![]()
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.


Will try this out with my old copy of Fahrenheit 451
Great comment! If only everyone in there had done this beforehand as well
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).
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.
“…won’t catch fire or burn on its own.”
If you think about it, this is already true about almost everything already.
A useful point to make. Thanks.
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.
This reminded me of an old Muppet’s sketch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnblmZdTbYs .
Pingback: How-To: 내화성 종이 | Make: Korea
// What's Trending
Raspberry Pi Design Contest
Seventeen Sneaky Secret Hides
Lost PLA Casting from 3D Prints
10 Things to Connect to Your Raspberry Pi
Ten Tips for Adhesive Tape
Teardrop Camper Trailer
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
5 Million LEGO Brick Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter
// What's Shared
A better way to slice a pumpkin
DIY Nerf Darts
100 Dollar Store Organization Ideas for Craft Rooms and Beyond
In the Maker Shed: Minty Boost USB Charger
Mad’s Mouse House
Lace Princess Crowns
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record
// Most Commented
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Get Emergency Power from a Phone Line
Resin Casting: Going from CAD to Engineering-Grade Plastic Parts
Ten Tips for Screws and Screwdrivers
Is it a Hackerspace, Makerspace, TechShop, or FabLab?
Ten Tips for Better Measurement
Makers on TV: Big Brain Theory
Arduino Announces New Wireless Linux Board
Grow: A Portable CNC Router System
Trending Topics
Get our Newsletters
About Maker Media
Subscribe
to MAKE!
Get the print and digital versions when you subscribe