What is fire retardant paint and how does it work?

Fire retardant paint is a specialized coating designed to slow down the spread of flames and reduce heat generation during a fire. When exposed to high temperatures, fire retardant paint undergoes a chemical reaction that causes it to swell and form an insulating char layer. This layer protects the underlying surfaces, such as wood, steel, or drywall, from direct exposure to fire. Fire retardant paint is commonly used in buildings to enhance fire safety and meet fire protection regulations.