Roscoflamex: A Complete Guide
Rosco Flamex · Flame Retardants
Flame-retard your scenery, the right way
Theatres, venues and productions expect scenic materials to resist ignition and slow the spread of flame. Rosco Flamex is a range of water-based flame retardants with a product matched to each material, from stage drapes and timber flats to paper props and painted finishes.
Why scenery gets flame-treated
On most stages and in most venues it is not optional. Untreated materials are a real fire risk and a compliance problem.
Venues require it
Theatres, schools, exhibition halls and event spaces routinely require drapes, scenery and props to be flame retarded before they go in. No certificate, no load-in.
Raw materials burn fast
Cotton drape, muslin, timber flats, paper props and foam all ignite and spread flame easily. A treatment slows that down and buys people time.
The right product matters
Different materials absorb and behave differently, so a fabric treatment is not a timber treatment. Using the matched product is what makes it work, and what keeps you compliant.
How Flamex works
Water-based treatments you apply to the material, so the finished scenery resists ignition and slows flame spread.
Applied to the material
Most Flamex products are sprayed, brushed or dipped onto the raw material. Flamex PA is different: it mixes into your paint (more below).
Slows ignition & flame spread
The treatment reduces the flammability of the treated material, helping it resist catching and slowing how fast flame travels across it.
Matched to the substrate
Natural fabric, synthetic fabric, delicate fabric, timber, paper and paint each have their own Flamex. Pick by material and the treatment does its job.
Test, then re-treat as needed
Always test a small sample first. Treatments can be affected by washing, water and weathering, so re-apply after cleaning or long exposure.
One range, a product for every material
The full Flamex line. On the next page you tell us your material and we point you straight to the one you need.
Flamex MC
The all-rounder for wood, plywood, MDF, muslin, fabrics, paper and many scenic construction materials, and now our recommended pick over the older WD and SF for most jobs.
Flamex NF
For natural fibre fabrics: cotton stage drapes, muslin backdrops, canvas and natural-fibre curtains.
Flamex DF
For lightweight and delicate textiles, silk, chiffon and decorative fabrics, keeping their drape and appearance.
Flamex PC
For paper-based scenic materials, cardboard props, papier-mache and paper displays.
Flamex SF
For synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. For smaller quantities, Flamex MC covers the same synthetics.
Flamex PA
A clear additive you mix into water-based paint to make the finished paint layer flame retardant. More on this below.
Flamex PA, explained
The one that catches people out, because it does not work like the others.
What it is
Flamex PA is a clear, un-pigmented flame retardant additive that you mix directly into water-based paint. Instead of treating a raw material, it makes the finished paint coating itself flame retardant, so you keep your chosen paint system and colour.
How it works & what it does
Mixed into the paint at one full jar per 1 gallon (3.79 L), it builds flame retardancy into the dried paint film. It covers roughly 28 m² per treated gallon, and the finished paint layer must be at least 4 mil thick to work, so the effect depends on both the additive and the coat thickness.
- Works in latex and water-based scenic paints, Rosco scenic paints, primers and acrylic glazes
- Keeps the paint’s colour and finish, no separate spray step
- Ideal for scenic murals, painted sets, exhibition builds and film scenery
Which one do you need?
Tell us your material and we will point you to the right Flamex, with specs, how to apply it and the answers to the usual questions.
Next step · Step 2 of 3 Find your Flamex, specs & how to applyNot sure what your venue needs?
We are the exclusive Rosco distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Tell us your material and what you are treating it for, and we will confirm the right Flamex and quantity, and point you to what your venue or production will ask for.