How SPG Used PPG Steelguard 951 Fire Protection in a Major UK Stadium Redevelopment
PPG Steelguard 951 fire protection was at the heart of a recently completed project by Specialist Painting Group Ltd. (SPG), as they tackled the fire protection upgrade of a major football stadium’s steel substructure. With tight timelines, environmental limitations, and construction complexities, SPG adopted a pioneering approach that combined innovation, precision, and performance.
Meeting the Challenge: Fireproofing a Live Stadium Project
The redevelopment of this high-profile UK stadium required a complete overhaul of its passive fire protection system. The existing steelwork was coated with an aged, multi-layer protective system that had to be removed before new fire protection coatings could be applied.
However, traditional abrasive blasting was not an option. The challenges were significant:
Logistical barriers due to limited access and surrounding construction activity
Environmental concerns, especially noise and airborne particles in a densely populated urban area
Strict deadlines, requiring a fast and reliable solution
SPG had to find an alternative approach that would ensure safety, speed, and compliance.
The Solution:
Heat Induction and PPG Steelguard 951 Fire ProtectionSPG’s Innovative Solution
1. Heat Induction Coating Removal
Instead of blasting, SPG employed heat induction technology, which uses electromagnetic fields to heat the steel and release old coatings cleanly. This innovative approach offered multiple benefits:
No abrasive media or dust, resulting in a safer and cleaner environment
Precision control, ideal for delicate or confined steel structures
Faster execution, helping maintain critical project timelines
Reduced noise and waste, aligned with sustainability goals
The process left behind a clean, residue-free substrate—perfect for the next stage.
2. PPG Steelguard 951 Fire Protection System
For the fire protection upgrade, SPG specified and applied PPG Steelguard 951, a high-performance intumescent coating designed specifically for structural steel in demanding environments.
Key benefits of this product included:
Fire resistance up to 120 minutes, meeting strict R120 safety requirements
Fast-drying formulation, reducing downtime between coats
Smooth, durable finish, suitable for exposed steelwork
Long-term durability, offering protection against environmental factors
Delivering on Quality, Safety, and Sustainability
With both innovation and attention to detail, SPG completed the project to the highest standards. The team’s skilled applicators worked systematically to ensure consistent coverage, correct dry film thickness, and full compliance with manufacturer specifications.
Throughout the process, SPG maintained:
Robust quality control, including adhesion testing and film thickness checks
Efficient scheduling, avoiding delays across other construction activities
Clean, quiet operations, with minimal disruption to other contractors or local residents
The Result: A Future-Proof Fire Protection System
By combining heat induction technology with the proven performance of PPG Steelguard 951 fire protection, SPG delivered a result that ticked every box:
- Enhanced safety and fire resistance for a large public venue
- Rapid and sustainable coating removal process
- Long-term protection and low-maintenance performance
- Full client satisfaction, on time and within scope
Why This Matters
This project demonstrates how Specialist Painting Group Ltd. is pushing the boundaries of fire protection technology in the UK. Their successful use of PPG Steelguard 951 fire protection showcases their commitment to innovation, safety, and environmentally responsible solutions in large-scale infrastructure projects.
To learn more about how SPG can support your next fire protection or coatings project, get in touch with our team.
