We often get questions from contractors, designers, and other stakeholders about whether paint is compatible with BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems. The short answer: Within some basic guidelines, just about any kind of paint can be applied to BlazeMaster CPVC, whether intentionally for aesthetic reasons or accidentally due to overspray.
That includes water-based paint, the most common type of interior paint, as well as acrylic paints, alkyd paints, enamels and spray paint. That also includes intumescent paints used for passive fire protection and paints with mold inhibiting ingredients. To dig a little deeper, here are answers to common questions about painting BlazeMaster CPVC.
Steel pipe is typically painted to prevent corrosion, which can damage the exterior of the pipe as well as interior surfaces. That’s not an issue with BlazeMaster CPVC, which never corrodes even in salt air environments and areas with fluctuating pH balances. The main reason to paint BlazeMaster CPVC is to improve aesthetics when the fire protection systems are installed exposed.
No. By painting after installation, you can be sure excess paint will not interfere with the solvent cement bond between the pipe and the fitting. That’s important to ensure there are no leaky joints. Be sure the solvent cement is fully cured before painting. Also, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems should not be painted until after approval by an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Painting the BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler System after installation also ensures no paint gets inside pipe. If paint gets inside the pipe, it could peel off and obstruct the flow of water through the sprinkler head. Paints have not been evaluated for compatibility with CPVC if the ingredients leach into the fluid inside the pipe.
If properly mixed, there are no concerns with any paints about chemical compatibility. However, CPVC pipe can be damaged if two-component epoxy paints are improperly mixed, or the mixture does not cure and an excess of either component remains on the pipe. That’s because individually the components are not compatible with CPVC. Following manufacturer guidelines can ensure safe use of epoxy paints.
There’s nothing too complicated. Just do not allow the paint to puddle on or around the pipe to ensure the paint will dry in the amount of time specified by the paint manufacturer. That eliminates any risk of damaging the pipe.
If you have additional questions, please click the “Request a Consultation” button in the box below or visit the “paint” section in the Other Compatibility Topics section of Lubrizol’s FBC™ System Compatible Program.