Nano-Care products

DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing

The advantages of DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing are numerous and convincing. In contrast to conventional impregnation agents, which often contain harmful chemicals, DWR impregnation offers an environmentally friendly and effective solution that, above all, provides ideal protection against the penetration of liquids into the material.

The DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing forms a reliable barrier against moisture by allowing water to simply roll off while at the same time preserving the breathability of the coated materials.

Let us convince you of the advantages of our surface sealing solutions, which have been optimized over many years, in a personal meeting.

What is DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing?

DWR stands for “Durable Water Repellent”, which translates as “permanent water repellency”.

This special DWR impregnation is primarily used on textiles to make them completely water-repellent. An additional property of DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing is that the material remains breathable despite the strong water-repellent effect on its outer skin. This is an essential property, especially for outdoor clothing, to ensure a comfortable fit. In short: an optimum combination of protection and comfort with a long-lasting effect!

This makes DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing the preferred impregnation for anyone who needs to rely on their equipment, regardless of the weather conditions.

The differences between waterproof, water-resistant, water-repellent and permanently water-repellent

DWR impregnation is a “permanently water-repellent” form of impregnation, which is the most effective impregnation solution against the unwanted penetration of liquids into materials.

To better understand this, it is worth comparing the individual forms of “water resistance”:

The advantages of our wood impregnation / wood treatment

The impregnation / waterproofing / proofing of exterior wood offers numerous advantages that significantly extend the service life and beauty of the wood; you will find a list of these below:

A material is described as waterproof if it does not allow water to penetrate under any conditions. It offers complete protection against water penetration, even under high pressure such as heavy rain or diving. Examples of waterproof materials are wetsuits (if not semi-permeable neoprene) and waterproof plastic sheeting.		Materials are described as waterproof if they can withstand the penetration of liquids for a certain period of time, but become permeable after a certain point. Waterproof materials therefore offer protection against light to medium water ingress, e.g. through light rain or splash water impact, but are not intended to keep water from penetrating completely under water. Waterproof materials are, for example, waterproof jackets, such as those made of leather, or facade paints.
Water-repellent materials are materials that allow liquids to bead up on the surface but become permeable after prolonged contact with the liquid. Compared to water-resistant material, there is significantly less protection here; the water-repellent coating also needs to be renewed regularly to maintain its effect. Water-repellent material properties can be found in outdoor clothing, for example.			Permanently water-repellent: A material is permanently water-repellent if it effectively protects against water over a longer period of time without the impregnation / waterproofing / proofing having to be renewed regularly. It offers long-lasting protection against moisture and water, keeping the material dry and functional. One example of permanently water-repellent materials is Nano-Care® DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing.

Common solutions and our products

Thanks to our extensive experience and constant expansion of our product range, we can offer highly effective surface sealants for almost all areas of application.

Traditional waterproofing agents are often based on advanced chemical technology that has been specially developed for outdoor use. These contain kerosene and wax emulsions as well as fluorocarbons and silicones, which are responsible for the outstanding and durable protection of DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing. Fluorocarbons, also known as polyfluorinated surfactants, are particularly effective and protect not only against moisture but also against dirt. They also offer protection against oil and grease contamination, which could damage sensitive membranes in the clothing.

However, as fluorocarbons are questionable due to their environmental impact, many manufacturers are looking for alternatives. Nano-Care® offers alternatives here with Nanoflex® Repel Eco and Nanoflex® zero NMR. These highly effective systems are suitable for industrial finishing of all fiber types and offer highly wash-resistant water and soil repellency. Our sustainable solution dispenses with harmful chemicals and still offers outstanding protection.

If you are interested in our Nanoflex® Repel Eco or Nanoflex® zero NMR DWR impregnations, please contact us for more information.

Our various impregnation solutions

Nano-Care® offers different forms of DWR impregnation, depending on which impregnation solution you prefer or is better suited to the material:

DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing sprays

The impregnation / waterproofing / proofing can be easily applied to clothing or shoes in spray form. The impregnation, which is applied evenly by spraying, provides long-lasting protection against water penetration and soiling. They are also odorless and inexpensive options. Nano-Care® products as sprays

Nanoflex® Tex2
Nanoflex® Concentrate THD (in diluted form)
Nanoflex® L-Care

DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing for the washing machine

An alternative option to impregnation is to apply it to garments directly in the washing machine. In this case, the special impregnating agent is added to the textiles during the wash cycle.

The washing process ensures that the impregnation is well distributed on the materials, eliminating the need for manual spraying. When using in the washing machine, it is important to observe the specified dosage to achieve an optimum effect.

Our product Nanoflex® zero NMR is recommended for use in the washing machine.

The advantages of our DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing

Long-lasting effect	Nano-Care® impregnations penetrate deep into the material and form an even and comprehensive protective layer. This ensures long-lasting protection that prevents water and dirt of any kind from penetrating the material or sticking to it.
Excellent water repellency	The transparent sealant in the form of DWR impregnation / proofing completely fills the pores, creating a smooth surface that allows water to bead up and roll off, similar to the lotus effect. This means that the material remains impermeable even in the event of heavy contact with water and dirt.
High breathability	Although the transparent protective layer of the DWR impregnation guarantees a durable water-repellent effect, this type of material coating stands out thanks to its high breathability. This leads to an unhindered exchange of water vapor from the inside to the outside, which massively improves the wearing comfort of sports and outdoor clothing in particular.
Dirt and stain repellent	In addition, the smoothed pores of the material make it more difficult for dirt of any kind to form unwanted deposits or stains. Dirt particles and liquids simply roll off, which makes cleaning much easier and simplifies maintenance of the material.
Versatile in use	The wide range of Nano-Care® products impresses with its versatile application options depending on the material and product type. Depending on the desired form of application, there are various other ways to apply or refresh the impregnation / waterproofing / proofing.
Long-term value retention	By protecting against water, dirt and moisture, our impregnation / waterproofing / proofing helps to maintain the value and appearance of your materials. It extends the service life of the materials, keeping them functional and looking like new for longer.
Environmentally friendly alternatives	We also offer PFC-free product variants as an environmentally friendly and harmless alternative. These are ecologically certified and therefore completely harmless to people and the environment, which supports the responsible use of resources.

Areas of application: Which textiles can be protected?

DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing is particularly worthwhile for textiles that are frequently exposed to moisture and wetness or where quick drying is an advantage. This primarily includes outdoor and sports clothing such as rain jackets, hiking pants and ski clothing, which need to provide comfort and protection during outdoor activities. Tents, rucksacks and shoes also benefit from impregnation / waterproofing / proofing, as they remain dry in rain or wet conditions and thus retain their functionality. Even everyday clothing, such as windbreakers or light jackets, can be protected from unexpected rain showers by a DWR treatment, which significantly increases wearing comfort. Nano-Care® DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing can be used for textiles of all kinds; here are a few examples:

Rain jackets and coats
Hiking and ski pants
Tents and rucksacks
Shoes and boots
Softshell and hardshell jackets
Gloves and hats
Awnings and awnings

Instructions: The procedure for DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing

The application of DRW impregnations from Nano-Care® is simple and straightforward. However, in order to achieve the best possible result with the impregnation, it is advisable to follow the steps below.

Step 1 - Preparing the material

In the first step, the material to be impregnated should be prepared appropriately; the manufacturer’s instructions on the washing or care label should be read in advance so that any instructions on appropriate care and cleaning can be taken into account in the subsequent steps. The material must be thoroughly cleaned according to the instructions on the washing or care label before impregnation; as a rule, machine washing at 30 degrees should be sufficient. It is important to remove all impurities such as dirt, salt particles or detergent residues and to avoid using fabric softener during cleaning. Regular cleaning is also important for impregnated material, as everyday products such as creams or perfumes as well as human sweat can attack the fibers of our clothing and thus shorten the life of the material. After thorough cleaning, the material must be dried appropriately; this can be done by drying at room temperature, in a tumble dryer on the lowest setting or with an iron.

Step 2 - Impregnation / waterproofing / proofing

The material should be completely dry before the second step, impregnation / waterproofing / proofing. Before application, you should have selected the appropriate room for impregnation and put on the protective equipment specified in the safety data sheet. When applying the impregnation, make sure that it is applied evenly to the entire material and that no areas are missed. Complete coverage with the impregnation is required for an effective result. There should also be sufficient time for it to take effect. As a rule, it takes around 24 hours at room temperature for the impregnation to fully penetrate the material and dry.

Step 3 - Aftercare and refreshing

Step three is the regular and appropriate after-treatment of the impregnated material. As soon as the water and dirt-repellent effect of the impregnation wears off, we recommend repeating the impregnation process.

The suitable Nano-Care® products, depending on the base material, are Nanoflex® Tex2, Nanoflex® Concentrate THD (in diluted form), Nanoflex® L-Care or Nanoflex® zero NMR (also for application in the washing machine) as a spray application.

Alternatively, DWR impregnations for the washing machine can also be selected for direct washing of the impregnation in the washing machine for refreshing. It is important that the washing drum is cleaned before use and that you add the amount of DWR impregnation / treatment specified in the product description during the wash cycle. On a 30-40 degree wash cycle, the impregnation is evenly distributed on the material by rotating the washing drum.

This also requires a sufficient drying time of at least 24 hours at room temperature or alternatively drying in a dryer.

Additional tips for optimum effect

Carry out the primary DRW impregnation / waterproofing / proofing before using the material for the first time.
Refresh the impregnation / waterproofing / proofing every fifth wash.
Check any discoloration caused by the impregnation / waterproofing / proofing in advance on a non-visible area.
Give the material sufficient time to dry after impregnation / waterproofing / proofing.

How long does the DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing last?

The durability of DWR (Durable Water Repellent) impregnation / waterproofing / proofing is influenced by various factors. These include, among others

the frequency of use,
the type of material,
the care and
the environmental conditions.

With regular use and frequent washing, the impregnation can lose its effectiveness more quickly. In addition, the longevity of the impregnation varies depending on the material and textile processing. Certain materials retain their water-repellent properties longer than others.

Proper care, which includes following the manufacturer’s washing instructions and regularly refreshing the impregnation, can significantly extend the life of the DWR impregnation / waterproofing / proofing. Extreme weather conditions, sunlight and other environmental influences also contribute to faster degradation of the impregnation.

As a general rule, permanent impregnation / waterproofing / proofing can be expected to last for several years if cared for correctly. Subsequent impregnation / waterproofing / proofing, on the other hand, must be refreshed regularly and, depending on the intensity of use, is expected to last between a few months and a year.

Your advantages with Nano-Care®

The DRW impregnations from Nano-Care® offer a professional solution for water and dirt-repellent textile coatings of all kinds. Our broad product range is always based on our global promise of effectiveness:

More protection

thanks to the optimum composition of our sealing solutions

More cleanliness

by reducing the surface tension for deposits of all kinds

More durability

by preserving the appearance and function of the sealed materials