Yes. Hanging textile art, fabric artwork and independent decorative installations made from absorbent materials can be professionally treated to BS 5852 or BS 5867, with a treatment certificate supplied after completion.
01 · Treatable artwork
What types of artwork can be treated?
Fire-retardant treatment can be applied to artwork and installations made from absorbent materials such as:
- Fabric and textiles
- Yarn, thread and woven fibres
- Felt and tufted artwork
- Paper and card
- Canvas
- Natural fibres
- Fabric banners and suspended panels
- Mixed-media pieces containing treatable materials
Both natural and synthetic textiles can be treated when they are absorbent.
02 · Important distinction
Hanging wall art is different from wallcovering
Hanging wall art is an independent decorative object that can be removed from the wall. It may be framed, suspended, mounted on a backing or installed as a separate textile panel.
A fabric wallcovering is fixed directly to the wall and becomes part of the building finish. Wallcoverings fall under BS EN 13501-1 and require testing of the complete system, including the fabric, adhesive and substrate.
Post-treatment certification for hanging textile artwork should not be confused with BS EN 13501-1 classification for a permanently bonded wallcovering system.
03 · Before installation
Can artwork be treated before installation?
Yes. Loose artwork, panels and individual decorative pieces can be treated before they are delivered or installed.
Treating the piece beforehand provides access to the complete surface and allows it to be handled in a controlled environment.
04 · Installed artwork
Can installed textile art be treated on site?
Yes. Large suspended pieces, wall-mounted textile art and installations can be treated at the venue.
Nearby walls, floors, furniture and finished surfaces are protected before treatment begins. Access to the complete artwork is required so the treatment can be applied evenly.
05 · Appearance
Will treatment change the appearance?
Most absorbent textiles can be treated without changing their appearance.
Unusual dyes, delicate paper, painted details, adhesives and specialist finishes may react differently. Where appearance is particularly important, a sample or concealed area can be treated first.
06 · Treatment standard
Which fire standard applies?
Hanging textile art and decorative fabric installations are treated to either BS 5852 or BS 5867, depending on the requirement given for the project.
The venue, insurer, landlord or fire-risk assessor should confirm which standard they require. Send us their wording before treatment so the correct standard can be recorded on the treatment certificate.
07 · Documentation
What does the certificate contain?
After treatment and payment, a Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment is supplied.
The certificate records:
- The artwork or installation treated
- The site or project
- The treatment standard
- The fire-retardant product used
- Maintenance and retreatment information
The certificate can be retained with the venue’s fire-safety and project records.
08 · Before treatment
What information is needed?
Before arranging treatment, provide:
- A description of the artwork
- Its materials
- Approximate dimensions
- Whether it is loose or already installed
- The site address and postcode
- Any fire standard or wording supplied
- Photographs, particularly for mixed-media or installed pieces