New water-based product achieves highest FIRA rating possible– A FIRST FOR THE MARKET

Intercoat Paint shas released a new water based two-pack coating- AQ300 – that has the highest FIRA approval rating (FS6250: 2018) and delivers the performance that industry users would expect from an equivalent
solvent-based paint but without the devastating environment impact.

AQ300 is the latest product to form part of the Aqualine® range produced by Intercoat Paints and is available in full range of colours and gloss levels.

The AQ300 has achieved the FIRA6250 Severe accreditation and therefore deeming it suitable for contract furniture, the highest rating possible.  Other paint manufacturers may offer imported water-based paints that are certified to other FIRA standards, but none have achieved the acclaimed FIRA Contract Accreditation for a pigmented waster-based system.  This classification used to be better known the British Standard (BS6250) – Severe.

Intercoat’s new AQ300 product was subjected to severe tests which attempt to simulate the everyday issues that a surface would encounter. These include abrasive and impact tests as well as an array of hot, wet and dry heat tests, alcoholic drink spills, exposure to fats, oil and the spillage of nail varnish remover.

Paints and coatings that have achieved this FIRA classification, after being subject to these severe tests, will provide any manufacturer with the confidence that when applying these products to their surfaces, they will not only greatly enhance their product’s appearance, but also provide the greatest level of protection and longevity.

AQ300 is a two-pack Isocyanate cured coating and as a water-based product, eliminates many of the issues that are associated with the use of traditional solvent based products. By using and applying AQ300 to surfaces, it drastically reduces VOC emissions and improves the environmental foot-print, also resulting in reduced waste disposal costs, a lowering of business’ insurance costs, reduced risk of fire in the workplace, better relations with environmental officers, improved storage and logistics considerations, and negates the need for ATEX certified electrical equipment within the paint shop and surrounding areas.