Can a Hand-Painted Backdrop be Certified FR?
While the majority of the scenic backdrops that we make are digitally printed, we do offer custom hand-painted backdrops as well. In other situations, the client purchases a “plain” backdrop (typically in natural or white muslin) and then hand-paints it themselves.
Recently, a client asked us for a New York City Certification of Flame Retardancy. We were providing the fabric and sewing the backdrop, but they were planning to paint it themselves. In discussing the situation with the client, we realized that there are probably others out there wondering whether their painted backdrop can be certified as flame retardant. So, here is a brief explanation.
Yes, if the fabric itself is flame retardant, the fabric can be certified as FR in NYC. However, NYC regulations require a final FR certificate for the “completed composition,” of which the muslin is only one component. Therefore, the certificate for the fabric alone will not suffice for a painted backdrop.
However, it is possible to get certification of a hand-painted backdrop, provided certain steps are taken:
1. Both the underlying fabric and the paint are flame retardant. This would be accomplished by utilizing FR fabric (such as FR Muslin) and by adding an FR chemical to the paint used. However, even with this step, the painted backdrop may not pass flame retardancy testing. Therefore, it is recommended that the user (or a certified applicator) also spray the back of the painted backdrop with a flame retardancy chemical.
2. Contract with an registered NYC tester to have the backdrop tested for flame retardancy.
3. Prepare a sample of the painted backdrop (usually done by painting / FR treating a smaller sample piece at the same time as the main backdrop). All treatment of the sample should be the same as that of the full-sized backdrop (i.e. the same original fabric should be used, as well as the same paints and FR chemical additive, and the back of the sample should be sprayed with FR treatment just like the full backdrop).
4. Write a statement verifying how you treated the backdrop (such as what FR chemical(s) was used and whether you added the chemical(s) to the paints and/or sprayed it to the back of the finished piece), and send the sample and statement to the NYC registered tester
5. The NYC registered tester will perform a “match test” to see if the sample meets NYC standards in regards to flame retardancy. If so, the tester will provide you with a flame certificate, which you would show to the FDNY Fire Marshal onsite when the backdrop is in use in New York City.
This is the process for New York City, but I am sure that a similar method would be conducted for other locations throughout the US. If in doubt, check with the local or state fire marshal in your area.
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