FAQ

1. General Information

What is a flame retardant? California Health & Safety Code Section 13115 © “Flame Retardant”, as used in this section, means a fabric or material resistant to flame or fire to the extent that it will successfully withstand standard fire-resistive tests adopted and promulgated by the State Fire Marshal. Title 19, CA Code of Regulations, Subchapter 1, 3.08 All drapes, hangings, curtains, drops and all other decorative material, including Christmas trees, that would tend to increase the fire and panic hazard shall be made from a nonflammable material, or shall be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition by means of a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal, as set forth in Subchapter 8, Chapter 1, Title 19, CCR. Exceptions: Cubical curtains and individual patient room window curtains and drapes in Group 1 and D Occupancies. Window curtains and drapes within dwelling units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies.Christmas trees within dwelling units of Group R, Division 1 Occupancies.

What is a flame retardant?...

How do flame retardants work? Flame retardants are added to different materials or applied as a treatment to materials to limit the spread of fire and minimize fire damage. Some flame retardants work effectively on their own; others act as “synergists” to increase the fire protective benefits of other flame retardants. A variety of flame retardants is necessary because materials that need to be made fire-resistant are very different in their physical nature and chemical composition, so they behave differently during combustion. The elements in flame retardants also react differently with fire. As a result, flame retardants have to be matched appropriately to each type of material. Flame retardants work to stop or delay fire, but, depending on their chemical makeup, they interact at different stages of the fire cycle.

How do flame retardants work?...

What types of flame retardants do you offer? Firetect offers a range of flame retardant products including saturants (for absorbent materials like fabric and wood), intumescent coatings (for surfaces like wood), and specialty formulations tailored to specific materials and applications.

What type of flame retardants to you offer?...

What standards do your products meet? Firetect offers a range of flame retardant products, which comply with NFPA, ASTM, UL, UFAC and other fire code compliance. Please see the Product Data Sheet for more specific fire code compliance or contact Firetect, Inc. for OEM or customized flame-retardant compliance for specific applications.

What standards do your products meet?...

What is the difference between a flame retardant saturant and a flame retardant intumescent A flame retardant saturant is a liquid that penetrates and soaks into porous materials like fabric, wood, or paper to make them flame resistant. It works by chemically altering the material to slow ignition and reduce flame spread. An intumescent coating, on the other hand, is a surface-applied paint-like material that swells when exposed to heat, forming a thick, insulating char layer. This helps protect the underlying surface from increased flame-spread. In short: saturants soak in, and, intumescent coatings sit on the surface and expand during flame exposure. Please note, this is NOT a heat resistant coating, which is used for BBQ's and fireplaces.

What is the difference between a flame retardant saturant and a flame retardant intumescent coating?...

2. Product Use & Applications

Which flame retardant should I use? Choosing a flame retardant depends on the material type and its intended use. Firetect offers specialized products for wood, fabric, foam, and more. Contact us for help selecting the right product for your specific application. Or click the link Help Me Choose A Product!

Which flame retardant should I use?

Can your flame retardants be used indoors and outdoors? All of our products are designed for indoor use only. If a flame-retardant product claims to comply with exterior ratings, the manufacturer must have testing in accordance to ASTM D2898 by a, "Certified, Accredited Laboratory" on that specific substrate or type (species of wood. If a Flame-Retardant company claims to have a product for exterior ratings, be very careful and make sure you have a copy in your possession of their test report that can be verified by the laboratory referenced on the test report. Do not accept test reports unless issued by a, "3rd Party Licensed, Accredited Lab", not an in-house test performed by the manufacturer or distributor.

Can your flame retardants be used indoors and outdoors?

Do your products affect the appearance or texture of the treated materials? Our flame retardants are designed to minimize changes, but slight alterations in color, texture, or sheen may occur—especially on light or delicate materials or fabrics that have unstable dyes to begin with. We recommend testing on a small, inconspicuous area prior to application of entire surface to verify aesthetics and finish.

Do your products affect the appearance of the treated materials?

Are your flame retardants permanent? How long do they last? Fire-Poof and Fire-Safe are both saturants and are water soluble. All other Firetect products are coatings and may or may not wash away when exposed to elements. It is the responsibility of the end-user to, "maintain" the treated surface in a flame-retardant condition.

Are your flame retardants permanent? How long do they last?

3. Safety & Compliance

Are your flame retardants non-toxic and safe for indoor use? Yes, Firetect fire-retardants are non-toxic and non-hazardous and safe for indoor use when applied as directed. Always refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and (PDS) Product Data Sheet for specific health and safety information. Always wear proper PPE as you would when applying latex coatings.

Are your flame retardants non-toxic and safe for indoor use?

Do your products comply with fire safety regulations in my state/country? Firetect products are tested to meet or exceed major fire safety standards, including NFPA, ASTM, UFAC, CA Title 19, NYC Fire Codes and fire code requirements for other countries. Check with your local Fire Authority to verify specific codes and regulations before contacting Firetect for compliance. For documentation specific to your local codes or project requirements email us at info@firetect.com or call at 1.800.380.8801

Do your products comply with fire safety regulations in my city/state/country?

Are your products environmentally friendly or biodegradable? We offer flame-retardant saturants and coatings that are low in VOCs and free of harmful halogens. Please verify with your local agencies for proper disposal requirements.

Are your products environmentally friendly or biodegradable?

4. Instructions & Technical Info

How do I apply your flame retardants? Most Firetect flame retardants can be applied by spraying, brushing, dipping, or rolling, depending on the substrate and product being used. Always follow the application instructions on the label or Product Data Sheet or feel free to contact Firetect for specific information.

How do I apply your flame retardants?

Do I need any special equipment for application? Yes, follow the application instructions on the Product Data Sheet (PDS). It is very important not to use any sprayer with more than 100 PSI with the Fire-Poof or Fire-Safe, as higher pressure can atomize the saturant. It is best for all of our coatings to be applied by a airless paint sprayer. Please see tip recommendations on the Product Data Sheets. For all products, be sure to clean and flush your sprayers with running water to prevent corrosion, build up and to prolong the lifetime of your equipment.

Do I need any special equipment for application?

How long does it take for the product to dry or cure? Drying time varies by product and atmospheric conditions. Typically 4 to 48 hours, but if cold and damp, can take longer. Full curing may take up to 72 hours. Ensure treated materials are fully dry before applying additional coats and do not wrap in plastic, which can cause chalkiness to the surface.

How long does it take for the product to dry or cure?

How often do I need to reapply flame retardants? Per NFPA Life Safety Code 101, Sec. 10.2.3.6.3 "Factory-applied fire-retardant-coated products shall possess the desired degree of permanency and shall be maintained to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under the service conditions encountered in actual use." Refer to the product guidelines or contact us for re-treatment recommendations. 1.800.380.8801 or info@firetect.com

How often do I need to reapply flame retardants?

5. Orders & Support

Can I request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Product Data Sheet? Yes! Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Product Data Sheets are available on this website, under Resources. Just click the link or you can contact us via email at info@firetect.com, for any additional questions.

Can I request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Product Data Sheet (PDS) ?

Do you offer bulk pricing? Yes, we offer bulk pricing for contractors, distributors, and industry professionals. Contact us directly for volume pricing or to set up an account today. 1.800.380.8801

Do you offer bulk pricing?

How do I place an order or get a quote? You can request a quote or place an order by contacting us through our website, calling us at 1.800.380.8801, or emailing info@firetect.com. Please include product details and quantities for accurate pricing. Or, see, "Services" page for fillable information we will need in order to provide a complete quote for you.

How do I place an order or get a quote?

What’s your shipping policy for Firetect products? We ship fire-retardant products in compliance with all DOT regulations. They are all Non-Hazardous. Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days, and we offer both domestic and international shipping options. Shipping costs and times vary based on order size and destination. When placing an order be sure to tell us if this is Residential, Commercial, Job-Site, appointment is needed, or if a lift-gate is required.

What is your shipping policy for Firetect products?

6. Industry-Specific Questions

Is this product suitable for entertainment venues such as theatrical, stage sets and Yes, Firetect products comply with fire code requirements for many types of applications, including stage, sound, schools, theatrical, architectural, and more. Check the Product Data Sheet for compatibility with your materials, or contact us for recommendations that meet industry fire standards. Some applications require Licensed, Certified Applicator to apply our products to obtain an official, "Certificate of Flame-Resistance".

Is this product suitable for entertainment venues such as theatrical, stage sets and custom decor for designers and party planners?

Are your flame retardants suitable for FAA, marine, or automotive use? Certain products may be appropriate for aviation, maritime or FMVSS use depending on materials and fire code requirements. Reach out with your project details, and we’ll guide you to the right solution.

Are your flame retardants suitable for FAA, Maritime, or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety?

Is Firetect able to come to my location to measure for new heatrical drapes? Yes, Firetect can measure and provide an estimate for most areas of California for new or replacement draperies. Please contact Firetect to schedule an appointment.

FAQ