Roscoflamex: A Complete Guide
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A practical, one-stop guide to choosing the right Roscoflamex product for your scenic build — with materials, coverage, application methods, storage tips, and product-specific FAQs.
Important: Always treat a small test sample first. Materials, coatings, and application methods vary widely — and results can differ from project to project.
Which Roscoflamex is right for you?
Start by identifying your primary substrate. If you’re working across multiple different materials (or you’re not sure what you’ll end up using), jump to Flamex MC — it’s designed as a multi-substrate option. Always test first and confirm suitability for your build.
Flamex NF — Natural Fiber Fabrics
Most fabrics made of natural fibers can be effectively treated using Flamex NF. It’s a go-to option for common scenic and costume fabrics made with natural fibres.
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Most efficient. Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Wide lay-in brush; work solution into fibres using a criss-cross pattern for absorption.
- Spraying: Use a Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Hang fabric and spray back-and-forth from bottom to top. Account for overspray losses.
- Important: Over-saturating may stiffen fabric or alter hand. Always treat a test sample first.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- If using a metal sprayer, clean thoroughly immediately after use (including nozzles and accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Will it change the drape/feel? It can if over-applied. Test on an offcut and adjust method/amount.
- What about upholstery/decor fabrics? NF is commonly used on natural-fibre decorative/garment/upholstery fabrics — still test first.
Flamex SF — Synthetic Fiber Fabrics
Treating synthetic fabrics can be tricky because they don’t absorb like natural fibres. Flamex SF is designed as a penetrating treatment that bonds deep within the weave. Always test a sample to confirm compatibility and effectiveness.
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Wide lay-in brush; criss-cross pattern to encourage adequate absorption.
- Spraying: Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Hang fabric; spray back-and-forth from bottom to top. Plan for overspray losses.
- Important: Over-saturation may stiffen/alter hand. Always treat a test sample first.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (nozzles + accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Will it leave residue/powder? SF is designed to leave no residue/powdery build-up, but test on your fabric.
- What about blends? SF can work on many cotton/synthetic blends. Test to confirm.
Flamex DF — Delicate Fabrics
Many scenic and costume fabrics are delicate and designed to drape softly. Flamex DF is formulated as a gentler solution to help maintain soft qualities while still providing treatment. Works with most natural or synthetic fibre fabrics — always test first.
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Wide lay-in brush; criss-cross pattern to ensure absorption.
- Spraying: Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Hang fabric; spray bottom-to-top in a back-and-forth pattern.
- Important: Over-saturation may stiffen/alter hand. Always treat a test sample first.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (nozzles + accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Is DF only for delicate fabrics? DF is specialised for delicate/sensitive materials where drape matters most.
- Should I still test? Yes — fabrics vary wildly. Testing is essential.
Flamex WD — Raw Wood & Cellulosic Materials
Use Flamex WD to treat wood and cellulosic materials. After the treatment has dried fully, wood materials can be painted or stained without affecting the treatment. Absorption rate may dramatically affect results — always test.
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Saturate material; allow to absorb; reapply a second treatment.
- Spraying: Use Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Saturate; allow to absorb; reapply a second treatment. Plan for overspray losses.
- Important: Absorption rate can dramatically affect effectiveness — always test for results on your substrate.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (nozzles + accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Can I paint or stain after? Yes, once fully dry. Test first to confirm compatibility in your workflow.
- Do I need two coats? Many substrates benefit from a second treatment due to absorption variability — test first.
Flamex PC — Paper & Cardstock
Formulated to treat many paper products commonly used in props and scenery construction. Most paper products without wax coatings or water-resistant barriers can be treated. Some discolouration/wrinkling may occur as paper dries — multiple light treatments may minimise this.
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Wide lay-in brush; criss-cross pattern to ensure absorption.
- Spraying: Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Hang and spray bottom-to-top in a back-and-forth pattern.
- Tip: Multiple light treatments may help minimise wrinkling/discolouration while drying.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (nozzles + accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Will it distort paper props? It can. Test first; consider multiple lighter treatments.
- Does weight/thickness matter? Yes — usage varies with weight and thickness.
Flamex MC — Multi-Substrate (best when you’re covering multiple materials or unsure)
Flamex MC is formulated specifically to treat virtually any substrate commonly used in props and scenery construction, including raw wood, natural and synthetic fabrics, paper, and many more. It’s the best “single choice” when you’re working across different materials — or you’re not 100% sure what substrates you’ll end up with. (If you’re treating delicate fabrics where drape/hand feel is critical, DF is the dedicated option and should still be tested first.)
How to apply (dip / brush / spray)
- Dipping: Most efficient. Immerse completely for 10 minutes, then hang to dry.
- Brushing: Wide lay-in brush; criss-cross pattern to ensure adequate absorption.
- Spraying: Hudson-type sprayer (medium nozzle). Hang substrate and spray bottom-to-top in a back-and-forth pattern. Plan for overspray losses.
- Important: Absorption and effectiveness vary by substrate — always test first.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (nozzles + accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Product-specific FAQs
- Is MC a replacement for all the others? MC is the best “broad” option across many substrates, but the dedicated products (NF/SF/DF/WD/PC) are still ideal when you know your exact material category.
- Does MC work on delicate fabrics? It’s listed for many substrates including delicate fabrics, but DF is the dedicated formulation where drape/hand feel matters most. Test first.
Flamex PA — Paint Additive (surface treatment)
Flamex PA is different: it’s a clear, un-pigmented additive for creating a treated paint layer. It does not change the flammability of the substrate — it provides a surface barrier that can slow spread along the painted surface. It is not intended to replace the other Flamex products.
How to use (mixing & minimum film thickness)
- Add one full jar to one US gallon of water-based paint. Mix thoroughly.
- Once combined, the mixture can be diluted as desired, but the dry paint film must be no less than 4 mil.
- The effectiveness depends on both the additive and the coating thickness — incomplete/thin films may not perform as intended.
- Supersaturated note: When using in Rosco Supersaturated paint, Rosco advises: add one 8 oz jar to one quart of undiluted Supersaturated, then dilute at least 1:1 with water. Mix thoroughly.
How to apply treated paint (brush / roller / spray)
- Apply by brush, roller, or sprayer per the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
- Regardless of method, ensure a complete film with a minimum 4 mil dry film thickness.
Important limitations (metallic paints)
- Metallic paints: Do not use Flamex PA with metallic paints — metal pigments may react and tarnish/corrode.
- Where possible, treat the substrate using the appropriate dedicated Flamex product (NF/SF/DF/WD/PC/MC) rather than relying only on surface coating.
- Always test with your specific paint choice before full application.
Storage & cleanup
- Store in non-metallic containers.
- Clean metal sprayers immediately after use (including nozzles and accessories).
- Avoid metal buckets/containers when possible.
Materials: the complete reference
For the full list (including specialist and edge-case substrates), use Rosco’s complete compatibility chart: Material Compatibility Chart for Rosco Flamex.
Disclaimer
Read the instructions supplied with any Roscoflamex product carefully. Because the materials treated and methods of application are beyond the control of the manufacturer, Rosco offers these products in good faith but without guarantee of any type. It is up to the end user to determine the suitability of the Roscoflamex product for the intended use and it is always recommended to test before using.
This page is provided as general guidance only. Your materials, coatings, site conditions, application tools, and workmanship will affect results. You should conduct your own testing and verification to confirm suitability for your project.
Questions or not sure which Flamex you need?
Send us a quick message and we’ll point you in the right direction.