How to Choose the Best Fire Retardant Spray

Particularly for homeowners in California, finding the best way to protect their home from a wildfire is a serious matter. We're here to help you in this search! What you're looking for is a fire retardant product that will keep your home as safe as possible, for as long as possible. Fire retardant products work by creating a barrier against flames. This is what you need. The question is, which one?

What Is a Fire Retardant Spray?

A fire retardant spray is a protective coating designed to slow the spread of flames and reduce heat damage when exposed to fire. It is commonly applied to building materials like wood, steel, and drywall to improve fire resistance. These sprays play a critical role in enhancing safety for residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities by adding an extra layer of fire protection.

Find the Right Fire Retardant Spray

When picking the right paint, it is important to note the key differences between fire resistive and fire retardant coatings. When your home and personal property are on the line, it’s key to choose the proper spray for your project.

There are a few key factors you need to look for when fireproofing your home. When looking at a product and wondering if it's right for your situation, ask yourself these three questions:

Is the paint non-toxic if it comes in contact with flame?

Does it prevent flame spread effectively?

Does it produce smoke?

One we recommend you pay special attention to is Contego HIGH SOLIDS Fire Retardant Paint/Primer for Steel. Specially designed for structural steel, the new Contego High Solids formula means you can get the same great results using 20% less paint! A thinner coat means it takes less time and money to get the desired fire protection. In real use cases, we've seen it require one-half to perhaps one-third as many coats as other sprays. It must be applied with a spray gun, so we encourage you to either purchase one at the same time or soon before your spray arrives.

Contego Fire Retardant Paint & Primer - Multi-Purpose Intumescent is another fantastic option, because it checks all the right boxes. It’s non-toxic, low VOC, reduces flame spread, and doesn’t produce smoke when heated. This spray is perfect for homes in dangerous areas prone to wildfire. It provides exceptional protection from heat and fire while also giving you a smooth, thin, decorative finish. Basically, any home can be protected from flames with this top-tier Contego spray.

Different Types of Fire Retardant Sprays

Fire retardant sprays are available in multiple formulations to match different surfaces, environments, and protection needs. Choosing the right category ensures proper adhesion, long-term performance, and reliable fire protection across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Clear Fire Retardant Sprays

Clear fire retardant sprays are ideal for projects where appearance matters, such as exposed wood beams, furniture, decorative paneling, and architectural details. They provide flame resistance while preserving the natural look, grain, and finish of the underlying surface.

Intumescent Fire Retardant Paints

Intumescent fire retardant paints are best suited for structural materials like steel and load-bearing components. When exposed to heat, they expand into a thick insulating layer that protects the substrate, making them a critical solution for both commercial and industrial fire protection.

Multi-Surface Fire Retardant Sprays

Multi-surface fire retardant sprays are designed for versatile use across wood, drywall, fabrics, and composite materials. These products work well for mixed-material environments such as residential interiors, offices, schools, and public spaces where multiple substrates must be protected.

Exterior-Grade Fire Retardant Coatings

Exterior-grade fire retardant coatings are formulated to withstand moisture, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and harsh weather. They are best for outdoor structures, siding, fencing, decks, and areas exposed to wildfire risk where durability is just as important as fire resistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Fire Retardant Spray

• Choosing an incompatible spray: Using the wrong product for wood, steel, drywall, or fabrics results in poor adhesion and reduced fire protection performance.
• Misunderstanding fire-resistant vs. fire-retardant: Fire-resistant materials handle heat differently than fire-retardant coatings, which actively slow flame spread—confusing them can leave surfaces exposed.
• Ignoring fire safety certifications: Products without verified testing may fail inspections and provide unreliable protection during real fire events.
• Improper application thickness: Applying too little reduces fire protection, while excessive thickness can cause cracking or peeling.
• Assuming one spray works everywhere: Interior, exterior, moisture-prone, and high-heat areas all require different fire-retardant formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What surfaces can fire-retardant spray be used on?
Fire retardant spray can be applied to wood, steel, drywall, fabrics, and select composite materials. Each product is formulated for specific substrates, so selecting the correct spray ensures proper adhesion, performance, and long-term fire protection.

How long does fire retardant spray last?
The lifespan of fire retardant spray depends on the environment, surface type, and exposure conditions. Interior applications can last several years, while exterior coatings may require reapplication due to moisture, UV exposure, and temperature changes.

Do fire-retardant sprays meet code requirements?
Many fire-retardant sprays are tested to meet local, state, and national fire safety codes. Always verify product certifications and testing standards to ensure compliance with building regulations and fire inspection requirements.

What’s the difference between fire-resistant and fire-retardant?
Fire-resistant materials are designed to withstand heat naturally, while fire-retardant coatings actively slow flame spread when exposed to fire. Fire retardants enhance existing materials but do not make them completely fireproof.

Can I apply fire-retardant spray myself?
Some fire retardant sprays can be applied by homeowners using proper tools and safety procedures, while others—especially industrial or intumescent coatings—require professional spray equipment and trained application to meet performance standards.

How do I know which fire retardant spray I need?
The right fire retardant spray depends on the surface type, exposure environment, fire code requirements, and project scope. Consulting with fire protection experts helps ensure you select a product that meets both safety and compliance needs.

Why Choose RDR Technologies? 

RDR Technologies provides certified, code-approved fire retardant solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, supported by a wide product range for wood, steel, fabrics, and multi-surface projects. Clients benefit from expert guidance on compliance-driven requirements, plus long-standing industry experience backed by in-house formulations and trusted manufacturer partnerships. This combination ensures reliable performance, inspection readiness, and consistent protection across diverse fire-risk environments.

Order Fire Retardant Spray From RDR Technologies

RDR Technologies specializes in fire retardant sprays. Our goal is always to offer the 'best in class' products for each code requirement and substrate. In order to meet this goal, we work with the top fire retardant manufacturers in the country, like Contego. This enables us to give you a one-stop shop to meet your fire code requirements.

As the industry's top experts, we make our own BanFire line of sprays, powders, and paint formulas. In addition to this, we offer many excellent products from other manufacturers as well. If you have a need for a special type of fire retardant spray, or you are not sure which product you need, reach out to us and ask!