High Temperature Fire Retardant Coating and Common Applications

High-temperature industries such as metal processing, welding, aerospace, power generation, and petrochemical manufacturing demand materials that can reliably perform in extreme heat. One critical component of these high-performance materials is heat-resistant coatings.

These specialized coatings extend the life of base fabrics, improve their thermal performance, and enable them to resist abrasion, weather, moisture, and chemical exposure.

At Newtex Industries, we offer a range of high-temperature coatings, laminates, and treatments. Our coatings are engineered to enhance the durability and thermal protection of fabrics, as well as other advanced substrates. These solutions help industries meet stringent safety and operational requirements in environments where standard materials cannot endure.

Let’s explore:

Why Heat-Resistant Coatings Matter in High-Temperature Applications?

Fabrics like fiberglass and aramid provide a strong foundation for high-temperature products. However, bare fabrics often need additional protection to handle the demands of modern industrial environments. Heat-resistant coatings enhance the base fabric by:

Increasing resistance to radiant and conductive heat
Improving durability against abrasion and flex fatigue
Providing barriers against oil, water, and chemicals
Enhancing UV and weather resistance for outdoor applications
Reducing dusting and fiber release, improving safety during handling
Adding color coding or surface functionality for specific use cases

Different Types of High-Temperature Coatings Offered at Newtex Industries

Newtex Industries offers over 20 types of coatings and laminates designed to work with most of our high-temperature textiles. This range enables industrial users to select coatings that precisely meet their specific performance requirements.

Let’s explore the most prominent coating types, their unique benefits, and the typical applications for each.

1. DualMirror™ II / Z-Flex® II Aluminized Film

Multilayer Aluminized Laminate

For applications that face intense radiant heat, like foundry work, molten metal processing, and firefighting, aluminized coatings offer unparalleled protection. Using advanced multilayer aluminization technology, ultra-thin layers of aluminum are deposited onto a polymer film and then bonded to high-temperature fabrics such as fiberglass, aramid, or rayon.

This aluminized film reflects up to 95% of radiant heat, protecting workers and equipment without adding significant weight. It is widely used in proximity suits, fire blankets, heat shields, and thermal barriers for aerospace and automotive systems.

The robust bonding process employed by Newtex ensures that the aluminized surface resists delamination even under extreme flexing, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.

2. ZetexPlus® Vermiculite-Coated Fiberglass Fabric

ZetexPlus Vermiculite

ZetexPlus® vermiculite coating transforms standard fiberglass fabrics into high-performance insulation and protective materials. By dispersing heat more evenly across the fabric surface, this coating boosts the fabric’s continuous operating temperature and increases abrasion resistance.

Industries use vermiculite-coated fiberglass fabrics to manufacture welding blankets, curtains, insulation mats, and protective gloves. The enhanced durability and heat tolerance make it ideal for applications that involve prolonged exposure to sparks, molten metal splash, and high-temperature gases.

3. Z-Block™ FS Coating - FR Polyurethane

Z-Block Polyurethane

In environments where fire safety and smoke control are crucial, such as aerospace, construction, and firefighting, specialized polyurethane coatings can provide a robust protective barrier to flame, smoke, and gas when applied to various glass and silica substrates. Our Z-Block™ coating is formulated with inorganic materials to withstand high temperatures while minimizing hazardous out-gassing.

This coating improves flame and smoke resistance, making it suitable for insulation jackets, thermal barriers, and architectural safety products. Its adherence to multiple surfaces, like fabrics, metals, and plastics, further expands its use in diverse industrial settings.

4. Z-Shield™ Acrylic Coatings

Z-Shield Acrylics

Z-Shield™ acrylic coatings are widely used for welding blankets, drapes, and curtains because they resist sparks, slag, and molten metal splash. These high-temperature coatings provide a protective surface that tolerates high heat while remaining flexible and durable.

They are available in a variety of colors, such as black, gold, salmon, and silver, allowing industries to code materials by application or improve visibility and safety in the workplace. The silver variant also adds radiant heat reflectivity, making it ideal for applications where heat exposure is more intense.

5. Z-Tuff™ Silicone and PTFE Coatings

Z-Tuff Silicone & PTFE Coating

Industrial environments often expose fabrics to more than just heat. They must also resist moisture, oils, chemicals, and abrasive handling. Silicone and PTFE coatings excel in these situations.

A. Silicone coatings provide exceptional UV, weather, and water resistance, making them ideal for outdoor insulation covers, fire barriers, and expansion joints.

B. PTFE coatings deliver superior chemical resistance and toughness, often preferred for chemical plant insulation systems and protective covers.

Silicone coatings withstand intermittent heat exposure up to 500°F (260°C), while PTFE coatings tolerate up to 600°F (315°C), providing an additional protective layer against moisture, chemicals, and abrasion - without compromising the high-temperature performance of the underlying fabric.

6. Specialized Fabric Treatments

To deliver high-temperature fabrics that meet the diverse needs of industrial applications, we offer a range of specialized fabric treatments. These treatments complement our heat-resistant coatings and prepare the base fabrics for easier handling, improved durability, and reliable performance in fabrication and end-use environments.

Heat-Cleaned (HC): Removes lubricants and loose filaments to reduce smoke and airborne fibers, improving safety.

Fabrication (FAB) Treatment: A light acrylic layer for stabilizing the weave, preventing fraying, and easing cutting and sewing during fabrication.

Oil & Water Resistant (OWR): A protective finish that resists wicking, ideal for insulation wraps and outdoor covers.

Color Dyes: Available in a wide range of colors to improve identification, inventory management, and handling safety without affecting thermal performance.

7. Rewettable Coating

Rewettable Coating

Rewettable coatings are unique, water-activated finishes often applied to fiberglass fabrics for encapsulation and lagging systems. Once moistened during application, the coating hardens into a protective, paintable surface.

Industries use rewettable coatings in asbestos abatement, pipe & boiler insulation, and other high-temperature containment systems. This coating provides a durable thermal barrier that is easy to install and maintain.

Best Heat-Resistant Fabrics for Industrial Applications

Why Aluminized Fabrics Are Critical in Industrial and Firefighting Apparel

Selecting the Right Coating for Your Application

Application Need	Recommended Coating / Treatment	Key Benefits
Radiant heat protection	Aluminized laminates (DualMirror™ II / Z-Flex® II)	Reflects up to 95% of radiant heat; ideal for proximity suits, heat shields, and thermal barriers.
Extreme continuous temperatures	Vermiculite-coated fabrics (ZetexPlus®)	Boosts temperature resistance and abrasion performance; suitable for insulation blankets and welding protection.
Welding and hot-work protection	Acrylic coatings (Z-Shield™)	Resists sparks, slag, and molten metal splash; available in multiple colors for application coding.
Outdoor or chemical exposure	Silicone or PTFE coatings (Z-Tuff™)	Provides strong weather, UV, moisture, and chemical resistance for outdoor covers and harsh environments.
Encapsulation and lagging	Rewettable coatings	Forms a hardened, paintable barrier for insulation systems and asbestos abatement projects.
Fabrication efficiency & easier handling	Fabrication or heat-cleaned treatments	Stabilizes weaves, reduces fraying and airborne fibers, and improves cutting and sewing of high-temperature fabrics.

Beyond coatings and treatments, Newtex Industries offers a comprehensive range of high-temperature textile solutions, including fabrics, tapes, ropes, and sleeving. These materials serve as the foundation for durable insulation systems, thermal barriers, and protective equipment used in industries exposed to extreme heat.

Visit our YouTube channel and explore our latest videos featuring product demonstrations, testing, and real-world applications.

Conclusion

In demanding industrial environments, selecting the right heat-resistant coating is essential for maximizing the performance and longevity of high-temperature textiles. Each coating - whether designed for radiant heat reflection, extreme temperatures, welding protection, or environmental resistance - adds specific benefits that enhance safety, durability, and usability.

Combined with specialized fabric treatments, these solutions ensure that high-temperature materials remain reliable and effective, meeting the rigorous demands of industries exposed to intense heat and challenging conditions.

Reach out to us today and explore our full range of high-temperature coatings.

Published: November 10, 2025

Categories: Stories