PPG Steelguard 652 is a low-VOC, water-based intumescent coating delivering UL-certified, two-hour fire protection for interior structural steel.
PPG has unveiled PPG STEELGUARD® 652, a high-performance, water-based intumescent coating engineered to provide reliable fire protection for interior, general-purpose structural steel. Introduced for the North American market, the new solution is designed to balance advanced passive fire protection performance with durability, sustainability, and visual appeal, making it suitable for a wide range of modern construction projects.
PPG Steelguard 652 is a cellulosic passive fire protection (PFP) coating capable of delivering fire resistance for up to two hours. This level of protection is critical in safeguarding structural steel during fire exposure, helping to preserve the integrity of buildings and allowing valuable time for evacuation and emergency response. The coating has achieved certification under UL 263, a widely recognized fire-resistance standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories. This certification provides assurance to architects, engineers, specifiers, and building owners that the product meets stringent performance and compliance requirements established by the industry.
One of the defining features of PPG Steelguard 652 is its waterborne formulation with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration in construction and infrastructure development, the low-VOC nature of the coating supports environmentally responsible building practices. It also contributes to improved working conditions on construction sites by reducing odor and minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional solvent-based alternatives.
Beyond fire protection, the coating is designed to deliver long-term durability and operational efficiency. PPG Steelguard 652 offers up to 20 years of performance, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or recoating over the life cycle of a building. Its physical properties, including high bond strength and strong impact resistance, help ensure that the coating maintains its protective function and appearance even in demanding interior environments.
The product has also been developed with practical application requirements in mind. It can be applied easily on-site using standard passive fire protection airless spray equipment, allowing contractors to achieve smooth, uniform coverage with consistency. Its low VOC emissions further enable efficient trade stacking, which is particularly beneficial on complex construction sites where multiple trades must work simultaneously without delays caused by curing times or air-quality restrictions.
PPG Steelguard 652 has been formulated with a low certified dry film thickness, which can help optimize material usage while still delivering certified fire protection performance. This feature not only supports cost efficiency but also allows designers greater flexibility in achieving desired aesthetic finishes for exposed interior steel structures.
Commenting on the launch, Richard Mann, global product development director for fire protection within PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings business, highlighted the strategic importance of the new coating. He stated that PPG Steelguard 652 broadens the company’s portfolio of certified fire protection solutions available for North American projects and demonstrates PPG’s continued focus on innovation in fire protection technologies. According to Mann, the product stands out due to its advanced fire performance and robust physical characteristics, offering dependable protection and durability for up to two decades.
In addition to the product itself, PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings business provides comprehensive technical support and a broad range of complementary coating solutions. This enables project teams to address diverse design, performance, and regulatory requirements across commercial, industrial, and institutional construction applications.
