Fire retardant slows ignition and flame spread; fire resistant withstands fire for a rated time; fireproof means it cannot burn (rare and often overstated). Aeon Core is a fire retardant coating.
"Fire retardant," "fire resistant" and "fireproof" get thrown around as if they're synonyms. They're not. Understanding the difference helps you buy the right product and spot marketing exaggeration. Here's a clear breakdown.
Fire retardant
A fire retardant slows down fire. It makes a material harder to ignite and reduces how fast flames spread across it. It doesn't make something immune to fire — it buys crucial time and limits the fire's growth. Fire retardant coatings like Aeon Core LDH Gel fall here: they treat combustible materials (wood, fabric, paper) so they resist ignition and flame spread.
Fire resistant
A fire resistant material or assembly is rated to withstand fire for a defined period — for example, a fire-resistant door rated to hold back fire for 60 minutes. It's about tested endurance over time, usually for structural or barrier elements, and is verified through standardised fire-resistance tests.
Fireproof
"Fireproof" implies something cannot burn or be damaged by fire at all. In practice, very few real-world materials are truly fireproof — the term is often used loosely in marketing. Be cautious of any everyday coating claiming to make wood or fabric "fireproof."
Quick comparison
| Term | What it means | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Fire retardant | Slows ignition & flame spread | Coatings for wood, fabric, paper |
| Fire resistant | Withstands fire for a rated time | Doors, walls, structural assemblies |
| Fireproof | Cannot burn (rare, often overstated) | Use the term with caution |
Which do you need?
For everyday combustible materials — furniture, panelling, curtains, packaging — you need a fire retardant to reduce ignition and flame spread. For structural barriers that must hold back fire for a set time, you're looking at fire-resistant rated products. And if a product claims to be "fireproof," ask for the evidence.