Varnish, spray, or fire-retardant paint, what’s the difference ?

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 non-flammable. 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 non-flammable 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 non-flammable is mandatory. In fact, safety commissions require a certificate proving that the elements are non-flammable and comply with the M1 standard.

Flame-retardant sprays are developed for different materials. Alfaflor offers fireproofing products for wood, textiles, and artificial plants. >To certify that the material is non-flammable 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-resistant. 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-resistant furniture with a regular paint, the original fire-resistant 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 fireproof your materials? Don’t hesitate to contact us to find the solution suited to your needs.