Rosco Flamex SF Fire Retardant for Treating Synthetic Fiber

Testing: ALWAYS treat a test sample to determine how the material will react and to test for effective flame retardance. Please note over saturating may cause fabrics to stiffen or otherwise alter its hand.

Dipping: This is the most efficient method of impregnation. Immerse completely for ten minutes, and hang to dry.

Brushing: Using a wide lay-in brush, brush the Flamex solution into the fibers of the material being treated. Brush in the solution using a criss-crossing pattern to insure adequate absorption. Saturate the material, allow to absorb and then reapply a second treatment.

Spraying: In a spray application, it is very important that an adequate amount of the Flamex be absorbed. In calculating the amount of solution needed, remember that a substantial portion of the spray will not fall on the material. Use a Hudson-type sprayer with a medium nozzle setting. Saturate the material, allow to absorb and then reapply a second treatment.

The wide variety of scenic materials used in modern scenery, props and costuming make compliance with fire regulations much more difficult today. In an effort to simplify and clarify the treatment of all these different substrates and fabrics, Rosco has develop six new Flamex products suited to a very wide range of materials.

But adding to this challenge of these various goods to be treated is the fact that fire code regulations vary from state to state, and in some cases, city to city. You should always consult with your local Fire Department. Recognizing that the jurisdictions of New York City and California State are among the strictest in the US, Rosco Flamex products have been tested and certified for use by these Fire Departments. Our experience is that most other municipalities will recognize and accept these certifications but, your local Fire Marshall has jurisdiction and complete discretion.

What is flame retardant

Nothing is flame proof, anything will burn if it gets hot enough. Most fire retardants - Rosco Flamex products included - do not prevent a material from igniting and burning. The goal of fire retardant treatment is to retard ignition and slow the spread of fire. Flamex works in two ways to achieve this - lowering the ignition temperature of the treated material and retarding the production of flame. When burned, materials treated with Flamex produces inert gases which starve the fire of oxygen and also develop a non-combustible char. Properly flame treated fabrics may ignite, but will self-extinguish within two seconds after the flame has been withdrawn.

Using flame retardants

The chemicals used in Flamex can only be effective when applied properly, and in sufficient quantities. Adequate treatment requires an application of sufficient Flamex to increase the fully dried weight of the sample by approximately 10-20%. While 10-20% is a typical add-on, the amount required for good flame retardance will vary with the composition of the material being treated. Its crucial to test a sample to insure that your goods have been effectively treated.

Flamex products are water soluble and are easily removed by laundering and exposure to water. The flame retardants are not soluble in most dry cleaning solvents however so materials treated with Flamex will not be altered by dry cleaning - provided of course that the solvent is free of moisture and other detergents. Always retest your fabrics after dry cleaning.

Store Flamex products in non-metallic containers. When metal sprayers are used, they should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use, including nozzles and accessories. Avoid use of metal buckets or paint containers when possible.

Read carefully the instructions supplied with any Flamex product.

Rosco offers these products in good faith, but without guarantee of any type, since materials treated and methods of application are beyond the control of the manufacturer. You should determine suitability of the Flamex product for the intended use and always test before using.