National Fireproofing Company, Inc

National Fireproofing understands the concerns of horse owners and has a selection of easy to use

Worried about barn fire and want non-toxic paint that stops flames from spreading?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated June 2026

Flamex PF-1 Interior Wood Fireproofing Spray 5-gallon pail by National Fireproofing

National Fireproofing understands the concerns of horse owners and has a selection of easy to use, non-toxic and highly affective paints and sprays that can actually stop the spread of flames by developing a self extinguishing reaction!

Fire Protectant Products by National Fireproofing Company, Inc.

Protect your barn from fire with National Fireproofing products!

Is Your Barn Fireproof?

The biggest fear many horse owners have-- is fire! Fire claims the life of horses and valuable barns every year. National Fireproofing understands the concerns of horse owners and has a selection of easy to use, non-toxic and highly affective paints and sprays that can actually stop the spread of flames by developing a self extinguishing reaction! Our staff is happy to help you find the right product for your horses and barn so that when you are asleep or away from home, you can rest assured that your horses and property are as safe as possible.

About Our Company
National Fireproofing, Inc. is located in NW Indiana and is a producer and provider of fire retardant sprays and fire stopping items for business and residential shoppers. Our solutions comply with ASTM, Nfpa, and UL screening specifications. We constantly invest in the advancement of our fire prevention products variety while using the aim of lowering the dangers of fire on the lowest stage attainable. Our Fire Retardants are highly successful, non-hazardous, non-toxic, and therefore are environmentally helpful.
Because A Few Extra Minutes Could Mean Life and Death To The Horses That You Love!
Our products will extinguish a small fire, but even with a larger fire, our fire retardants can add valuable and life saving minutes before your barn is fully engulfed in flames! How many times would 3-5 minutes more have been the difference between life and death to horses in a barn fire. Give your horse every chance!

Flamex PF (penetrating formula) Can Make All The Difference!

Flamex PF is a clear, highly effective post-treatment indoor fire retardant penetrant. When used on porous wood, it will provide a Class A or B rating. This product is also very effective on porous fabrics. Flamex PF penetrates the material and becomes part of it's molecular structure. When the properly treated material is subjected to an open flame, Flamex PF will reduce the flame spread and / or self-extinguish the flame . Flamex PF is non-toxic and non-hazardous to the environment and simple to apply.
Can I Use Flamex PF For My Interior Furniture, Drapes Etc?
Yes!! Flamex PF is used for interior applications such as: draperies, furniture, paper, straw, redwood, cedar, Douglas fir, etc. When used on textiles, we recommend retreatment every 4-5 years. This product is used widely in schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, homes and many other commercial and residential buildings.One coat system. All testing was performed using single-coated materials. Class "A" rated.

Flamex PF-II-- Stopping Little Fires-- Before They Start
Flamex PF-IIcan help small fires, like a smoldering cigarette near a treated wall, to extinguish, before it erupts into a full flame!

Laboratory tested for exterior durability in accordance with ASTM D5401.
Will not alter the structural integrity of wood as FR pressure treated wood does.
Functions as a wood preservative.
Protects exterior and interior woods such as: covered bridges, cedar shake roof shingles, decking, and structural lumber, utility poles, etc.
Once cured for 48 hours, the treated material may be painted with most latex-based paints.

Product Description:

Flamex PF-2 fire retardant spray is a water-based, post-treatment. Flamex PF-2 is a interior/exterior fire retardant and wood preservative that penetrates the wood pores and bonds with the cellular structure. The penetrant protects the substrate by developing a self- extinguishing reaction in contact with an open flame.When properly applied, the wood shall have a Class A rating. Flamex PF-2 contains polymers that maintain the fire retardation for up to five years for exterior applications. Flamex PF-2 is non-toxic, non-combustible, non-carcinogenic, easy to apply, and contains no Pdbe’s.

Flamex PF-2 is a Class A rated flame retardant with a Flame Spread of 25 and Smoke Developed of 70 on wood. Since it penetrates and forms a molecular bond with the substrate, the life of the application shall be indefinite for most interior applications. For exterior applications, it is recommended that Flamex PF-2 be reapplied every 3 – 5 years.

Contego Intrumescent Paint... The Closet Thing To A Round-The-Clock Fireman In Your Barn!
Contego Intumescent Paint is a High Solids, full-bodied water-based acrylic latex intumescent paint designed to protect a wide range of building materials including structural steel, aluminum, dimensional lumber, manufactured wood products, trusses, drywall, spray polyurethane foam insulation, HDPE wall panels, concrete, plaster, solid core doors and more. This product may also be used for conduit, decking and cladding. Can achieve up to a 3 hour rating on steel structure and a 2 hour rating on wood.

How Do I Apply Contego?

Contego High Solids is designed to be applied by spray application and should only be applied by brush or roller for touch up purposes only. Contego High Solids should not be applied when the relative humidity exceeds 80% or the surface to be coated is less than 50 F (10° C) or less than 15 F (9° C) above the current or forecasted dew point. The product is best applied when ambient temperatures are between 50 F (10° C) and 95 F (35° C). Once applied and cured, lower or higher temperatures should not be a problem. On combustible substrates such as dimensional lumber, manufactured wood (Oriented Strand Board, Particle Board, Plywood, etc.

Dimensional Lumber

The wood is very old and/or dry and would likely absorb too much of the Contego coating.

Manufactured Wood

The substrate is very old and/or dry or if the resin content is unusually high.

Polyurethane Foam

The foam is soy-based or made from other organics that emit a vegetable oil.

Drywall (GWB) The drywall has been previously painted with oil-based (alkyd) paint or if you’re not sure.

Note: On structural steel and other metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, or composites, – a primer is always required.

No exceptions have been observed regarding what kind or brand of primer can be used. Even inexpensive shop primer has shown no incompatibilities. However, doing a test patch is always recommended with any new combinations of primer and our product since it is impossible to have tested every product from every manufacturer.

So What Is The Drying and Curing Time?
As with any water-based acrylic latex coating, drying time is always a function of ambient temperature, ambient humidity and how thickly the coating was applied. However, at 60°F (15° C) with a relative humidity of 70%, a 20 mil (500p.) wet coat should be dry to touch within 3 hours, completely dry in 6 hours and dried hard enough to handle in 8 hours. While our specifications call for a 72 hour cure time, the product(Intumescent Latex Paint) is active as soon as it is hard dried.

DO NOT apply additional coats until you are sure the underlying coats are completely dry. Applying additional coats on top of product that still has moisture may cause the finish to crack and, if enough moisture is trapped under a surface film, blistering and delamination can occur. A top coat is recommended and permitted after the total amount of required thickness of Contego has been applied and completely dried.

Product Advantages:

• Non-toxic, nondermatic and noncarcinogenic acrylic latex.
• Smooth, thin, architectural grade finish.
• Top coat with a wide range of paints including alkyds, acrylics, epoxy or polyurethane.
• Big Plus – with HS apply half as many coats with the same coverage.
• Exceptional protection from heat and fire.
• Can be pre-applied to steel and other materials during fabrication and is easy to repair.
• Designed specifically for sprayer application. No special equipment is required. Any qualified contractor can apply Intumescent Latex Paint.
• Interior or exterior application (use an exterior grade top coat for exterior applications).
• Economically priced.
• Fast drying and curing times.
• Cleans up with soap and water.
• 24 month shelf life. Does not need to be periodically reapplied.

Are All Of Your Products Non-Toxic Once They Are Dry?

Yes, all of our products are non-toxic and minimal odor when applied. We understand that animals chew on wood, so after our products have dried they are all completely non-toxic.

How Long Does It Take To Dry?

Every climate is a little different. Drying depends on humidity level and air temperature. Most situations would have a dry time of just within 24 hours..

Does It Change The Color Of The Paint It Is Sprayed On?

If the surface has already been painted, you must use either a fire retardant paint or a fire retardant varnish over it Our fire retardant water based varnish is clear and our fire retardant paint is either black or white (which can be tinted).

How Long Does This Protectant Last?

For interior applications, our fire retardant penetrant coatings are permanent. Our top coat paint and varnish lasts 10 – 15 years. Our exterior coating will last 5 years and then must be reapplied.

Can I Paint Another Color Over The White Contego?

Yes... just allow for proper drying time and you can paint over any color that you like!

Keep Fire At Bay at Your Barn and Order Today!

Nothing can replace your horses! Keep your barn or structure safe from the flames with National Fireproofing! Our products save thousands of structures and lives every year. The life you save-- may be your own-- or your horses! For more information about our products and to place your order, please contact us today and let us help you keep your horses safe!

Which Flamex spray protects the inside of a barn versus the outside?

National Fireproofing Supply Co. builds its barn-protection line around two penetrating sprays. Flamex PF-1 is the Interior Wood Fireproofing Spray, Class A rated by SGS Laboratories, formulated for interior wood, paper, and straw in humidity-controlled spaces. Flamex PF-2 is the Class A-rated retardant engineered for raw exterior wood, and the company points humidity-prone or outdoor surfaces to PF-2 rather than PF-1. Together they let a horse owner treat stall walls, rafters, siding, and even thatch, mulch, and straw with the matched product for each location.

Flamex PF-2 Exterior Wood Fire Retardant Spray 5-gallon pail by National Fireproofing

How does a penetrating fire-retardant spray actually stop flames on barn wood?

Flamex PF-1 soaks in to create a protective barrier that, in the company's words, drastically reduces the spread of fire. When treated wood meets flame, the coating cools it immediately to prevent ignition, and the extinguishing chemistry releases gases that displace the oxygen combustion needs. Flamex PF-2 penetrates deep into wood fibers to form a structural barrier that slows flame spread, and it carries a nanopolymer sealer that resists UV degradation and water leaching plus a borate-based ingredient for termite resistance. Neither product alters the wood's structural integrity, and both dry clear.

Applying Flamex PF-2 fire retardant to exterior wood deck boards

What fire-safety ratings and lab certifications do these products carry?

Flamex PF-1 is Class A rated with a 25 flame spread and 95 smoke developed, tested to ASTM E-84, Nfpa 255, and UL 723. Flamex PF-2 reaches a Flame Spread Index of 25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 70 under ASTM E-84 and is described as Non-Toxic, Class A Rated By Intertek Laboratories, also tested under ASTM D5401 for exterior durability. The Dek Gard additives meet Csfm 12-7A-4.8 safety standards and ASTM E84 (Class A) flame-spread certification, with a Pfas-free and halogen-free option available. UL-classified firestopping products round out the catalog.

Dek Gard fire retardant paint and stain additive container by National Fireproofing

Can you turn ordinary barn paint or stain into a fire retardant?

Yes. The Dek Gard line includes a Fire Retardant Paint Additive and a Fire Retardant Wood Stain Additive, each priced $58.00 to $260.00, that the company says transform your standard paints and stains into code-compliant, professional-grade, Fire Marshal-approved fire retardant additives. They mix in at typically 12 ounces per gallon and are finish-neutral, designed not to change the tint, sheen, or drying time of most high-quality water-based products. The stain additive must go onto raw, unsealed wood, and protection lasts as long as the paint film remains intact.

How much do you need, and how do you apply it to a stable?
Both Flamex sprays cover 125 square feet per gallon, so a barn owner can estimate gallons by surface area. PF-1 is non-toxic, odorless, and easy to apply, cures in 12 hours, and can be top-coated with latex or a non-flammable clear coat. PF-2 should be shaken or mixed thoroughly, applied at 50°F or above, protected from rain for at least 48 hours, and given a full 48-hour cure before any water-based stain. On exterior wood, plan to reapply Flamex PF-2 every three to five years.

What does it cost and how do you order from National Fireproofing?

Flamex PF-1 ranges from $19.00 for a quart up to $1,720.00 for a 55-gallon drum, and Flamex PF-2 runs $24.00 to $2,100.00, with sizes from quart through 5-gallon pail and 55-gallon drum. Quantity discounts apply on five or more containers, and 55-gallon drums ship free to the lower 48 states. Orders go through the natfire.com shop, or you can reach the company at (219) 926-1477 or, weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, at 420 Wagner Rd. Porter, IN 46304.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

Who is National Fireproofing and what do they offer barn owners?

National Fireproofing, Inc. is a producer and provider of fire retardant sprays and fire-stopping items for business and residential customers. Located in NW Indiana (Porter, IN). Per the company, all solutions comply with ASTM, NFPA, and UL screening specifications. The company invests continuously in fire-prevention product advancement with the explicit goal of lowering fire danger to the lowest stage attainable. All fire retardants are non-hazardous, non-toxic, and environmentally helpful.

Why does fire-retardant treatment matter for a barn specifically?

Per National Fireproofing, the central buying argument is time. Fire claims the lives of horses and valuable barns every year — even with a larger fire that the retardant can't fully extinguish, treated barns gain 3–5 critical minutes before being fully engulfed. Per the company: "How many times would 3–5 minutes more have been the difference between life and death to horses in a barn fire?" The product line is designed to either fully extinguish a small fire (catching it before it spreads) or buy enough time for owner intervention or fire-department arrival on a larger one. "Give your horse every chance."

What is Flamex PF — and where do I use it?

Per National Fireproofing, Flamex PF is a clear, post-treatment indoor fire retardant penetrant. On porous wood, it provides a Class A or B rating; also effective on porous fabrics. Mechanism: penetrates the material and becomes part of its molecular structure; when treated material meets open flame, Flamex PF reduces flame spread and/or self-extinguishes. Non-toxic, non-hazardous, simple to apply. Applications: interior draperies, furniture, paper, straw, redwood, cedar, Douglas fir. Used widely in schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, homes. Single-coat system — all testing performed using single-coated materials. Recommended retreatment: every 4–5 years on textiles.

What's different about Flamex PF-II?

Per National Fireproofing, Flamex PF-II is a water-based interior/exterior fire retardant that bonds with the cellular structure of wood while also functioning as a wood preservative. Lab-tested for exterior durability per ASTM D5401. Won't alter the structural integrity of wood the way pressure-treated FR wood does. Applications: covered bridges, cedar shake roof shingles, decking, structural lumber, utility poles. After 48-hour cure, treated material can be painted with most latex-based paints. Class A rated with Flame Spread 25 / Smoke Developed 70 on wood. Contains polymers that maintain fire retardation up to 5 years for exterior applications; indefinite service life for most interior applications. Non-toxic, non-combustible, non-carcinogenic, contains no PBDEs.

What is Contego Intumescent Paint, and what does "intumescent" mean?

Per National Fireproofing, Contego Intumescent Paint is a high-solids, full-bodied, water-based acrylic latex intumescent paint. "Intumescent" means the paint expands when exposed to fire, forming a thick char layer that insulates the underlying material. Designed to protect a wide range of building substrates: structural steel, aluminum, dimensional lumber, manufactured wood products, trusses, drywall, spray polyurethane foam insulation, HDPE wall panels, concrete, plaster, solid-core doors. Also works for conduit, decking, cladding. Performance ratings: up to 3-hour fire rating on steel structure; up to 2-hour rating on wood.

How is Contego applied — and when can I top-coat it?

Per National Fireproofing, Contego High Solids is designed for spray application (brush/roller for touch-up only). Application conditions: don't apply when relative humidity exceeds 80%, surface temperature below 50°F (10°C), or less than 15°F above the current or forecasted dew point. Best between 50°F–95°F (10°C–35°C). Primer notes: on combustible substrates (dimensional lumber, OSB/particle board/plywood, polyurethane foam, drywall), primer NOT required but may be useful for very old/dry wood or unusually high-resin manufactured wood. On structural steel and other metals (aluminum, copper, brass, composites): primer is ALWAYS required — even inexpensive shop primer has shown no incompatibilities, but a test patch is always recommended with new primer combinations. Drying: at 60°F/70% RH, a 20-mil (500μ) wet coat is dry-to-touch in 3 hours, completely dry in 6, hard-dry in 8. Specifications call for a 72-hour cure, but the product is active once hard-dried. Top coat is permitted (and recommended) after the required total Contego thickness has dried completely.

Are these products safe around horses, and do they change paint color?

Per National Fireproofing: yes, all products are non-toxic with minimal odor during application. Once dried, they are completely non-toxic — important for barns since horses chew on wood. Color: if a surface has already been painted, use either a fire-retardant paint or a fire-retardant varnish over it. The fire-retardant water-based varnish is clear; the fire-retardant paint is black or white (the white can be tinted). The white Contego accepts most over-paint colors after proper drying time. Service life: interior penetrant coatings are permanent; top-coat paint and varnish last 10–15 years; exterior coatings last 5 years before reapplication.

How do I order, and what's typical for getting started?

Contact National Fireproofing at (219) 926-1477, email [email protected], web natfire.com. Address: 420 Wagner Road, Porter, Indiana 46304. The team helps barn owners select the right product for the application — penetrant for porous wood interiors, intumescent paint for steel and structural elements, varnish or pigmented paint for finished surfaces. Pricing varies by product, application size, and project scope; pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors and resin/coating-market conditions — confirm current pricing with National Fireproofing directly when scoping a project.

What products does National Fireproofing Company make for barns and stables?

National Fireproofing Supply Co. offers a line of penetrating fire-retardant sprays and additives well suited to wood barns and stables. The core barn products are Flamex PF-1 for interior wood, paper, and straw, and Flamex PF-2 for raw exterior wood. They also sell Dek Gard fire-retardant paint and stain additives, intumescent paints, fire-protective roof coatings, and UL-classified firestopping products.

What is Flamex PF-1 and where do you use it?

Flamex PF-1 is the Interior Wood Fireproofing Spray, described as Non-Toxic, Class A Rated By SGS Laboratories. It is designed for interior combustible materials including wood, paper, and straw, making it a strong fit for stall interiors, rafters, and tack rooms. It dries clear, is odorless and easy to apply, and can be top-coated with latex paint or a non-flammable clear coat after curing.

What is Flamex PF-2 and how is it different from PF-1?

Flamex PF-2 is a Class A-rated fire retardant spray engineered specifically for raw exterior wood, while PF-1 is intended for interior surfaces. PF-2 penetrates deep into wood fibers to create a structural barrier that slows flame spread and reduces ignition risk. It also adds a nanopolymer sealer that resists UV degradation and water leaching, plus a borate-based ingredient for termite resistance. The company recommends PF-2 over PF-1 wherever humidity is above 70 percent or surfaces are outdoors.

How do these sprays actually stop a fire from spreading?

According to National Fireproofing, the treated coating creates a protective barrier that drastically reduces the spread of fire. When the material catches fire, the coating cools it immediately to prevent ignition, and the extinguishing chemistry releases gases that displace the oxygen needed for combustion. Flamex PF-2 works by penetrating deep into the wood to form a structural barrier rather than sitting on the surface.

Are National Fireproofing's products non-toxic and safe around horses?

The company markets Flamex PF-1 as non-toxic, odorless, and easy to apply, and Class A rated by SGS Laboratories, while Flamex PF-2 is described as Non-Toxic, Class A Rated By Intertek Laboratories. Both dry clear and do not alter the wood's structural integrity. As with any coating, owners should follow the Safety Data Sheet and allow full curing before reintroducing animals.

What fire-safety ratings do these products carry?

Flamex PF-1 is Class A rated with a 25 flame spread and 95 smoke developed, tested to ASTM E-84, NFPA 255, and UL 723. Flamex PF-2 achieves a Flame Spread Index of 25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 70 under ASTM E-84 and is also tested under ASTM D5401 for exterior durability. A Class A rating represents the highest tier of flame-spread performance under these standard tests.

How much area does one gallon cover?

Both Flamex PF-1 and Flamex PF-2 are applied at a rate of 125 square feet per gallon. A barn owner can estimate the number of gallons needed by measuring total wall, ceiling, and surface area to be treated, then dividing by 125. Quantity discounts are available when buying five or more containers.

How do you apply Flamex PF-2 to exterior barn wood?

Shake or mix Flamex PF-2 thoroughly before use and pretest a small area for compatibility. Apply only when the temperature is 50°F or above, protect the surface from rain for at least 48 hours, and allow a full 48-hour cure before applying any water-based stain. The company advises never mixing it with other products or adding tints or dyes.

How long does the fire protection last?

For Flamex PF-1, the product life is described as permanent when applied in humidity-controlled environments at or below 70 percent humidity. For exterior wood treated with Flamex PF-2, the company recommends planning to reapply every three to five years. With the Dek Gard additives, protection lasts as long as the paint film remains intact, and fresh coats are needed if the surface is sanded, weathered, or the paint peels.

What are the Dek Gard additives and what do they do?

Dek Gard is National Fireproofing's line of fire-retardant additives that mix into ordinary paints and stains. The company says they transform your standard paints and stains into code-compliant, professional-grade, Fire Marshal-approved fire retardant additives. There is a Fire Retardant Paint Additive and a Fire Retardant Wood Stain Additive, each priced $58.00 to $260.00, mixed at typically 12 ounces per gallon.

Will the Dek Gard additive change how my paint or stain looks?

The Dek Gard additives are formulated to be finish-neutral, meaning they are designed not to alter the tint, sheen, or drying time of most high-quality water-based paints and stains. They are compatible with water-based or solvent-based paints and with wood stains. The stain additive must be applied to raw, unsealed wood to perform correctly.

Can these products treat straw, hay storage areas, and thatch?

Yes. Flamex PF-1 is rated for interior wood, paper, and straw, and Flamex PF-2's exterior applications explicitly include thatch, mulch, and straw among organic materials. This makes the line relevant to the highly combustible materials commonly stored in and around barns. Owners should still follow recommended coverage and curing guidance for each surface type.

What does it cost to fireproof a barn with these products?

Flamex PF-1 ranges from $19.00 for a quart to $1,720.00 for a 55-gallon drum, and Flamex PF-2 ranges from $24.00 to $2,100.00 across sizes from quart through 5-gallon pail and 55-gallon drum. Total cost depends on square footage at the 125-square-feet-per-gallon coverage rate. Quantity discounts apply on five or more containers, and 55-gallon drums ship free to the lower 48 states.

How do I order from National Fireproofing?

Orders can be placed through the online shop at natfire.com, which uses standard credit card and PayPal payment options. You can also call the company directly at (219) 926-1477 or email [email protected] with questions, including LTL freight shipping rate inquiries on larger orders. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

Where is National Fireproofing located?

National Fireproofing, Inc is located at 420 Wagner Rd. Porter, IN 46304. The company can be reached at (219) 926-1477 or [email protected], with office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, closed weekends and holidays. Free shipping is offered on 55-gallon drums to the lower 48 states.

Does the spray require special equipment to apply?

Flamex PF-1 is described as user-friendly and easy to apply, and National Fireproofing also offers an airless sprayer suited to applying its fire-retardant coatings efficiently over large surfaces like barn walls and ceilings. For best results the manufacturer recommends shaking or mixing thoroughly and pretesting a small area for compatibility before full application. Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets are available on the product pages.

What other fire-safety products does National Fireproofing sell beyond the sprays?

In addition to the Flamex sprays and Dek Gard additives, the company supplies intumescent paints such as Contego HS for steel and Contego Original for spray foam and drywall, fire-protective roof coatings, and a full range of UL-classified firestopping products. The firestopping line includes intumescent putty fill kits, firestop pillows, pipe collars, putty pads, intumescent caulk, and firestop sleeves. This lets larger or mixed-construction facilities source multiple fire-protection categories from one supplier.