top of page
Writer's pictureAdam Sawyer

Fire Retardant Spraying for Dried Plants: Combining Aesthetic Beauty with Safety

Updated: Sep 24

Dried flowers and plants have become a designer's favorite in modern spaces due to their versatility, sustainability, and unique aesthetics. Whether it’s adding vintage, rustic, or natural charm to interiors, they are a timeless addition. However, due to their highly flammable nature, especially in public and commercial spaces, it is crucial to apply fire retardant treatments to ensure safety.



Why Fire Resistant Dried Flowers Are Essential


In venues such as hotels, restaurants, and event spaces, fire safety regulations often require fire retardant treatment for dried plants. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas, where untreated plants can pose a serious fire risk. By complying with these regulations, you’re not only protecting your space but also ensuring the safety of staff and visitors.



The Critical Difference: Untreated vs. Treated Dried Plants


Untreated Dried Flowers Video:

Without fireproofing, dried flowers can ignite quickly when exposed to a flame. Watch our video demonstration to see how rapidly they catch fire.



Treated Dried Flowers Video:

In contrast, dried flowers treated with a fire retardant resist combustion and will self-extinguish when exposed to fire. See the results in our treated flower video.



Comprehensive Fire Protection for Dried Plants


Our fire retardant treatments cater to a variety of dried plant types, from delicate petals to dense foliage. Using specialized soaking agents, we ensure comprehensive coverage, protecting your dried plants and making them safe for public display.



Project Spotlight: Fireproofing at The Conrad Hotel, London


At The Conrad Hotel, London, we provided BS 5867 Part 1 fire retardant treatment for their dried floral decor, seamlessly integrating fire protection into their design elements. The result was not only aesthetic appeal but also unmatched safety compliance.

.


BS 5867 Part 1 Fire retardant spraying for dried flowers in the Conrad Hotel London
In-Situ BS 5852 Part 1 Fire Retardant Spraying

Fire Retardant Certification: Complying with BS 5852 Part 1


Once treated, clients receive a BS 5852 Part 1 certificate, ensuring that the fire retardant process meets the necessary British fire safety standards. This certification is essential for regulatory compliance and is often required by insurers, especially in public and commercial spaces.



Fire Retardant Treatment Options: Spraying vs. Dipping


Spraying in Situ:

Spraying involves applying fire retardant directly to plants already installed in their final location. This is ideal for large installations that can’t be moved, but achieving even coverage can sometimes be challenging.


Dipping Before Display:

Dipping is our preferred method, especially for larger arrangements. By submerging the plants in a fire retardant solution, we ensure complete coverage, making it the most thorough fireproofing option



Why Dipping is Superior for Fireproofing

When fireproofing dried plants, dipping offers the most effective solution. While spraying can be more convenient for installations already installed, it may lead to uneven coverage, increasing the risk of untreated areas failing fire officer inspections. Dipping, on the other hand, allows the fire retardant solution to fully saturate the plant, ensuring complete protection.



Fire Officer Testing and Certification


Venue fire officers may occasionally test a few treated plants to verify that the fire retardant solution has been correctly applied. At Fireproofing, we take great care to ensure our professional treatments provide full and even coverage, ensuring your plants meet fire safety standards. This guarantees that your plants will pass any official inspections with confidence.


Project Spotlight: April Rose Flowers


We recently partnered with April Rose Flowers to treat dried floral arrangements destined for display at a London venue. By dipping the flowers in our fire retardant solution, we provided both safety and aesthetic beauty, ensuring the venue adhered to fire safety standards while maintaining its design integrity.



Project Spotlight: Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals, London


At Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals, we applied fire retardant treatment to intricate and high-reaching dried plant installations. Using protective sheeting and extension poles, we completed the treatment with minimal disruption to the venue’s operations.


BS 5852 Part 1 fire retardant spraying at Mr Foggs House of Botanical Gardens

Project Spotlight: Wolfgang Buttress at the World Museum, Liverpool


We had the privilege of working with artist Wolfgang Buttress to fireproof dried plants used in an exhibit highlighting the importance of bees. By using our dipping method, we ensured the plants were safely treated without compromising the artistic vision.


Wolfgang Buttress art display for bees fire retardant dipping for dried plants

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Retardant Treatment for Dried Plants


1. How can I get a fire certificate for my dried plants?

Obtaining a fire certificate for your dried plants is straightforward with our services. After we treat your plants with our fire retardant solution, we provide a BS 5852 Part 1 certificate. This certification ensures that your plants comply with British fire safety standards, which is essential for regulatory compliance in public venues and often required by insurers. Contact us today to schedule the treatment and receive your certificate.

2. Why do dried plants need fireproofing?

Dried plants are highly flammable, posing a serious fire risk in public and commercial spaces like hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Fireproofing ensures your plants meet safety standards, protecting your property, staff, and visitors from potential fire hazards. In many venues, fire safety regulations require fireproofing treatments for any dried plants on display.

3. What’s the difference between spraying and dipping for fire retardant treatments?

  • Spraying in situ: Fire retardant is sprayed directly onto plants already installed at the venue. This method is useful for large, immovable installations but can sometimes result in uneven coverage.

  • Dipping: This method involves submerging the dried plants in a fire retardant solution, ensuring complete coverage. Dipping is the preferred method for arrangements as it provides more thorough protection.

4. Will my dried plants pass a fire officer's inspection after treatment?

Yes. Our professional treatments are designed to ensure full and even coverage, which is necessary to meet BS 5852 Part 1 standards. Venue fire officers may test a few treated plants to verify compliance, and our treatments are carefully applied to guarantee they pass these official inspections with confidence.

5. How long does fire retardant treatment last on dried plants?

Our fire retardant treatments offer long-lasting protection for dried plants used indoors. However, environmental factors like humidity and exposure to sunlight may affect longevity over time. For most indoor settings, the treatment will last indefinitely unless the plants are exposed to moisture or high humidity. Certificates last for 2 years.

6. How much does it cost to fireproof dried plants?

The cost of fireproofing depends on the size of the installation. For a personalized quote, send us the dimensions and photos of your dried plants to adam@fire-proofing.co.uk or call 07970 522475.

7. How do I know if I need a fire certificate for my dried plants?

If your dried plants are displayed in a public or commercial space, fire safety regulations require them to be fireproofed and certified. This is especially true for venues with high foot traffic, such as hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. If you're unsure, consult your venue's fire officer or contact us for guidance.



Making Your Dried Plants Fire Resistant


Are you ready to fireproof your dried plants? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Email adam@fire-proofing.co.uk with photos and dimensions of your plants, or call 07970 522475 for immediate assistance. Let us help you ensure that your dried plants meet all fire safety standards while preserving their visual appeal.


 

About the Author: Adam Sawyer


With over 35 years of experience, Adam Sawyer is a recognized expert in textile care and fire retardant treatments. As the founder of Fireproofing Ltd, Adam has built a reputation for delivering exceptional fireproofing services across the UK. To learn more about Adam and Fireproofing's services, visit our About Us page.


 






  • Youtube
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
bottom of page