Composition embraces a fire retardant coating formulation that intumesces at a low temperature. The composition can be in a form of a paint, for instance, having as a primary fire retardant ingredient an ammonium phosphate and also having as a low-temperature intumescent agent an expandable graphite powder or flake. A temperature of intumescence can be substantially below 400.degree. C. or thereabout, and it may have more than one temperature of intumescence. Such a composition can be made by contacting a fire retardant formulation, optionally with another active agent, with a low-temperature intumescencent agent under conditions sufficient to form the composition; it can be used by contacting it with a substrate, which may be otherwise flammable. Another aspect is the composition or its residue in combination with the substrate.