OK, it’s probably more accurate to say “flame resistant” or “flame retardant” paper, because the flame does actually damage the paper, but it just blackens and won’t catch fire or burn on its own.  The treatment couldn’t be simpler: soak the paper in a saturated solution of borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) in water, then let it dry.  Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate hydrate) is also commonly used for this purpose, but not quite as easy to find.  Borax is available at most grocery stores.

Thanks to Ron Tozier for sharing this video.

BY Sean Michael Ragan

I am descended from 5,000 generations of tool-using primates. Also, I went to college and stuff. I write for MAKE, serve as Technical Editor for MAKE magazine, and develop original DIY content for Make: Projects.

10 Responses to How-To: Fireproof Paper

  1. Will try this out with my old copy of Fahrenheit 451

  2. caitlinsdad on said:

    I believe this is the same flame-retardant process in making the recycled paper blown-in cellulose insulation for homes.

    • As I have blown in thousands of bags of that material I can confirm that they use Borax in cellulose insulation.
      It also helps keep animals out of it (it irritates the skin).

  3. So what was all the fuss about using wood in the frames of DIY laser cutters then? Clearly it could be made safe the same way.

  4. P Guncheon on said:

    “…won’t catch fire or burn on its own.”

    If you think about it, this is already true about almost everything already.

  5. It won’t support a self-sustaining flame. Most fire-retardant fabrics are the same way. If you hit them with a blowtorch they’ll burn, but remove the source of ignition and the flames die out.

  6. This reminded me of an old Muppet’s sketch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnblmZdTbYs .

  7. Pingback: How-To: 내화성 종이 | Make: Korea

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