Fire-retardant coatings for
honeycomb cardboard
Passive fire protection for panels, displays, stands, display units, backdrops and fittings made from honeycomb board.
Furthermore, they are often used as non-load-bearing partition panels in spaces such as offices within large open-plan areas or exhibition stands at trade fairs, and can be quite thick.
Do you need to protect panels, displays or exhibits made from honeycomb cardboard?
Why do you need fire-retardant coatings for honeycomb cardboard?
Honeycomb board is chosen for its lightness, speed of production and perceived sustainability. In settings such as trade fairs, exhibitions, museums, retail outlets and pop-up shops, however, the displays must comply with fire safety regulations.
Flammable materials
cellulose-based substrate requiring careful assessment
Large areas
walls, backdrops and panels can cover large areas
Temporary use
quick assembly, transport and dismantling after the event
Public spaces
fairs, exhibitions, showrooms, shops and museums
Lightweight design
exhibition stands, display units, totems and displays
Documentation
systems, certifications and venue requirements
Typical usage
walls, backdrops, screens, counters, totems
Design considerations
exhibition centre regulations
Typical usage
display panels, graphic displays, set designs
Design considerations
visitor numbers and tour routes
Typical usage
displays, corner units, promotional islands, lightweight fittings
Design considerations
brand identity and spatial safety
Typical usage
backdrops, desks, sets, suspended elements
Design considerations
quick assembly and temporary use
Typical usage
Design considerations
limited duration and technical documentation
Typical usage
Design considerations
verification of intended use
Honeycomb cardboard
What to check before applying the system
Common substrates and variables
- raw honeycomb cardboard
- laminated panels
- printed surfaces
- coated substrates
- curved or moulded components
- glued structures
Required checks
- required class
- certified system
- substrate absorption
- weight and thicknesses
- application method
- intended use
Certified system and wooden substrates
A fire-retardant coating does not make honeycomb board non-combustible, nor does it automatically ensure that a display structure complies with regulations. Its role is to improve the fire performance of the treated substrate, provided that the process is certified, compatible and applied correctly.
Why choose a certified system?
1
Substrates
analysis
2
class
3
Firewall
system
4
Compliant
application
Firewall technical support
Renner Italia supports designers, display manufacturers, paper product manufacturers, event agencies, contractors and technical managers in selecting the fire-retardant treatment best suited to the honeycomb board used, the required fire resistance class and the documentation to be submitted.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating honeycomb board as if it were wood, MDF or plywood.
- Using products that are not certified or unsuitable for the substrate.
- Neglecting factors such as absorbency, flatness, surface finish and adhesives.
- Reducing weight, thickness or the number of coats to speed up delivery.
- Altering the coating system without technical verification.
- Neglecting the documentation required by the organiser, venue or designer.
Fire-retardant coatings for honeycomb cardboard
Can honeycomb board be treated with fire-retardant coatings?
Yes, provided the coating system is compatible with the substrate and the required fire resistance class. Technical verification is essential because honeycomb board is a lightweight, cellulose-based material that is often highly absorbent.
Does a fire-retardant coating make honeycomb board non-combustible?
No. It can improve the fire performance of the treated substrate, within the limits of the certified coating system. It does not transform the board into a non-combustible material.
Can honeycomb board be used for exhibition stands and displays?
Yes, but its suitability must be assessed on the basis of the intended use, the location, the fire safety design and the required documentation.
Does coating alter the visual look of the panel?
It depends on the treatment process, the substrate and the type of topcoat. In the case of printed, coated or coloured surfaces, it is necessary to check compatibility, aesthetic look and absorbency.
Who should choose the correct coating process?
The choice must be agreed upon by the fire safety designer, the substrate manufacturer, the applicator, the installer and Firewall technicians, based on the substrate, the required class and the necessary documentation.
Protect panels, displays, stands and exhibits made from honeycomb cardboard with a certified fire-retardant system.
Please contact Renner Italia’s Firewall team to discuss support options, the required service level, implementation times and the technical documentation available.
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