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.

Fabric Flammability

Continuing on the subject of flame retardancy, I thought I’d give a brief synopsis on the flammability of fabric.  Consider the flammability characteristics of different fibers (in their natural state, not factoring in topical FR treatment) may assist you in making decisions on the type of fabric to choose for your next custom stage curtain.

Many synthetic fabrics are, naturally, extremely flame resistant.  When they do burn, however, they will typically melt.  The result can be extremely dangerous if it comes in contact with skin.

Natural fibers typically do not melt.  However, depending on the fiber, some burn more quickly and readily than others.  Wool, for example, is slow to catch fire and may actually self-extinguish.  Cotton, on the other hand, can ignite quickly, with the flame spreading rapidly as well.

Fabrics made of a blend of natural and synthetic fibers can offer the “worst of both worlds,” combining the quick ignition of the natural fiber with the melting characteristic of the synthetic fiber.

Luckily, in many cases, chemical treatments can be used to make many fabrics much more resistant to fire.  However, not all fabrics can be chemically treated for flame retardancy (such as most metallic fabrics).  When in doubt, ask your fabric supplier if the fabric you are considering is flame retardant (or can be treated to be flame retardant), and make sure you get a Certificate of Flame Retardancy when you purchase.

If you’d like to learn more about this topic, I have written an article that is available on our website.

What is FR? IFR? NFR? Here’s the Scoop.

The issue of flame retardancy for stage curtains, trade show drapes, and other hanging drapery is one that I am sure is confusing to many people.  I have been educating myself on this subject for a number of years, and I still feel as if I have just scratched the surface.  I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for a novice trying to figure it all out, so I thought I’d pass along a little of what I have learned .  There are many different topics related to flame retardancy, so I’ll start with the basics and cover more topics in later posts.

DEFINITIONS OF FLAME RETARDANCY TERMS

FR (Flame Retardant):  Fabric has been topically treated with a flame retardant chemical, which is water-soluble and will be removed by laundering.  Even without laundering, the chemical will dissipate over time, requiring that the drapery be re-treated.  Cottons, other natural fiber fabrics, and some synthetic fabrics are topically treated.

DFR (Durably Flame Retardant): Fibers have been manufactured with a flame retardant process prior to being woven into fabric.  As a result, the fabric is typically flame retardant for the life of the fabric.  This is the case for many polyester fabrics (though not all).

PFR / IFR (Permanently Flame Retardant):  The fibers themselves are non-combustible.  Therefore the woven fabric is considered flame retardant for the life of the fabric.  This is the case for most Avora™ polyesters, Trevira™ polyesters, some other polyesters, and some other synthetic fabrics.

***DFR, PFR, and IFR are often used interchangeably, because the effect is the same – all are considered flame retardant for the life of the fabric.

CBFP / CBFR (Can be Flameproofed / Flame Retarded): The fabric is not flame retardant, but can be topically treated with a chemical to make it flame retardant (FR).  This might include a cotton fabric that is usually sold as NFR but can be treated by a registered flame retardancy applicator facility.

CNFR (Cannot be Flame Retarded):  The fabric is not flame retardant and cannot be topically treated with a chemical for flame retardancy.  This includes most fabrics that have metal in the weave.  Acetate is another fabric that usually cannot be flame proofed.

If you’d like further details on these terms, you can find it here.

Wondering how to clean velour drapes?

Cleaning cotton velour stage curtains can be tricky.  The biggest issue is flame retardancy.  Cotton velours are topically treated for flame retardancy with a water-soluble chemical.  This means that, if the fabric is washed, the drape will no longer be flame retardant (requiring costly re-treatment).  Periodic maintenance, along with dry-cleaning only when absolutely necessary, will keep your drapes looking great for years to come. 

MAINTENANCE

Dust accumulation and repeated dry-cleaning can damage drapery.  I recommend removing the dust using a soft brush, first on the back of the drape and then on the front (detailed instructions are here).

CLEANING

Cotton velour drapes must be professionally dry-cleaned.  Small drapes may be taken to any good dry-cleaner.  For larger drapes, I suggest checking with the Executive Housekeeper of a large hotel / resort in your area to get a recommendation of a good commercial cleaner.  Request the use of 100% pure solvents under easy care conditions.  Spot-cleaning by a dry-cleaner is also an option but may affect the appearance of the drape.

Keep in mind, however, that even dry cleaning will eventually cause your drapery to loss its flame retardancy.  I recommend that you have your drapery tested annually, and have them professionally re-treated for flame retardancy as needed. 

What does “Eco-Friendly” really mean for stage fabrics?

I am starting to hear a lot about “eco-friendly” textiles.  My first reaction was, “Yes, of course, eco-friendly fabrics are the way to go.”  Use biodegradable fabrics as much as possible.  That’s not as easy as it sounds, especially in the theatrical marketplace.

For example, let’s say I decide to use a 100% cotton fabric.  That should be a “green” option, right?  Cotton is a natural fiber and therefore should be 100% biodegradable.

 But what if it isn’t?  I just read a post on “O Ecotextiles” that talks about the many chemicals that 100% cotton may be treated with in the manufacturing process.  Suddenly, 100% cotton doesn’t sound so “green” anymore.

Then you add on the flame retardancy requirements for stage curtains.  How “green” can a fabric be, regardless of the fiber content, if it has been topically treated with a flame retardancy chemical?  So is a topically treated 100% cotton fabric really better for the environment than a 100% Avora polyester fabric that is inherently flame retardant?

Hummm…a lot to think about, too much to put down in this single post (stay tuned for more thoughts on this subject in the future).

Taking the tour to Europe? Think about flame retardancy now!

It used to be that tours would have two sets of drapes – one for the US leg of the tour and another for Europe.  These days, many tours are becoming more budget conscious and are choosing to purchase a single set of drapery and soft goods.  One thing to keep in mind when considering this option is the issue of flame retardancy.

The requirements and regulations regarding flame retardancy of hanging drapery are quite different between the US and Europe.  Just because a fabric passes US standards doesn’t mean it will pass European standards, and vice versa.  It is especially difficult because there is no single European standard – Germany, France, and the UK all have their own standards. 

Does that mean you can’t get custom stage curtains, scrims, band backdrops, stage skirting, etc., in the US and then use them in Europe as well?  Certainly not.   But what it does mean is that you need to plan ahead.  Let us know that you will be using the drapes in Europe as well as the US.  We can recommend fabrics that have previously been shown to pass both US & European standards. 

Another idea – contact the European venues for each stop on the tour and ask if there is a process you can go through in advance to get your drapes approved for that venue, such as sending burn samples to the venue or contracting with a company in that country for pre-testing and certification.

The most important thing?  Do your homework before the tour heads to Europe.  The last thing you want is to find yourself standing in a venue in London or Berlin the morning of the show, being told you can’t use your drapes!