Silicone Coated vs Vermiculite Coated Fiberglass Blanket
Overview:Compare silicone coated and vermiculite coated fiberglass blankets in temperature resistance durability molten metal protection and industrial applications to choose the right solution.
Fiberglass blankets are widely used for welding, fire protection, and industrial heat shielding. However, the performance of a fiberglass blanket largely depends on its surface coating.
Two of the most common coatings are:
• Silicone coating
• Vermiculite coating
Although both enhance heat resistance, they serve different industrial purposes. Understanding the difference helps buyers select the right product for welding, shipbuilding, construction, or heavy industry.
What Is a Silicone Coated Fiberglass Blanket?
This coating improves:
• Water resistance
• Oil resistance
• Abrasion durability
• Surface smoothness
• Flexibility
It is widely used in welding blankets, fire curtains, expansion joints, and industrial covers.
Performance Characteristics
• Continuous temperature: ~260°C – 550°C (base fiberglass dependent)
• Short-term resistance: up to 1000°C
• Excellent resistance to sparks and slag
• Easy to clean surface
• Lower dust release compared to raw fiberglass
What Is a Vermiculite Coated Fiberglass Blanket?
This coating is specifically designed to improve:
• Molten metal resistance
• Direct flame contact tolerance
• High radiant heat reflection
It is commonly used in heavy welding, foundries, and steel plants.
Performance Characteristics
• Continuous temperature: 800°C (depending on fabric weight)
• Short-term resistance: up to 1100°C
• Excellent molten metal splash resistance
• Better for heavy slag environments
• More rigid surface compared to silicone
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Silicone Coated | Vermiculite Coated |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Temp | 260°C – 550°C | Up to 800°C |
| Short-Term Temp | Up to 1000°C | Up to 1100°C |
| Molten Metal Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Flexibility | Very Flexible | Medium |
| Water / Oil Resistance | Excellent | Limited |
| Abrasion Resistance | High | Medium |
| Surface Texture | Smooth | Rough / Mineral Finish |
| Typical Use | Light–Medium Welding | Heavy Industrial Welding |
| Cost Level | Medium | Slightly Higher |
Which One Should You Choose?
⇒ You need flexibility
⇒ Welding is light to medium duty
⇒ Moisture or oil exposure is possible
⇒ You want cleaner surface handling
⇒ Application includes fire curtains or protective covers
Choose Vermiculite Coated Fiberglass Blanket If:
⇒ Welding involves heavy slag or molten metal
⇒ You require higher continuous heat resistance
⇒ Used in steel plants or shipbuilding
⇒ Direct flame exposure is frequent
Common Buyer Mistakes
Many buyers assume higher temperature always means better.
However:
• Silicone coating provides superior durability and environmental resistance.
• Vermiculite coating provides superior extreme heat tolerance.
The best solution depends on application environment, not just temperature numbers.
Cost and OEM Considerations
For distributors and brand owners:
• Silicone coated blankets are more versatile across markets.
• Vermiculite coated blankets target heavy industry.
• Silicone versions are often preferred for retail and welding distributors.
• Vermiculite versions are favored in industrial contracts.
A reliable manufacturer should offer:
• Custom thickness (0.4mm–1.6mm+)
• Custom sizes
• OEM packaging
• Temperature test reports
• Consistent coating quality
Final Verdict
| Application Type | Recommended Coating |
|---|---|
| General welding | Silicone coated |
| Shipbuilding | Vermiculite coated |
| Steel plant | Vermiculite coated |
| Fire curtain | Silicone coated |
| Outdoor welding | Silicone coated |
Both coatings enhance fiberglass blankets — but each is optimized for different working conditions.
Industrial Supply & Custom Solutions
We manufacture high-temperature fiberglass blankets with:
• Silicone coating options
• Vermiculite coating options
• OEM & private label service
• Stable export quality
• Industrial-scale production
If you're sourcing welding fire blankets or high-temperature fabrics, selecting the correct coating improves safety, durability, and cost efficiency.
Contact us for samples and technical specifications, Get expert recommendations based on your application
Product link:
silicone coated fiberglass cloth
Vermiculite Coated Fiberglass/High-Silica Cloth Roll
