Rosco Flamex – Find Your Flame Retardant & How to Apply

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Check your material & how to apply

Search the full Rosco compatibility chart below to find the right Flamex for your exact material. Then read how to apply it — and why testing first is non-negotiable.

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Material compatibility checker

Type your material to see which Flamex to use. This covers the full Rosco Flamex compatibility chart. In three words: test, test, test — this chart is a starting point, not a guarantee.

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MC Multi-material — most fabrics, wood, paper, card DF Delicate fabric — silk, chiffon, organza PA Paint additive — water-based paint
Material Use Notes

Source: Rosco Flamex material compatibility chart. Where the chart lists the older NF, SF, PC or WD products, Flamex MC now covers that material. This chart is not a guarantee of effectiveness or chemical compatibility — always test on a sample of your actual material first.

Compare the three products

Product Best for Apply by Sizes
Flamex MC Wood, MDF, plywood, muslin, cotton, canvas, synthetics, paper, card — most materials Spray, brush or dip 3.8 L, 19 L
Flamex DF Delicate fabrics: silk, chiffon, organza, taffeta, lightweight textiles Spray 3.8 L, 19 L
Flamex PA Water-based paint — makes the finished paint layer flame retardant Mix into paint 236 ml (8 oz), 19 L

Flamex MC replaces the older NF, SF, PC and WD products, which treated one material each. Application rates vary with the material and its absorbency — always test first.

How to apply it

Test · test · test

Always test on a sample first — before you go any further

Every project is different: the material, the batch, the coating, the humidity, how it will be used. No treatment applies across the board. Treat a sample or offcut of your actual material, confirm you are happy with both the fire result and the look and feel, and document what you did — product, dilution, coats, date. Only then treat the full piece.

Start clean & dry

Make sure the material is clean, dry and free of dust or grease so the treatment can soak in evenly.

Test & document

Treat a small offcut first, check the result and the look and feel, and record product, coats and date. This is what the sample sizes are for.

Apply evenly

Spray, brush or dip the matched Flamex to full, even coverage. For Flamex PA, mix one jar per gallon of paint and apply as normal, keeping the film at least 4 mil thick.

Let it dry fully

Allow the treated material or paint layer to dry completely before it goes into service.

Re-treat after cleaning

Washing, water and long exposure can reduce the treatment. Re-apply after cleaning or when a re-test calls for it.

Keep your records

Venues and inspectors often want evidence of what was treated, with which product and when — and sometimes a re-test or certificate.

Next step · Step 3 of 3 Order a sample, or add it to cart

Quick questions

Do I legally need to flame-treat it?
In most venues and public spaces, yes — drapes, sets, props and displays usually have to meet a flammability standard before load-in, and you may be asked for evidence. Requirements vary by venue and jurisdiction (in Australia, materials are often assessed to AS 1530), so check with your specific venue or approver. Not sure? Tell us the job and we will help.
Which one do I use?
Use the checker above. In short: most fabrics, wood, paper and card → MC; delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon and organza → DF; water-based paint → PA mixed in. Rigid or flexible foam → FoamCoat or FlexCoat.
Will it change the look, colour or feel?
It can, depending on the material — which is exactly why Flamex DF exists to keep drape and appearance on delicate fabrics, and why you always test a sample first before doing the whole piece.
Is it permanent? How do I get a certificate?
It is not permanent — washing, water and weathering reduce it, so re-treat and re-test as needed. Flame-retardant certification is usually issued for the treated item, often after a test, rather than supplied with the product. Keep records of what you treated and when; tell us your venue’s requirement and we will help.
Can I use Flamex PA in any paint?
Water-based paints only — latex, water-based scenic paints, Rosco scenic paints, primers and acrylic glazes. Not for metallic paints (except Rosco Metallix). Always test with your chosen paint first and store Flamex in non-metallic containers.
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Not sure what your project needs?

We are the exclusive Rosco distributor for Australia and New Zealand, supplying theatre, film and TV, events, exhibitions, museums, retail and architectural projects. Tell us your material and what you are treating it for, and we will confirm the right Flamex, the quantity, and what your venue or approver will ask for.

Email us Call 02 9906 6262