What is water repellent coating in the first place? Differences from Water Repellent Coatings and the Latest Water Repellent Coatings

To make outdoor activities comfortable, a rain jacket with a water-repellent coating that repels rain and splashes is indispensable. But what exactly is a water-repellent coating? We will explain its mechanism, characteristics, and maintenance methods in detail.

What is a water-repellent coating?

A water-repellent coating is a resin coating that makes the surface of a fiber repel water. In contrast, hydrophilic coatings attract water. Water repellent and hydrophilic coatings are used in different ways depending on the purpose of usage, and are not superior or inferior to each other.

Water repellent coatings are mainly used for outdoor rain jackets. A wet rain jacket is not only heavy and uncomfortable to wear, but also poses a risk of serious problems due to the loss of body heat.

Hydrophilic coatings, on the other hand, are used to coat car bodies and windshields. Water flows off a car with a hydrophilic coating, so there is less risk of water staining the car. However, in the case of automobiles, water repellent coatings are also used, depending on preference.

Advantages of Water Repellent Coatings

Depending on the type of water-repellent coating, water repellency often provides stain resistance and sliding properties, making it ideal for outdoor use.

For example, rain jackets with water-repellent coatings are easy to keep clean, as mud and dirt can be easily removed.

In addition to the aforementioned automobile bodies, water-repellent coatings are also used on frying-pans. In this case, properties such as resistance to decomposition at high temperatures and UV resistance are required.

Difficulties in applying water-repellent coatings to textiles

On the other hand, water-repellent coatings on textiles have unique challenges. Since hard coatings are not suitable for fibers, it is necessary to achieve both suppleness and durability. This is a very difficult balance to achieve, and advanced coating techniques and proper maintenance are essential.

Difference between Water Repellency and Water Resistance

Water repellency and waterproofing are similar concepts. However, it is important to note that water repellency and waterproofing are two different concepts.

A waterproof coating on a textile is a process that seals the pores of the textile so that water cannot pass through. In contrast, a water-repellent coating is a coating applied to the surface of a yarn to maintain its breathability and moisture permeability (water vapor permeability). In other words, water-repellent rainwear is less likely to become stuffy and more comfortable to wear.

Advantages of water-repellent coatings using fluorine

Materials used for water-repellent coatings include fluorine, silicon (silicon), and hydrocarbons (paraffin).

Of these, fluorine has very good water repellency and is widely used in a variety of ways. In the case of rain jackets, fluorine compounds, called PFC or perfluorocarbons, have been widely used. Teflon and polytetrafluoroethylene are also widely used in automobile bodies and frying pans.

Fluorine compounds are generally characterized by their high chemical stability and long-term resistance to deterioration. For example, PFC used in rain jackets and Teflon used in car bodies and frying pans are both resistant to binding with water, oil, and various stains. This is why Teflon-coated pans are non-stick and easy to wash.

Trend toward Fluorine-free

However, many products, including rain jackets, frying pans, and car bodies, are switching to water-repellent coatings that do not use fluorine. Why is that?

First, the chemical stability of fluorine compounds is linked to their resistance to degradation in nature. Second, some PFC and Teflon substances have been found to contain components harmful to the human body.

Due to these environmental and health concerns, the entire range of water repellent coatings is now shifting to fluorine-free materials.

As a result, technologies are evolving daily to maintain the same performance as before while reducing the burden on the environment and the human body. Outdoor manufacturers are responding to this trend and striving to provide environmentally friendly water repellent coatings.

Cautions for Fluorine-free Water Repellent Coatings

However, care must also be taken with fluorine-free water repellent coatings. For many years, the mainstream of water repellent coating technology was based on the chemical stability of fluorine compounds. In contrast, fluorine-free water repellent coating technology is still in its infancy. In other words, it may not always be able to keep up with conventional water repellent coatings that utilize fluorine compounds in terms of performance.

In the case of rain jackets, water-repellent coatings using silicone or paraffin are used to make them fluorine-free, but there are still issues regarding durability, oil repellency, and stain resistance. Therefore, frequent washing and proper maintenance are essential.

The Essentials of Maintaining Water-Repellent Coated Rainwear

Rainwear made of water-repellent, water-repellent, breathable material with a water-repellent coating is a very good product. On the other hand, without proper maintenance, the outer and lining fabrics can inhibit breathability and prevent the wearer from fully realizing their excellent performance.

First, it is important to wash rainwear frequently. Removing oil and various other contaminants from the rainwear will not only keep it looking clean, but will also keep it performing at its best.

Second, after repeated use, rainwear should be heat treated to restore its degraded water repellency. If it still does not recover, additional water repellency treatment is required.

These first and second treatments require more awareness than ever before, as the water repellency has been reduced by fluorine-freeing.

By hiring a professional, we can properly remove various stains from rainwear and perform advanced water repellent treatments that cannot be performed at home, thanks to our advanced technology and well-equipped facilities.

With proper care and maintenance using the latest technology, your Gore-Tex and other water-repellent coated rainwear will maintain its original performance when you call Drop Roof. Drop Roof supports your safe and comfortable outdoor life with our specialized outdoor maintenance. Please contact us for more information.