RoscoFlamex C26 - Treating scenic textiles & paper
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Roscoflamex C26 is a concentrated flame retardant that effectively treats natural-fiber textiles, paper products, and other cellulosic materials.
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Roscoflamex has been approved by the New York State Board of Standards and Appeals and has been one of the most widely used flame retardants in the entertainment industry for more than 15 years.
TREATING BACKDROPS:
When treating muslin backdrops, the most efficient method is to treat the fabric prior to painting. This insures that the fiber of the material will readily absorb the Roscoflamex C26. However, many painters prefer to paint their drop first, and flame retard it afterwards, preventing any possible reaction between the Roscoflamex and the painting techniques. In these instances, turn the fabric over and treat the back side of the drop with Roscoflamex C26. Unless the paint treatment is especially heavy, the fibers on the back of a painted drop are usually exposed and will still absorb a sufficient amount of C26. As always, it is important to test the drop to insure that the material has been successfully treated.
TREATING VELOURS:
Velours require careful spraying treatment, and finished drapes should only be attempted after considerable practice on sample material. Compare the weight of an untreated and a dried, treated sample to insure that sufficient Roscoflamex C26 is absorbed.
Hang out the drapes from a counterweighted batten. Work in a back and forth pattern, treating six-foot-high strips in sequence, beginning across the top. Spray the rear side with a fine spray of diluted Roscoflamex C26, making certain no liquid soaks through to the front (pile) side of the fabric. Make one or more uniform spray treatments of the entire drape, until sufficient material is absorbed. It is better to allow for two or more light spray treatments with drying time between than one heavy one.
Caution: Any Roscoflamex C26 treatment falling on the pile surface of velour will affect the appearance and possibly damage the drapery. Do not, in any case, introduce wetting agents or soaps into the Roscoflamex C26 mixture, since they will facilitate movement of the liquid through to the front side of the pile.
C26 Quick Tips
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If you over-saturate a fabric with C26, a greasy build up may occur. To fix this, spray warm water onto the fabric and allow the excess C26 to drip off the material. Several attempts may be necessary to fix the problem. It is then necessary to test the fabric to make sure an adequate amount of Roscoflamex remains.
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Roscoflamex C26 is mildly corrosive to soft metals. When treating backdrops, avoid getting C26 on brass grommets as they will corrode over time.
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If you suspect that material you wish to treat with C26 has been starched, launder and dry the fabric first to improve the C26's absorption into the fiber.
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If undiluted or concentrated C26 spills on the floor, a greasy film can form and be difficult to clean up. Flood the area with large quantities of water to dilute the C26 then mop up.
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Never use Roscoflamex C26 over metallic paint or oxidation will occur.
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How to apply Roscoflamex C26
Dilution:
Roscoflamex C26 is a concentrated solution that is intended to be diluted with water. To determine the correct dilution for your material, prepare three or four trial solutions between 2:1 and 3:1, water:flamex, using the material you intend to treat. Treat your sample using the same method of application that you will use on the full size material and allow to dry thoroughly. Then test the samples using the methods described on page two, or whatever method is applicable for your local fire regulations.
Application:
Regardless of the method of application, it is necessary to insure that an adequate amount of Roscoflamex C26 is absorbed into the material. This can only be determined by comparing dry weights of untreated and treated material, with the treated material reflecting an increase of 15-20% above the untreated material's weight.
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Dipping: This is the most efficient method of impregnation. Immerse completely for ten minutes, and hang to dry. Dripped Roscoflamex C26 can be re-used if stored in tightly covered, non-metallic container. Do not immerse a finished, painte drop.
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Brushing: Using a wide lay-in brush, brush a properly diluted Roscoflamex C26 solution into the fibers of the material being treated. Brush in the solution using a criss-crossing pattern to insure adequate absorption.
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Spraying: In spraying for flame retardance, it is especially important that an adequate quantity of Roscoflamex C26 be absorbed. In calculating the amount o Roscoflamex C26 needed, remember a substantial portion of the spray will no fall on the fabric. Use a Hudson-type sprayer with a medium nozzle setting.
STORAGE:
Store Roscoflamex C26 only in non-metallic containers. When metal sprayers are used, they should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use, including nozzles and accessories. Avoid use of metal buckets or paint containers when possible.
COVERAGE:
On average, 300 sq. ft. per gallon of the diluted solution. Coverage is determined by the ease of absorption into the fiber of the fabric.
WARNING: Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not take internally. Do not store in extreme heat or allow to come into contact with strong acids. Close container after each use. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
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