel paint as soon as the intumescent coating is dry to the touch. To top coat with acrylic or latex spray or roll initial color coat DO NOT RE ROLL OR TOUCH UP until initial color coat is dry. Failure to wait for first color coat application of acrylic/latex to dry may result in the color coat smearing or rolling off on the roller. Once first color coat of latex/acrylic is dry apply second coat. Top coating does not reduce intumescent capability.
• Tinting is possible to pastel shades only. Limit tint to 10% of paint volume.