Fire Retardant and Mulberry Papers: A Quick Guide for Art & Craft

Mulberry paper, cherished for its strength, beauty, and versatility, is widely used in crafts like calligraphy, bookbinding, lantern-making, and paper art. However, like most papers, it’s flammable, making certain projects vulnerable to fire risks. To extend the uses of mulberry paper in various creative and practical applications, such as lampshades, wall hangings, or any installation near heat sources, adding fire-retardant properties is a smart move.

In this guide, we’ll cover why it’s important to make mulberry paper fire-retardant, how to do it safely, and which fire-retardant products work best.

Why Make Mulberry Paper Fire Retardant?

Mulberry paper (also known as Washi, Hanji, Kozo, and rice paper) is primarily made from the bark of the mulberry tree, making it an organic and, therefore, flammable material. This can pose a risk when the paper is used for:

• Lampshades or lanterns: Electric lighting can produce heat, which is especially risky with incandescent or halogen light bulbs. Meanwhile, LED and fluorescent bulbs pose a much lower risk, so using fire retardant is usually not necessary.
• Wall art or installations: In places where candles or fireplaces are nearby.
• Decor for event spaces: Where fire safety codes may require fire-retardant materials.

Making mulberry paper fire-retardant helps ensure safety and prevents the risk of fires. It also allows you to expand the paper’s use into more commercial or public settings, where fire-safety standards may be enforced.

How to Apply Fire Retardant to Mulberry Paper

To make mulberry paper fire-retardant, you’ll need a safe, reliable fire-retardant spray or solution. This process is very simple and can usually be done with products readily available for home or craft use. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

What You’ll Need:

• Mulberry paper (of course!)
• Fire-retardant spray or solution
• Drop cloth or tarp to protect surfaces
• A well-ventilated area for application
• Protective gear: gloves, mask, and goggles

General Step-by-Step Process:

1. Choose the Right Fire-Retardant Product
   Ensure that the fire-retardant product you choose is safe and tested for use on paper. Many fire-retardant sprays are specially formulated for fabrics and paper, making them effective and safe for porous materials like mulberry paper.

2. Set Up Your Workspace
   Fire-retardant sprays can be a bit messy, so you’ll want to cover your workspace with a drop cloth or tarp. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as these sprays can release fumes.

3. Wear Protective Gear
   Before you start applying any chemicals, it might be important to wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself from the spray.

4. Apply the Fire-Retardant Spray
   Hold the spray can or bottle about 6-8 inches from the surface of the mulberry paper. Apply an even coat, making sure to cover all parts of the paper. If your project has multiple layers or sides (like a lampshade), ensure you coat all sides. Some products recommend multiple coats, so be sure to check the instructions.

5. Let It Dry
   Allow the treated paper to dry thoroughly. This could take a few hours or overnight, depending on the humidity and the thickness of the paper. Some fire-retardant sprays require heat to activate their full effect, so check the product’s instructions for any drying or curing specifics.

6. Test for Fire Resistance
   After the paper has dried, you can carefully test a small, inconspicuous part of the project to ensure the fire-retardant spray has taken effect. Light a match nearby and see if the paper resists burning. If it starts to burn or smolder quickly, you may need to apply a second coat.

Fire-Retardant Product Recommendations

When selecting a fire retardant for mulberry paper, it’s essential to pick products that are easy to use, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. Here are a few example that work well with mulberry and similar papers:

1. No-Burn Original Fire Retardant: A transparent, spray-on product designed for interior, unfinished wood and paper materials, providing a Class A fire retardant finish
2. Flamecheck M-111 Fire Retardant Spray: A non-toxic, environmentally friendly spray that imparts a Class "A" fire retardant finish, suitable for paper and other materials.
3. Flamex PF-1 – This interior fireproofing spray is easy to apply, non-toxic, and designed specifically for paper, wood, and straw materials, meeting Class A flame spread standards​

Making mulberry paper fire-retardant is a simple but important step for certain projects, especially those involving lighting or heat sources. Whether you're creating stunning mulberry paper lamps, large wall hangings, or intricate paper sculptures, adding a fire-retardant layer will ensure your creations are safe and long-lasting.