Do I need to use special paint on new fire doors?

[Guest KatherineSta]

We have recently purchased a property which we intend to renovate and rent. It is currently fitted with interior fire doors which we will replace but wondered whether you need to use special paint and door furniture on fire doors? Thanks

[Safelincs 0]

No, you can use normal paint for fire doors, however, your fire door fittings (hinges, door closers, glazing) need to be fire-rated. The locks just need to be CE marked.

Harry

[Guest MickCas]

I have just purchased pine fire doors from a diy store.

There seems to be little advice available on what sort of varnish to use.
can you help

many thanks

[Tom Sutton 0]

You may use the paint or varnish of your choice however BS 8214:2008 says,

Fire door leaves are generally not required to provide a specific surface spread-of-flame barrier, and may therefore be decorated as desired. There is no evidence to suggest that over painting of intumescent seals has any detrimental effect on the ability of the seals to perform efficiently. There are some benefits in over painting the seals as they are less likely to absorb atmospheric moisture. However, there are limits on how much paint can be applied without there being a risk of the seal being rendered inoperative. It is recommended that over painting be limited to a maximum of five coats of conventional oil-bound paint or varnish. When preparing a frame for redecorating, the use of heat or chemical strippers should be avoided if intumescent seals are incorporated. If seals are damaged by either of these processes, they should be replaced. If glazing beads have been painted with intumescent paint, it is essential that they be repainted with a similar paint.

It also says, Painting of smoke seals or combined intumescent and smoke seals should be avoided as such coatings can inhibit the door from closing completely, and the seal could be damaged as a consequence of adhesion to the adjacent element.

[Guest Julz]

I have oak veneered fire doors in my apartment which look dated - but would like to paint or even wrap them - any advise would be most grateful please.

[Neil ashdown 0]

If they are fire doors you can paint them, but be careful about wrapping them as the fire performance test evidence for fire doors places restrictions on adding facing  and edging materials to fire doors.  Can you find out which manufacturer made the doors?  If so you may be able to get hold of the product data sheet and therefore the information you need.

 

[Guest chats]

what kind of paint do i need to use on dated looking fire doors ?

[Neil ashdown 0]

'BS 8214:2016 Timber-based fire door assemblies - Code of practice' places no restrictions on the type of paint or lacquer in terms of the fire resistance performance of the door.

The issue with paint or lacquer is that build up of layers of oil or solvent based paint or lacquer may increase the rate of the spread of flames across a surface in a fire. Surface spread of flame is very different to the fire resistance of a door so when painting doors, walls and ceilings take account of the use of the building in terms of surface fire spread considerations.

Surface spread of flame test:

Fire door test:  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fire+door+test+video&docid=608028868971005737&mid=59C8261F1AE9C29E9A9359C8261F1AE9C29E9A93&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 

[Guest Billy]

I have two fire doors for the entrance of my flat. The exterior one looks very outdated, and I would like to modernise it. Reading the previous posts I can see that the wood part of the door can be painted, but I want to know if the glass on the door can be spray painted? If so, what type of spray paint can I use? Thanks.

[Neil ashdown 0]

Try these glazing experts for advice  https://www.houzz.co.uk/professionals/doors/hulin-associates-pfvwgb-pf~1351733639