Every production that builds a set, hangs a curtain, or dresses a stage with paper props faces the same non-negotiable requirement: fire safety. Fire marshals, insurance underwriters, and venue managers all want proof that the materials in your space have been properly treated. Cutting corners is not an option — it puts people at risk and can shut down a production overnight.
This guide covers the full Rosco Flamex line of flame retardant products available at SPFX Supply, Canada’s trusted source for professional special effects supplies. Based out of Toronto (333 Bering Ave, Unit 100, Toronto, ON M8Z 3A8) and shipping across Canada, SPFX Supply stocks every Flamex formula discussed here so you can stay supplied and stay compliant — no matter what your set is made of.
By the end of this guide you will know exactly which Flamex product to reach for, how to apply it, and what the fire code actually requires of you.
Why Flame Retardancy Matters
If you have been in the industry long enough, you have heard the stories. A paper prop catches a stray spark from a practical effect. A muslin backdrop sits too close to a hot light. A foam set piece ignites during a pyrotechnic cue. These are not hypothetical scenarios — they are the exact situations that fire codes are designed to prevent.
Fire Marshals and Inspections
In Ontario, the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) requires that combustible materials used in assembly occupancies — theatres, concert venues, film stages, convention centres — be rendered flame resistant. Fire marshals have the authority to inspect your set, test your materials on the spot, and shut you down if they fail. A small open-flame lighter test on an untreated swatch of muslin will tell the inspector everything they need to know in about three seconds.
Insurance Requirements
Production insurance policies routinely include clauses about fire safety compliance. If a fire occurs and your materials were not treated, your claim may be denied. Proper flame retardant treatment is not just a safety measure — it is a financial safeguard for your production company, your venue, and your career.
Venue Policies
Most professional venues in Toronto and across Canada require a flame retardancy certificate or proof of treatment before they will allow soft goods, paper products, or raw wood onto their stage. This applies to touring shows, corporate events, trade shows, and film shoots on location. Showing up without treated materials means delays, emergency purchases, or being turned away entirely.
The Critical Distinction: Flame Retardant vs. Fireproof
This is worth stating clearly because it is misunderstood more often than it should be: flame retardant treatment does not make materials fireproof. What it does is make them self-extinguishing. A treated fabric exposed to a flame will char at the point of contact, but it will not sustain combustion once the ignition source is removed. The fire will not spread.
An untreated cotton curtain, by contrast, will catch fire and continue burning until it is consumed or extinguished by other means. That is the difference flame retardant treatment makes — and it is the difference between a controlled situation and a catastrophe.
The Rosco Flamex Product Line
Rosco is one of the most recognized names in entertainment industry supplies, and their Flamex line has been the go-to flame retardant system for film and theatre professionals for decades. The reason Flamex works so well for productions is simple: it is designed specifically for the materials we use. Each formula in the line is engineered for a particular substrate, which means it delivers effective treatment without damaging, discolouring, or altering the material in ways that would ruin its on-camera or on-stage appearance.
SPFX Supply carries the full Flamex line. Here is what each product does and when you need it.
Flamex WD — For Raw and Untreated Wood
Best for: Set walls, wooden props, dimensional lumber, plywood flats, wooden platforms, and any unfinished wood surface.
Rosco Flamex WD is formulated to penetrate raw wood fibres and render them self-extinguishing. It can be applied by spray or brush, making it practical for both large flat surfaces like set walls and smaller dimensional pieces like wooden props and furniture.
Key details:
- Apply to unfinished, untreated wood only — the product needs to soak into the grain. Pre-sealed, painted, or varnished wood will not absorb it properly.
- Brush application is recommended for heavy timbers and dimensional lumber where deeper penetration is needed.
- Spray application works well for large flat surfaces like flats and set walls where speed matters.
- Allow surfaces to dry completely before painting or finishing over top.
Flamex WD is the product you reach for during set construction. If your carpenters are building flats out of lauan or framing walls with pine, WD should be part of the finishing process before paint goes on.
Flamex NF — For Natural Fibres
Best for: Cotton, muslin, canvas, burlap, linen, and other natural-fibre textiles. Used on curtains, backdrops, soft goods, drapes, and costumes.
Rosco Flamex NF is the workhorse of the Flamex line for most theatre and film applications, because natural-fibre fabrics are everywhere on a production — from cycloramas and masking drapes to tablecloths and costume pieces.
Key details:
- Spray application is the standard method. Use a pump sprayer or HVLP setup to apply an even coat.
- The fabric should be saturated but not dripping. One thorough coat is typically sufficient for lighter materials; heavier canvas or burlap may need a second pass.
- NF dries clear and does not significantly alter the hand (feel) or drape of the fabric, which matters when you are treating costumes or hero drapes that will be seen on camera.
- Treatment must be reapplied after washing or dry cleaning. Water removes the flame retardant. If a treated curtain goes through the wash, it needs to be retreated before it goes back on stage.
If you are hanging any natural-fibre soft goods — and in theatre, you almost certainly are — Flamex NF should be in your shop at all times.
Flamex DF — For Delicate Fabrics
Best for: Silk, synthetic blends, sheer materials, chiffon, organza, and any fine textiles where the standard NF formula might be too harsh.
Rosco Flamex DF uses a gentler formulation designed to treat fabrics that could be damaged by the more aggressive chemistry in NF. If you are working with a designer’s silk gown, sheer curtain panels, or synthetic-blend costumes, DF is the product that protects the material without compromising its appearance or texture.
Key details:
- Spray application only — these fabrics are too delicate for brushing or heavy saturation.
- Apply in light, even coats. Multiple light passes are better than one heavy application.
- Always test on a hidden area or swatch first. Delicate fabrics can respond unpredictably to any liquid treatment, and a quick test saves you from ruining a $500 costume piece.
- Like NF, treatment is removed by washing and must be reapplied.
Flamex DF fills a gap that general-purpose flame retardants cannot. When the wardrobe department brings you something expensive and fragile, this is the formula that lets you say yes without holding your breath.
Flamex PC — For Paper and Cardboard
Best for: Paper props, cardboard set pieces, newspaper stacks, book pages, cardboard boxes, and any cellulose-based material.
Rosco Flamex PC is purpose-built for paper and cardboard — materials that are among the most flammable things you will find on any set. If you are dressing a detective’s office with stacks of case files, building a cardboard cityscape for a music video, or filling shelves with books, PC is essential.
Key details:
- Spray application is standard. For individual sheets or small props, dipping is also effective and ensures full coverage.
- Paper products are highly absorbent, so coverage rates are lower than with fabrics — plan for more product per square foot.
- Treated paper may show slight stiffening or subtle changes in texture, which is rarely an issue for set dressing but worth noting for hero props that will be handled on camera.
- Cardboard set pieces benefit from treatment on all surfaces, including edges and interior folds.
Productions underestimate paper as a fire hazard more than almost any other material. A stack of newspapers near a practical lamp is a genuine risk. Flamex PC eliminates that risk with minimal effort.
Flamex PA — For Plastics and Foam
Best for: Styrofoam, foam rubber, expanded polystyrene, plastic sheeting, and rigid plastic set dressing.
Rosco Flamex PA addresses materials that are increasingly common on modern sets: foam props, vacuum-formed plastic pieces, styrofoam architectural details, and plastic sheeting used for everything from rain effects to set construction.
Key details:
- Spray or brush application depending on the size and geometry of the piece.
- Foam is porous and will absorb product, so coverage rates will vary. Test on a scrap piece of the same material to gauge absorption.
- PA is particularly important for styrofoam, which melts and burns rapidly when untreated and produces toxic fumes.
- Allow foam pieces to dry completely before painting or coating — trapped moisture under paint can cause adhesion problems.
As CNC-carved foam and 3D-printed props become more common in production, Flamex PA is becoming an increasingly essential part of the scenic shop workflow.
Flamex MC — Multi-Coat System for Heavy-Duty Applications
Best for: Any situation where fire code requires certified, maximum-level flame retardancy. Used on materials that need the highest degree of protection, often for large installations, permanent set pieces, or venues with strict fire code enforcement.
Rosco Flamex MC is the heavy-duty option in the Flamex line. It uses a multi-coat application system to build up layers of flame retardant protection, resulting in a higher level of treatment than any single-coat product can achieve.
Key details:
- Requires multiple coats with drying time between each application. Follow the product’s specific instructions for the number of coats required.
- Designed for scenarios where a fire marshal or venue requires documented, certified flame retardancy — not just a general treatment.
- Can be used on a variety of substrates, but always test compatibility first.
- The multi-coat process takes longer, so plan your production schedule accordingly. This is not a last-minute solution.
Flamex MC is the product you bring in when the stakes are highest — a large-scale theatre installation, a touring set that needs to pass inspection in every city, or a film set where pyrotechnics will be used in proximity to combustible materials.
Quick Reference: Which Flamex Product for Which Material?
| Material | Flamex Product | Application Method | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw/untreated wood | Flamex WD | Spray or brush | Set walls, wooden props, lumber, flats |
| Cotton, muslin, canvas, burlap, linen | Flamex NF | Spray | Curtains, backdrops, drapes, costumes |
| Silk, synthetics, sheers, delicates | Flamex DF | Spray (light coats) | Fine costumes, sheer panels, silk drapes |
| Paper, cardboard | Flamex PC | Spray or dip | Paper props, cardboard set pieces, books |
| Styrofoam, foam rubber, plastic | Flamex PA | Spray or brush | Foam props, plastic set dressing |
| Heavy-duty / certified applications | Flamex MC | Multiple coats (spray or brush) | High-compliance venues, pyro-adjacent sets |
Application Methods and Best Practices
Spraying
Spraying is the most common application method across the Flamex line and is the fastest way to treat large areas. Use a pump sprayer (garden-style is fine for small jobs) or an HVLP spray system for larger applications. Apply in even, overlapping passes at a distance of 12 to 18 inches from the surface.
For fabrics, spray until the material is evenly damp but not pooling. For wood, spray until the surface is visibly wet. Two lighter coats are almost always better than one heavy coat — you get more even coverage and reduce the risk of drips or pooling.
Brushing
Brushing is recommended for Flamex WD on dimensional lumber and rough wood surfaces where you need the product to work into grain, cracks, and end grain. It is also useful for foam pieces (Flamex PA) with complex geometry where spray coverage is difficult.
Use a natural-bristle brush or foam roller. Apply generously and allow the product to soak in rather than sitting on the surface.
Dipping
Dipping is the most thorough application method and ensures complete coverage. It is practical for small items — individual paper props, small fabric pieces, lightweight foam elements. Submerge the item, remove it, and allow excess product to drip off before laying flat to dry.
Dipping is not practical for large items or installed materials, but for small-scale prop treatment it is the most reliable way to ensure every surface is covered.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates vary by material and application method. As a general guideline:
- Non-porous surfaces (plastics, sealed materials): 400 to 500 sq ft per gallon
- Fabrics (cotton, muslin, canvas): 200 to 350 sq ft per gallon
- Porous materials (raw wood, paper, foam): 100 to 250 sq ft per gallon
These are estimates. Highly absorbent materials like soft foam or heavyweight canvas will use more product. Always buy more than your square-footage calculation suggests — running short mid-application is a problem you do not want to solve at 11 PM before a fire marshal visit.
Safety and Handling
Flamex products are water-based and far less hazardous than solvent-based alternatives, but proper handling still matters.
Ventilation
Apply in well-ventilated areas. If you are spraying indoors — which is common on film stages and in scenic shops — ensure that doors are open, fans are running, or your shop ventilation system is operating. A respirator with organic vapour cartridges is recommended when spraying in enclosed spaces, especially during extended applications.
Skin and Eye Protection
Wear gloves and safety glasses during application. While Flamex products are not highly caustic, prolonged skin contact can cause irritation, and spray mist should be kept out of your eyes. Standard nitrile gloves and wraparound safety glasses are sufficient.
Drying Time
Allow 24 hours of drying time before the treated material is put into service, painted over, or subjected to stress. Adequate air circulation speeds drying. In humid environments or cold shops, drying may take longer — do not rush it. Fabric that feels dry on the surface may still carry moisture internally.
Reapplication After Washing
This point bears repeating because it catches people off guard: flame retardant treatment is removed by water. If a treated fabric is washed, dry cleaned, or exposed to significant moisture (rain on an outdoor set, for example), it must be retreated before it goes back into use. Flame retardancy is not permanent — it is a treatment that must be maintained.
For touring productions and repertory companies, this means building retreatment into your maintenance schedule. Tag treated items with the date of treatment so you can track when retreatment is due.
Storage
Store Flamex products in their original containers, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Water-based products can be damaged by freezing. Shelf life is typically generous when stored properly, but check the product label for specific guidance.
Pricing and Sizing
SPFX Supply carries Rosco Flamex products in the two sizes that production shops need most:
- 1-gallon containers — ideal for smaller productions, prop shops, and keeping on hand for quick jobs
- 5-gallon containers — the cost-effective choice for scenic shops, large set builds, and touring productions that go through product regularly
Expect to pay approximately $50 to $90 CAD per gallon depending on the specific formula. Specialty formulas like DF (delicate fabrics) and MC (multi-coat) tend to sit at the higher end of that range, while the more widely used WD and NF formulas are generally more affordable.
For large orders or ongoing production needs, contact SPFX Supply directly to discuss volume pricing.
Common Questions
Can I paint over a flame-retardant-treated surface? Yes. Allow the treatment to dry completely (24 hours minimum) before applying paint, stain, or any topcoat. For wood, Flamex WD is specifically designed to be applied before finishing.
Does flame retardant treatment change the colour of fabric? In most cases, no. Flamex NF and DF are formulated to dry clear. However, certain dyes and fabric treatments can react unpredictably. Always test on a swatch or hidden area first, especially with rental costumes or irreplaceable textiles.
How do I prove to a fire marshal that my materials have been treated? Keep records. Document what was treated, with which product, on what date, and by whom. Retain product data sheets. Some productions create a flame retardancy log that travels with the show. Fire marshals appreciate organized documentation — it demonstrates professionalism and speeds up the inspection process.
Can I use one Flamex product on everything? No. Each formula is optimized for specific substrates. Using WD on fabric or NF on plastic will give you poor results and may not provide adequate protection. Match the product to the material. The quick reference table above makes this straightforward.
Is flame retardant treatment required by law in Ontario? For assembly occupancies — theatres, concert halls, event venues, film studios open to personnel — the Ontario Fire Code requires combustible decorative materials and drapes to be flame resistant. Requirements for other occupancy types vary. When in doubt, treat the material. The cost of a gallon of Flamex is trivial compared to the cost of a failed inspection, a production shutdown, or, worst of all, a fire.
Stay Supplied: Shop Rosco Flamex at SPFX Supply
Fire safety is not a box you check once — it is a standard you maintain on every production, every build, and every installation. The Rosco Flamex line makes compliance straightforward by giving you a purpose-built formula for every material you are likely to encounter on set or on stage.
SPFX Supply stocks the full Flamex lineup and ships across Canada from our Toronto location. Whether you need a single gallon of Flamex NF for a weekend shoot or a case of Flamex WD for a full set build, we have you covered.
Browse the full Rosco Flamex collection at SPFX Supply and keep your productions safe, compliant, and on schedule.
Questions about which product is right for your project? Get in touch — our team works with film, theatre, and event professionals every day, and we are always happy to help you find the right solution.
SPFX Supply — Stay Supplied. 333 Bering Ave, Unit 100, Toronto, ON M8Z 3A8 spfxsupply.com
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