INSL-X FR-210 · Intumescent fire retardant paint
Class A in one coat.
Paints like regular latex.
A flat, interior latex that swells into an insulating char layer when it meets heat, slowing flame spread and cutting smoke. Rated Class A to CAN/ULC S-102 and ASTM E84. Low VOC, and it cleans up with soap and water.
INSL-X Fire Retardant Paint, Class A Intumescent Coating, FR-210
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INSL-X FR-210 Fire Retardant Paint, Class A Intumescent Coating
INSL-X FR-210 is a flat latex intumescent fire retardant paint for interior ceilings, walls and trim. It goes on like ordinary paint. When it's exposed to heat, it swells into an insulating char layer that slows flame spread and cuts smoke. It is Class A rated under CAN/ULC S-102 and ASTM E84.
Key Features
- Class A flame spread: flame spread index 0 and smoke developed index 35.
- Canadian rating: tested to CAN/ULC S-102.
- 30-minute extended test (ASTM E2768) with two coats.
- Decorative flat finish with high hide.
- Low VOC 100% acrylic with soap-and-water clean-up.
- Can be topcoated with a regular acrylic paint without affecting the flame spread rating.
Where to Use It
Interior walls, ceilings and trim over primed or previously painted drywall, wood, plaster, cellulose ceiling tile, masonry and metal. Basements, utility rooms, garages, stairwells, corridors and commercial interiors. Not for exteriors or floors, and not a substitute for fire-rated drywall or assemblies that need an hourly fire-resistance rating. For exteriors, see Flame Control Exterior Guard Basecoat.
Colour and Sizes
White only, in 3.79 L (150 sq ft) and 18.9 L (750 sq ft).
FR-210 or Flame Control 20-20A?
Both are water-based, interior, Class A intumescent paints. FR-210 is made by Benjamin Moore, with a flame spread index of 0. Flame Control 20-20A also comes in black. See every option in our fire retardant coatings collection.
Specs & Coverage
| Fire rating | Class A: ASTM E84 / UL 723 and CAN/ULC S-102 (1 coat). ASTM E2768 30-minute (2 coats) |
| Flame spread / smoke | 0 / 35 |
| Coverage | 150 sq ft per 3.79 L per coat. Don't exceed it |
| Film | 10.7 mils wet, 5.2 mils dry |
| Finish | Flat (under 10 at 85°) |
| Dry time (25 °C, 50% RH) | Touch 30 min. Recoat 2 hours |
| Apply at | 10–32 °C |
| Application | Brush, roller or airless spray |
| VOC | Under 50 g/L |
| Clean-up | Soap and water |
Application Guide
- Prep. Clean, scrape loose paint and dull any gloss.
- Prime bare surfaces with Aqua Lock Plus, or Prime Lock Plus on wood that bleeds.
- Stir well. Don't tint.
- Apply one full coat at 150 sq ft per 3.79 L.
- For the 30-minute rating, add a second coat after 2 hours.
FAQ
1How much fire retardant paint do I need?
Use the calculator above. Each 3.79 L covers 150 sq ft per coat, and an 18.9 L pail covers 750 sq ft. For 1,000 sq ft of walls and ceiling, one coat takes about 7 gallons (a pail plus two gallons), and two coats take about 14. Apply it at the full rate.
2One coat or two?
One full coat gives the Class A rating under ASTM E84 / UL 723 and CAN/ULC S-102. Two coats give Class A in the 30-minute extended ASTM E2768 test. Check which one your project calls for.
3How does intumescent paint work?
When it's heated, FR-210 swells into a thick, cellular char layer. That layer insulates the surface underneath, slows the spread of flame and cuts down smoke.
4Will it meet building code for a basement or rental unit?
FR-210 gives a Class A flame spread rating, which is what many flame-spread requirements ask for. It is not an hourly fire-resistance rating and doesn't replace fire-rated drywall separations. Requirements vary by municipality, so confirm with your building inspector before you buy.
5How do I make sure I get the rating?
Apply it at no more than 150 sq ft per 3.79 L, which is 10.7 mils wet and 5.2 mils dry. Don't stretch it, and don't thin it with more than 236 mL of water per can. A wet film gauge is the easiest way to check as you go. Rough or porous surfaces use more.
6Can I paint it over my existing paint?
Yes, if the old paint is sound, clean and dry. Scrape anything peeling, sand glossy areas dull and prime any bare spots first.
7Do I need a primer?
On bare surfaces, yes. Use Aqua Lock Plus on drywall, plaster, wood and masonry, Prime Lock Plus on wood that bleeds, and a metal primer on metal.
8Can I tint it or paint over it?
Benjamin Moore says not to tint FR-210. To get a colour, topcoat it with a regular acrylic paint. That won't affect the flame spread rating.
9Can I use it outside or on floors?
No. FR-210 is for interior walls, ceilings and trim only. For exterior wood, look at Flame Control Exterior Guard Basecoat.
10FR-210 or Flame Control 20-20A?
Both are interior, water-based, Class A intumescent paints. FR-210 is made by Benjamin Moore, with a flame spread index of 0 and a CAN/ULC S-102 rating. Flame Control 20-20A also comes in black.
Canada Shipping
- Enjoy free shipping in Canada on orders over $249. Yukon, NWT, Nunavut not included.
Winter Shipping:
- From December to April, shipping outside of Ontario and Quebec is limited.
- Returns accepted within 35 days from the date of delivery.
- Custom tinted paints are classified as Final Sale items and are not eligible for return or store credit.
Surface finder
Where are you using it?
Tap your project. We'll tell you if FR-210 is right and how to prep, or point you to something that is.
Coverage calculator
How much do I need?
FR-210 only earns its rating at 150 sq ft per 3.79 L, so that's the rate we use. Don't stretch it. Pails are picked automatically when they're the better buy.
Doors count as 20 sq ft and windows as 15 sq ft.
Compare
FR-210 or another fire retardant?
All three are water-based, Class A intumescent coatings. Where it goes decides which one.
INSL-X FR-210
- Best for
- Interior walls, ceilings and trim.
- What you get
- Flame spread 0, smoke 35. White, topcoat for colour.
- From
Flame Control 20-20A
- Best for
- Interior Class A, when you want it in black.
- What you get
- Flat latex intumescent. 30-minute rating with two coats.
- From
Exterior Guard Basecoat
- Best for
- Exterior wood, plywood and OSB under siding or cladding.
- What you get
- Class A basecoat. Needs a topcoat if it's exposed to weather.
- From
Specs
The details.
| Type | 100% acrylic latex intumescent coating |
|---|---|
| Finish | Flat, under 10 @ 85° |
| Colour | White only. Don't tint |
| Fire rating | Class A to ASTM E84 / UL 723 and CAN/ULC S-102 with 1 coat. Class A in the 30-minute ASTM E2768 test with 2 coats |
| Flame spread / smoke | 0 / 35, over Douglas fir |
| Coverage | 150 sq ft (13.9 m²) per 3.79 L per coat. Don't exceed it |
| Film | 10.7 mils wet, 5.2 mils dry |
| Dry time | Touch 30 min. Recoat 2 h, at 25 °C and 50% RH |
| Apply at | Surface 10–32 °C |
| Apply with | Nylon or polyester brush, quality roller, or airless at 1,500–2,500 psi with a 0.013–0.017 tip |
| Thinning | Not needed. Up to 236 mL of water per 3.79 L |
| VOC | Under 50 g/L. MPI #64 |
| Clean-up | Soap and water |
How to apply
Full coat, full rating.
- Prep. Clean off dirt, grease and dust, scrape loose paint and dull any gloss.
- Prime bare surfaces. Let new plaster or masonry cure 30 days first.
- Mark it out. Each 3.79 L covers 150 sq ft, so section off the area to keep yourself honest.
- Stir well. Don't tint it or mix in other paint.
- Apply one full coat, 10.7 mils wet. A wet film gauge makes it easy.
- Second coat after 2 hours if you need the 30-minute rating.
- Optional: topcoat with an acrylic paint for colour.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
How much fire retardant paint do I need?
Use the calculator above. Each 3.79 L covers 150 sq ft per coat, and an 18.9 L pail covers 750 sq ft. For 1,000 sq ft of walls and ceiling, one coat takes about 7 gallons (a pail plus two gallons), and two coats take about 14. Apply it at the full rate.
One coat or two?
One full coat gives the Class A rating under ASTM E84 / UL 723 and CAN/ULC S-102. Two coats give Class A in the 30-minute extended ASTM E2768 test. Check which one your project calls for.
How does intumescent paint work?
When it's heated, FR-210 swells into a thick, cellular char layer. That layer insulates the surface underneath, slows the spread of flame and cuts down smoke.
Will it meet building code for a basement or rental unit?
FR-210 gives a Class A flame spread rating, which is what many flame-spread requirements ask for. It is not an hourly fire-resistance rating and doesn't replace fire-rated drywall separations. Requirements vary by municipality, so confirm with your building inspector before you buy.
How do I make sure I get the rating?
Apply it at no more than 150 sq ft per 3.79 L, which is 10.7 mils wet and 5.2 mils dry. Don't stretch it, and don't thin it with more than 236 mL of water per can. A wet film gauge is the easiest way to check as you go. Rough or porous surfaces use more.
Can I paint it over my existing paint?
Yes, if the old paint is sound, clean and dry. Scrape anything peeling, sand glossy areas dull and prime any bare spots first.
Do I need a primer?
On bare surfaces, yes. Use Aqua Lock Plus on drywall, plaster, wood and masonry, Prime Lock Plus on wood that bleeds, and a metal primer on metal.
Can I tint it or paint over it?
Benjamin Moore says not to tint FR-210. To get a colour, topcoat it with a regular acrylic paint. That won't affect the flame spread rating.
Can I use it outside or on floors?
No. FR-210 is for interior walls, ceilings and trim only. For exterior wood, look at Flame Control Exterior Guard Basecoat.
FR-210 or Flame Control 20-20A?
Both are interior, water-based, Class A intumescent paints. FR-210 is made by Benjamin Moore, with a flame spread index of 0 and a CAN/ULC S-102 rating. Flame Control 20-20A also comes in black.
Do you ship, or can I pick up?
We ship across Canada, free on most orders over $249. Pick-up is free at our Rockwood Village store, 1292 Eglinton Ave. E, Mississauga, and most orders are ready within 4 hours.
Ready to protect the room?
Not sure what your inspector needs, or how much to get? Send us your plans and ask our team.