Which Welding Blanket Is Right for You?

In this guide, we compare three popular options from Cepro - Asteria, Kronos and Thetis and answer common questions such as are welding blankets fireproof, what is a welding blanket used for and how to choose a welding blanket for metal fabrication.

What Is a Welding Blanket Used For?

A welding blanket is designed to protect surrounding areas during welding, cutting and grinding operations. It helps to:

• Contain sparks and spatter
• Reduce fire risk
• Shield machinery, floors and workpieces
• Provide heat and flame resistance in welding environments

A blanket for welding can be used horizontally to cover surfaces or vertically as a curtain or screen, depending on the material and coating.

Are Welding Blankets Fireproof?

This is a common question and the short answer is: welding blankets are fire resistant, not fireproof.

High-quality fire resistant blankets are made from fibreglass and treated coatings that will not ignite under normal welding conditions. Products like the Cepro Asteria, Kronos and Thetis are non-flammable and tested to EN 13501-1 fire safety standards, but they still have maximum temperature limits that should always be respected.

How to Choose a Welding Blanket for Metal Fabrication

When choosing the right heat resistant blanket, consider the following:

1. Temperature Resistance

• Light welding and grinding = lower temperature rating
• Heavy fabrication or high heat exposure = higher temperature rating

2. Weight & Durability

• Lighter blankets are easier to handle
• Heavier blankets offer better abrasion and heat resistance

3. Application

• Horizontal protection (floors, benches, machinery)
• Vertical use (screens, curtains, partitions)

This is where understanding the differences between Asteria, Kronos and Thetis really matters.

Thetis vs Kronos vs Asteria: What’s the Difference?

Cepro Asteria Welding Blanket - Best for Light Workshop Use

The Asteria welding blanket is a medium-weight option designed for light welding and grinding tasks.

Key benefits:

• Temperature resistance up to 550°C (600°C peak)
• Suitable for vertical use
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• A1 fire-rated and non-flammable

Best for:
General workshop welding, light fabrication, maintenance work and temporary protection.

Cepro Kronos Welding Blanket – Best for Vertical Applications

The Kronos welding blanket features a PU-coated fibreglass surface with aluminium pigments, making it ideal for use as a welding or grinding curtain.

Key benefits:

• Temperature resistance up to 550°C (600°C peak)
• PU coating improves durability and anti-slip performance
• Excellent resistance to fraying
• Specifically recommended for vertical use

Best for:
Welding bays, partitions, grinding screens and areas where a hanging fire resistant blanket is needed.

Cepro Thetis Welding Blanket – Best for High-Temperature Protection

The Thetis welding blanket is the heavyweight option in the range, designed for demanding, high-temperature environments.

Key benefits:

• Continuous temperature resistance up to 700°C
• Peak resistance up to 900°C
• Heavyweight 1,100 g/m² fibreglass cloth
• Dual-sided graphite coating for maximum durability
• Suitable for horizontal and vertical use

Best for:
Heavy fabrication, industrial welding, high-heat applications and situations where maximum protection is required.

Best Welding Blankets for High-Temperature Protection in the UK

If you’re working with higher heat levels, the Cepro Thetis welding blanket is the best choice due to its superior temperature resistance and abrasion protection. For lighter tasks or curtain-style use, Kronos and Asteria offer reliable, cost-effective alternatives.

All three options are manufactured to meet UK and EU fire safety standards, making them suitable for professional use across workshops and industrial sites.

Benefits of Using a Welding Blanket

Using the correct welding blanket helps to:

• Reduce fire risk
• Protect expensive machinery and tools
• Improve workshop safety
• Contain sparks and spatter
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standards

In many cases, using a heat resistant blanket is a simple but effective way to prevent costly damage and downtime.

Difference Between a Welding Blanket and a Fire Blanket

Although they may look similar, they serve different purposes:

• Fire blankets are designed to extinguish small fires
• Welding blankets are designed to prevent fires by containing heat and sparks

A welding blanket should always be used during welding or grinding operations, rather than relying on a fire blanket alone.

Where Can I Buy Welding Blankets in the UK?

You can buy welding blankets in the UK online from specialist welding suppliers. Look for:

• Certified fire ratings (EN 13501-1)
• Clearly stated temperature limits
• Multiple size options
• Reputable manufacturers like Cepro

Buying from a welding specialist ensures you get the correct blanket for welding based on your application.

View our welding blankets here.

Final Thoughts: Which Welding Blanket Should You Choose?

• Choose Asteria for light welding and everyday workshop use
• Choose Kronos for vertical protection and welding curtains
• Choose Thetis for high-temperature and heavy-duty applications

Understanding the differences ensures you get the right balance of safety, durability and performance for your work.