A fire-retardant spray impregnates the substrate and delays its ignition without covering it; an intumescent varnish or paint forms a film that swells under heat and insulates the substrate. The first suits textiles and artificial foliage, the second wood and structures. Each has its own test report, and one does not replace the other.
Among fire-fighting products, we regularly encounter different terms: fire-retardant sprays, fire-retardant paints, and intumescent paints. All these products are part of passive fire protection and share the same goal: making surfaces M1-classified. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates them.
What is the difference between spray and fire-retardant paint ?
Fire-retardant spray : the simple and effective method for fire-fighting treatment
Fire-retardant spray is colorless, unlike paint or varnish. It makes the sprayed surface M1-classified without altering its original appearance. It is easy to apply as it is sprayed directly onto the surface to be treated. You can also soak the surface in a bath of the product.
Treating and making furniture, textiles, decorations, or any other elements in establishments open to the public M1-classified is mandatory. In fact, safety commissions require a classification test report proving that the elements are M1-classified and comply with the M1 standard.
Flame-retardant sprays are developed for different materials. Alfaflor offers fire-retardant treatment products for wood, textiles, and artificial plants. >To establish that the material is M1-classified according to category M1, a specific quantity of the product must be respected. Check the application scale on each product sheet.
Fire-retardant varnish or paint : to maintain the fire resistance of a product
Fire-retardant paint does not have the ability to make a material M1 fire-retardant. It simply prevents a material from being downgraded. For example, if you want to repaint a wooden piece of furniture in an ERP, using fire-retardant paint will help you maintain the existing fire protection treatment. If you repaint fire-retardant furniture with a regular paint, the original fire-retardant treatment will no longer be valid.
The advantage of using fire-retardant paints or varnishes is that you can alter the appearance of the furniture, such as changing its color, while maintaining its M1 classification.
Intumescent paints or varnishes for structural protection
These products have an additional characteristic: when a fire occurs, a foam appears and swells around the treated material. They are primarily used to protect frames and steel structures. The foam, called “meringue,” helps maintain the ambient temperature during a fire and prevents the structure from collapsing.
Do you want to fire-retardant your materials? Don’t hesitate to contact us to find the solution suited to your needs.