In 2023, it was time for an update. The hotel recently underwent a major renovation, including a premium fire and corrosion protection system from Dulux® Protective Coatings.
Working closely with the applicators, Doolee Construction, our team provided product training, specialised equipment and continual support to help the renovation meet current construction standards.
Protecting heritage buildings with new technology
From the Sydney Cricket Ground to heritage-listed Shell House and the Golden Sheaf, Dulux Protective Coatings have years of experience protecting iconic structures around NSW.
“The Golden Sheaf is one of several heritage buildings that we have helped protect in NSW. We’ve recently completed a brewery and we have a project on a major retail building coming up too,” explains Technical Sales Representative Jack Jaber.
A key challenge of working with older buildings is how to bring them up to standard for new construction codes. Fire protection and intumescent coatings play an important part in this process.
“With most new construction there is an element of fire protection in the design. There are many products available, but on visible steel the best solutions are intumescent coatings.”
For this project, our team prepared and protected all the structural steel with a three-coat system:
• 1st coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE ZP at 75-microns (µms)
• 2nd coat: Dulux® FIRETEX® Platinum-120 (previously known as FirePro® 9310)
• Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR MIO in Natural Grey at 75-microns (µms)
Due to its exceptional durability in demanding conditions, FIRETEX Platinum-120 was selected. Despite encountering restricted accessibility on the site, the applicator demonstrated commendable performance in overcoming these challenges.
Providing training and equipment for a quality application
Dulux Protective Coatings works closely with the applicators on every project to ensure their team is equipped for a perfect application. When it comes to fire-resistant coatings, the unique properties of the product require a specific process.
As Jack explains, “FIRETEX Platinum-120 is a solventless ultra-high build epoxy intumescent coating for the fire protection of internal and external steel. Platinum-120 needs to be heated to optimal temperature for a smooth spray application.”
To support our project partners at the Golden Sheaf, we supplied the specialised heating equipment and provided comprehensive product training.
“We engaged the team at Doolee Construction in some product training at our Wetherill Park facility. There was a mix of theory and practical work, with the team testing out mixing and applying the product at our spray centre,” says Jack.
Roger Tobler our Intumescent Business Development Manager, was integral during training and provided ongoing support to the applicators throughout the project.
This preparation was key to getting the applicator team familiar with the product and helping them achieve a quality finish with an on-site application, which is typical for heritage buildings.
Overcoming the challenges of an on-site application
A key challenge faced in the restoration of heritage-listed buildings is the necessity for on-site application and preparation of steel. Unlike a new building, where structural steel can be prepared off site, our approach must align with the constraints of working within the existing environment.
"This is the first intumescent coatings project in NSW using FIRETEX Platinum-120 to be completed successfully on-site. While there have been several intumescent projects completed onsite previously using Cafco WB3, typically Firetex Platinum-120 is workshop applied in controlled conditions and environment. This accomplishment highlights our expertise in being able to support the client and the applicator to achieve a best practice solution," explains Jack.
