Abstract: An intumescent composition for protecting a substrate against fire and thermal extremes includes a polymer binder containing a small amount of platinum, preferably in the form of a coordination complex. The binder is a non-silicone based polymer, and the platinum acts as a catalyst under fire conditions to protect the char and increase char life, thereby increasing the time of protection. The binder is preferably an epoxy, most preferably an epoxy polysulfide. The platinum is preferably mixed with nickel, most preferably as a nickel-platinum ammonia complex, the complex being present in an amount of less than two percent by weight of the composition. The complexes are preferably tetrafluoroborate salts. The composition also preferably includes a solvent, a carbonific, a spumific, and a polymerization catalyst.