How is fire retardant coating different from fireproof paint?

Fire retardant coating and fireproof paint serve similar purposes but differ in how they perform. Fire retardant coatings are specially formulated to slow down the spread of flames and reduce smoke by chemically reacting when exposed to high heat. They often intumesce—expanding to form a protective layer. Fireproof paint, on the other hand, is typically designed to resist fire completely for a set period, offering higher fire resistance levels. While fire retardant coatings delay ignition and fire spread, fireproof paints provide stronger protection, often used on structural elements. The choice depends on the material, location, and level of fire safety required.