Here’s a data sheet from a theatre chandler about Flamebar, which says Flamebar S3 is suitable for canvas tents. Flame proofing works by etching salts onto the surface of the fibres, which then expand under the influence of heat to protect the canvas, until it reaches a heat where it will combust.
It’s the first time I’ve seen anyone suggest fireproofing a tent. I’m doubtful if it would confer much benefit, and considering primary fire prevention measures would be a better approach.
I would suggest that you may have some difficulty retro-flameproofing to any great effect. The flameproofing liquids I'm aware of are water based, and need to be adsorbed into the fabric, it isn't a surface coating as such. That isn't going to happen if your tent has any semblance of waterproof properties!
How waterproof it would remain after treatment is another matter, you have conflicting requirements, the flameproofing may incorporate 'wetting agents' to aid its dispersal and adsorption into fabric, wetting agents are the death of tents, think of detergents! Plus any chemical that was originally dissolved in water, may have a tendency to take up water once again and 'wet' the tent fabric. You may have to reproof the entire tent to get it back to a waterproof state.
Look at this manufacturers web site for some insight:
https://www.maclingroup.co.uk/product/fire-retardant-liquid/
My knowledge is limited, there may well be something suitable, but for sure there are some that are likely not.
Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 28/8/2019
Here’s a data sheet from a theatre chandler about Flamebar, which says Flamebar S3 is suitable for canvas tents. Flame proofing works by etching salts onto the surface of the fibres, which then expand under the influence of heat to protect the canvas, until it reaches a heat where it will combust.
It’s the first time I’ve seen anyone suggest fireproofing a tent. I’m doubtful if it would confer much benefit, and considering primary fire prevention measures would be a better approach.
Thanks.
The idea is to stop sparks and the like starting a slow smoulder which eventually turns to flame. From what I've seen of fire-retardant treateed fabrics, they work pretty well at doing just that.
I have a stove for my bell tent. Whilst I'm confident the stove in the tent is unlikely to cause a fire, there is always the possibility of chimney sparks or worse, a chimney fire. If spraying the area near the stove pipe would help stop such an event spreading to a full-scale tent fire, I'm interested.
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 28/8/2019
I would suggest that you may have some difficulty retro-flameproofing to any great effect. The flameproofing liquids I'm aware of are water based, and need to be adsorbed into the fabric, it isn't a surface coating as such. That isn't going to happen if your tent has any semblance of waterproof properties!
How waterproof it would remain after treatment is another matter, you have conflicting requirements, the flameproofing may incorporate 'wetting agents' to aid its dispersal and adsorption into fabric, wetting agents are the death of tents, think of detergents! Plus any chemical that was originally dissolved in water, may have a tendency to take up water once again and 'wet' the tent fabric. You may have to reproof the entire tent to get it back to a waterproof state.
That's is what is worrying me
Flametect Nitro has been recommended - it's water resistant, suitable for tents and is sprayed on the inside of the tent. I'm still trying to find out if it is likely to ruin the waterproofing though.
One problem is that the company I got the tent from: Camping & Canvas, doesn't exist anymore, so I cannot ask them what they used to waterproof the tent.,
Why would you want to flame proof a tent anyway unless your intentions were to cook inside by gas flame?
That's not recommenced either due to carbon monoxide poisoning so you might choke on the gasses before the tent actually catches fire.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 28/8/2019
Why would you want to flame proof a tent anyway unless your intentions were to cook inside by gas flame?
That's not recommenced either due to carbon monoxide poisoning so you might choke on the gasses before the tent actually catches fire.
We have a bell tent stove. Chances are it will be 100% fine but there is the small risk of sparks escaping the spark-arrestor. Again, even then the chances are only tiny marks or holes but if there was an easy way of lowering the risk for the price of a bottle of spray, I'd likely do it. If not, I won't worry.
Some tents are already flame retardant, even the synthetic ones - different countries have various standards. I think it's falling out of fashion now a bit because the chemicals used are not always eco-friendly.
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Topic: Flame retardant sprays
