Fire retardant coatings Fire Retardant Coatings: A Protective Shield Fire retardant coatings are specialized coatings designed to reduce the flammability of surfaces. They work by slowing down or preventing the combustion process, giving people more time to escape and firefighters more time to contain the fire. How Fire Retardant Coatings Work Intumescence: Some coatings expand significantly when exposed to heat, forming a thick, insulating layer that acts as a barrier between the fire and the underlying material. Endothermic Reaction: Other coatings absorb heat during a chemical reaction, cooling the surface and slowing down the combustion process. Char Formation: Some coatings form a char layer that acts as a physical barrier to heat and oxygen.