Fire Retardant Fabrics

Many textile types can be manufactured or treated to provide fire-retardant performance, including polyester, cotton, polycotton, canvas, hessian, calico, voile, velvet, upholstery fabric, leatherette, vinyl and blackout material. Fire performance is product-specific, so always check the individual fabric description and certification.

No fabric should be assumed to be completely fireproof. Fire retardant fabric is designed to slow ignition, reduce flame spread or stop burning after the ignition source is removed, depending on its construction and test standard.

Both terms are commonly used to describe materials that offer improved performance when exposed to flame. “Fire retardant” often refers to a textile that has been treated or manufactured to slow burning, while “fire resistant” is a broader description. The verified test standard is more important than the wording used in the product name.

Yes. Many fire retardant fabrics at FabricUK are sold by the metre, allowing you to order for samples, small projects, curtains, displays, upholstery or larger commercial installations.

Suitable options may include fire retardant blackout fabric, three-pass blackout lining, dim-out fabric, voile, Trevira material and wide-width decorative curtain fabrics. Confirm the required curtain standard and check the width, drape, opacity and care instructions before purchasing.

The choice depends on the seating environment. Domestic furniture may require a different specification from hotels, restaurants, offices, healthcare settings or public spaces. FabricUK stocks FR velvet, chenille, suede, tweed, leatherette, vinyl and selected Crib 5 upholstery materials.

Ordinary untreated canvas should not automatically be considered fire resistant. Choose canvas specifically described and tested as fire retardant. FabricUK stocks both fire retardant canvas and selected waterproof and fire retardant canvas options.

It can. Washing or exposure to water may reduce or remove some non-durable fire-retardant treatments. Inherent and durable FR fabrics may retain their properties for longer, but only when cared for according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Fire-test documents are available for selected products. Check the certification section on the relevant product page or contact FabricUK before ordering if a specific test standard is essential for your project.

Fire retardant display fabrics are commonly selected for schools, exhibitions, retail displays, theatres and event installations. Approval remains dependent on the fabric's stated test result and the requirements of the building, venue or responsible authority.

Yes. Black is available across many parts of the range, including display fabric, blackout material, canvas, hessian, voile, upholstery, leatherette, marquee lining, mesh, polyester and panel backdrop fabric, subject to current stock availability.

Decorative or furnishing FR fabric should not be used as protective clothing unless it has been specifically tested and approved for the intended protective garment application. Clothing and personal protective equipment require specialist standards.