When it comes to weather-resistant fabrics, you may come across the term DWR, short for Durable Water Repellent. This treatment is widely used in the textile industry, especially in outdoor apparel, upholstery, and technical fabrics, to provide a hydrophobic surface that repels moisture and keeps fabrics dry.

But what exactly is DWR, how does it work, and how does it compare to waterproof materials? This guide explains everything you need to know.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a chemical treatment applied to fabrics to make them resist water penetration. Once treated, the fabric surface causes water to bead up and roll off instead of soaking in, similar to how rain slides off a freshly waxed car.

DWR is typically applied during the finishing stage of fabric production, either by:

• High-pressure spray application
  
  

• Vat dipping (immersion method)
  
  

DWR coatings create a microscopic barrier on the surface of the fabric. This barrier lowers the surface tension, preventing water from spreading and soaking in.

Traditionally, DWR finishes were made using fluorocarbons, a combination of carbon and fluorine atoms. These are known for their strong water- and stain-repelling properties. There are two common categories of fluorocarbon-based finishes:

• C8 DWR
  
  

  • Contains an 8-carbon chemical backbone
    
    

  • Extremely effective but associated with PFOA, a persistent chemical now banned or restricted in many countries due to environmental concerns
    
    

• C6 DWR
  
  

  • Contains a 6-carbon chain
    
    

  • More eco-friendly than C8, with reduced toxicity and environmental impact
    
    

  • Slightly less durable and less oil-repellent

With growing environmental awareness, fluorine-free (non-PFC) DWR treatments have emerged as a sustainable alternative. These are often silicone- or hydrocarbon-based and offer good water repellency without the long-term environmental harm of fluorochemicals.

A common misconception is that DWR = waterproof. In reality, water-repellent fabrics are not waterproof.

Here’s the key distinction:

• Water-repellent fabrics resist surface moisture but will eventually allow water through under pressure or prolonged exposure.
  

• Waterproof fabrics are completely impervious to water, typically using laminated membranes or coatings to achieve full protection.

To classify a fabric as waterproof, it must pass a Liquid Entry Pressure (LEP) test. This measures how much pressure (typically using a hydrostatic column of water) the fabric can withstand before leaking.

• Water-repellent: Fails LEP test under 0.8 bar pressure (8,000 mm water column)
  

• Waterproof: Passes LEP test, indicating full resistance even under high pressure

Yes, DWR finishes are not permanent. Over time, abrasion, washing, dirt, and UV exposure can break down the hydrophobic layer, reducing performance. When water stops beading on the surface, it's a sign the DWR coating needs to be restored.

How to Maintain or Reapply DWR:

• Clean the fabric using mild detergents to remove oils and dirt
  
  

• Tumble dry (if safe for the fabric) to reactivate heat-sensitive finishes
  
  

• Use a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment (widely available for outdoor gear)
  
  

Regular care and maintenance can extend the life of the DWR coating and ensure continued performance.

DWR treatments are used across a wide range of industries:

• Outdoor apparel – jackets, pants, gloves
  
  

• Tents and awnings – camping gear, shade covers
  
  

• Upholstery – indoor/outdoor cushions, marine furniture
  
  

• Technical textiles – uniforms, medical fabrics, industrial tarps
  
  

• Footwear and accessories – shoes, bags, backpacks
  
  

For performance applications where lightweight moisture resistance is needed without sacrificing breathability, DWR remains the go-to choice.

If you need a fabric that sheds water during light rain or moisture exposure, without the stiffness or bulk of full waterproofing, DWR-treated fabrics are an ideal solution.

However, for products exposed to heavy rain, pressure, or prolonged wet conditions, you’ll need to pair DWR with waterproof membranes or select fully waterproof materials.

As sustainability standards rise, expect to see a growing shift toward fluorine-free DWR finishes that combine performance with environmental responsibility.

Call us at (256) 241-0180 or email customerservice@directex.net to find the right solution for your project.