Curtains, drapes, and soft furnishings can contribute significantly to fire spread within a building. Lightweight fabrics may ignite quickly and allow flames and heat to travel vertically through a room. Applying suitable Eco-Sol Flametect treatments can help reduce flame spread and improve the fire performance of existing fabrics, potentially providing additional evacuation time in the event of a fire.
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments have been developed for use across a wide range of commercial and domestic environments, including theatres, hotels, hospitality venues, and public buildings. Modern spray-on treatments can be applied to many existing fabrics in situ, helping property owners improve fire performance without necessarily replacing curtains or sending them away for factory treatment.
For fabric and curtain applications, the Eco-Sol range primarily includes Flametect Nitro for synthetic and blended fabrics, alongside Flametect C for many natural-fibre materials including cotton, linen, wool, and other cellulose-based textiles. Product suitability should always be confirmed before application.
What Eco-Sol Flametect Treatments Do to Fabric
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments are designed to penetrate the fibres of the fabric and alter the way the material reacts to heat and flame. Depending on the fibre composition and treatment system used, the treatment may encourage char formation and reduce sustained combustion.
Typical effects of treatment may include:
- Improved ignition resistance — treated fabrics may be less likely to sustain burning once an ignition source is removed.
- Char formation — some treatments encourage the formation of a carbon layer that helps slow flame propagation.
- Reduced flame spread — correctly treated fabrics may achieve lower flame-spread characteristics during recognised fire testing.
When correctly applied to suitable materials, Eco-Sol Flametect treatments are designed to minimise visible changes to colour, texture, or flexibility. However, users should always carry out a test application on an inconspicuous area before full treatment.
Many common fabrics may be suitable for treatment, including cotton, linen, polyester, polycotton blends, viscose, and wool, although compatibility should always be confirmed with the manufacturer’s guidance. In general, Flametect Nitro is intended for many synthetic and mixed-fibre fabrics, while Flametect C is designed for many natural-fibre applications.
Fire Safety Standards and Testing
Curtains and drapes used in commercial and public-facing environments may need to satisfy specific fire-safety requirements depending on the application, end use, and fire-risk assessment.
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments have been tested to a range of recognised national and international fire standards, including:
- BS 5867 Part 2 Type B
- EN 13773:2003 Class 1
- BS 5438
- French M1
- German DIN 4102
- California State Fire Marshal (Calfire)
- US NFPA 701
Performance classifications and suitability may vary depending on the fabric composition, application rate, substrate weight, and installation method. Users should always refer to the latest technical documentation, certification, and test reports relevant to the intended application.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility on the responsible person within non-domestic premises to assess and reduce fire risk as part of an overall fire-safety strategy.
Where Treatment May Be Appropriate
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments are commonly specified in:
- Hotels and guest accommodation
- Restaurants and bars
- Theatres, cinemas, and event venues
- Care homes and healthcare facilities
- Schools and public buildings
- HMOs and shared accommodation
- Listed or heritage buildings where replacement fabrics may not be practical
Domestic treatment is also becoming increasingly common in larger homes, holiday lets, and short-term rental properties where owners wish to improve fire safety measures.
Application Process
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments are typically applied directly to fabric using a hand-held sprayer or suitable atomising equipment. In many cases, curtains can be treated while hanging in place.
A typical application process includes:
- Preparation — remove dust and ensure the fabric is clean and dry.
- Patch testing — apply to a hidden section first and allow to dry fully before proceeding.
- Even application — apply uniformly across the fabric surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s coverage recommendations.
- Dry naturally — allow the fabric to air dry fully before use.
- Maintain records — keep details of the treatment date, product batch, and application area for maintenance and compliance records where required.
Coverage rates vary depending on fabric type, weave density, and absorbency. Medium-weight curtain fabrics may typically achieve coverage rates of approximately 8–10 m² per litre, although this can vary considerably.
Reapplication and Maintenance
The durability of Eco-Sol Flametect treatments depends on usage conditions, cleaning frequency, abrasion, and environmental exposure. Washing, dry-cleaning, or heavy wear may reduce effectiveness and require re-treatment.
For commercial premises, maintaining treatment records and periodically reviewing the condition of treated fabrics can form part of an overall fire-risk-management process.
When to Treat Versus Replace
The decision to treat existing curtains or replace them with inherently flame-retardant fabrics depends on several factors, including:
- Cost considerations
- Fabric condition
- Heritage or aesthetic requirements
- Availability of matching replacement materials
- Required certification level
In many situations, Eco-Sol Flametect treatments may provide a practical and cost-effective option for improving the fire performance of existing furnishings.
Choosing the Right Product
Before selecting a treatment system, users should consider:
- Independent test certification
- Compatibility with the fabric type
- Application method
- Water-based versus solvent-based formulations
- Colour fastness and finish retention
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
For many indoor applications, water-based Eco-Sol Flametect treatments are commonly preferred due to their lower odour and ease of application when used with appropriate ventilation.
Flametect Nitro is generally intended for many polyester, polycotton, and synthetic-based materials, while Flametect C is more commonly selected for absorbent natural fibres and cellulose-rich fabrics. Always refer to the latest technical guidance and test certification for the intended substrate.
Improving Fire Safety for Curtains and Soft Furnishings
Eco-Sol Flametect treatments can form part of a broader fire-safety strategy for commercial and residential properties. Correct product selection, proper application, and appropriate documentation all play an important role in achieving reliable performance.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and refer to relevant certification, testing data, and fire-risk-assessment requirements before treatment.
Browse the Flametect range for product specifications, application guidance, and certification information relevant to your project.