How to Make Flame-Resistant Cloth

Test the cloth's flame resistance after you apply it.

There are two types of flame-resistant cloth. In cloth that is inherently flame-resistant, a flame retardant is incorporated into the fibers during their manufacture. Cloth that is inherently flame-resistant is virtually impossible to make at home. In the second type, a chemical is applied topically to the fabric. Many topical retardants on the market are simple enough to use at home. Once bonded to the cloth, they help it to resist heat and small flames.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Goggles
• Breathing mask
• Sprayer
• Clothesline
• Clothes pins
• Scissors
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Wash and dry cloth if it is soiled.

2. Pour the flame retardant into a sprayer if it does not come packaged in a sprayer. Many flame retardants require a "Hudson"-type orchard sprayer with a 40 to 100 psi (pounds per square inch) fan tip. The amount of flame retardant to pour into the sprayer depends on the size of the cloth you intend to treat. A gallon covers 40 to 160 square feet of cloth. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the coverage per gallon.

3. Spread the cloth out in a clean, dry area. Work outdoors because the fumes are noxious. Also lay a test piece of cloth made of the same fabric as the first piece.

4. Spray one side of the cloth and the test piece with the retardant to cover it completely. Allow it to dry for three hours. Flip the cloth over and spray the other side. Allow it to dry for three hours.

5. Hang both pieces of cloth on a line in a cool, dry spot to cure for the proper amount of time (usually 24 to 72 hours; see manufacturer's instructions). The longer the cure, the better the protection.

6. Cut a square of cloth 5 inches by 5 inches from the test piece. Attempt to ignite it with a lighter. If coverage is adequate, the cloth will resist ignition and stop burning once the flame is removed. If the piece burns readily, apply another coat of flame retardant to the rest of all the cloth, following the steps above. Then cut another 5-inch square and retest ignition. Repeat the application and testing process until the test piece resists ignition. When it does, the fabric is sufficiently flame retardant.

Tips & Warnings

• A wide variety of topical flame retardants are available online. Read a flame retardant's information carefully to make sure it is suitable for your needs and the type of cloth you're using.

• Most flame retardants are water soluble. Treated fabric must only be dry cleaned.

• Always wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and a breathing mask when handling and applying flame retardants.

• Flame retardants work best if there is no other coating on the fabric.

• Topical flame retardants dissipate over time. Keep the test cloth in the same area as your garment and test it annually. If it loses its flame resistance, treat the cloth and test again.

References

• DuPont: Facts About Inherent Flame-Resistant Protective Clothing
• FireTect: Safe-T-Guard
• No Burn
• "Interior Graphic Standards" ; Patricia Greichen, et al.; 2010