DWR stands for Durable Water-Repellent Finish. This is a technical treatment that’s applied to fabrics to make them more water-repellent. It’s most commonly used in outdoor and performance clothing. Water cannot saturate the fabric but can still breathe through it. For any outdoorsman, athlete, or someone who needs to wear water-resistant apparel, knowledge of the DWR finish is crucial.
What To Expect In This Article?
What is the DWR Finish?
A DWR finish is not waterproofing, but rather hydrophobic coating causes the water droplet to bead and roll off the fabric surface. This is useful for activewear, where the idea of breathability is important to repel moisture from the garment.
What is DWR Made Of?
DWR coatings are traditionally made of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which provide superior water and stain resistance. However, many brands have shifted toward PFC-free alternatives that maintain similar hydrophobic properties.
Types of DWR Coatings
There are different chemical compositions used for DWR coatings, including:
- Fluorocarbon-based DWR: The most common and highly effective.
- Silicone-based DWR: Offers water repellency without using PFCs, though it may not be as durable.
- Hydrocarbon-based DWR: A newer alternative that balances effectiveness and durability.
How Long Does DWR Coating Last?
The longevity of a DWR coating depends on the type of finish applied, frequency of use, and care. Factory-applied finishes tend to last longer than aftermarket sprays, but both degrade over time due to washing, abrasion, and exposure to dirt and oils. Regular maintenance can prolong the effectiveness of the treatment.
For instance, a DWR-coated jacket will last several months to some years before having to be reapplied, depending on the frequency with which it is used and washed. Maintenance best practices can also extend the life of the coating much further.
Uses of DWR Finish
DWR treatments are commonly applied to:
- Outdoor Apparel: Jackets, pants, and gloves to repel rain and snow.
- Footwear: Hiking boots and athletic shoes to prevent water absorption.
- Backpacks and Bags: To keep gear dry during wet conditions.
- Technical Fabrics: Enhancing performance materials such as nylon fabric, polyester fabric, and satin fabric.
- Furniture and Tents: Some home textiles and outdoor gear use DWR coatings for added protection.
Types of Leather Finishing
Leather products often undergo finishing treatments to enhance durability and water resistance. While not all leather is treated with DWR, some finishes incorporate water-repellent coatings similar to DWR to protect against moisture.
Common types of leather finishing include:
- Aniline Finish: Natural-looking with minimal protection.
- Semi-Aniline Finish: Enhanced durability while maintaining a natural feel.
- Pigmented Finish: Coated with synthetic materials for maximum protection.
Is Nylon Breathable?
Nylon fabric is widely used in performance apparel due to its durability, lightweight properties, and ability to repel water when treated with a DWR finish. While nylon is not breathable, it is often woven in ways that allow air circulation or combined with breathable membranes to improve ventilation.
How to Wash a Puffer Jacket
Washing a puffer jacket treated with a DWR finish requires special care to maintain its water resistance:
- Avoid softeners and rather use a mild detergent.
- Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Dryer balls should be used to tumble dry on low heat, helping to maintain the loft and reactivate the DWR coating.
- Reapply DWR treatment if the water stops beading on the surface.
DWR Finish vs. Waterproof Materials
Waterproof vs. DWR treatments serve different purposes. While a men’s windbreaker jacket with DWR sheds light rain, fully waterproof materials like Gore-Tex provide complete water resistance. A men’s puffer jacket with DWR will resist moisture but may not hold up in heavy rainfall.
DWR is often used in combination with waterproof membranes to create highly functional outdoor gear. For example, a waterproof jacket with a DWR finish on the outer layer will shed water efficiently while maintaining interior dryness.
Restoring DWR Finish
When the water repellency fades, reapplying a DWR treatment for jackets or using a specialized wash can help restore effectiveness. If water begins to soak into the fabric instead of beading up, it’s time for reapplication.
Some tips for restoring a DWR finish include:
- Cleaning the garment first to remove dirt and oils that may be interfering with water repellency.
- Applying a DWR spray or wash-in treatment according to manufacturer instructions.
- Use heat to set the treatment by tumble drying on low or applying heat with an iron (if the fabric allows).
Technical Fabric Treatments
Other fabric waterproofing solutions include wax coatings and silicone-based treatments, commonly used for men’s lightweight jackets and men’s puffer vests. Some materials, like types of leather finishing, also use water-repellent treatments to maintain durability and performance.
FAQs
Yes, using DWR spray vs. factory finish treatments can help restore water resistance. Regular maintenance and heat activation can also prolong effectiveness.
No, DWR-treated outdoor gear repels water but does not provide full waterproofing. It is designed to enhance water resistance while maintaining breathability.
Avoid harsh detergents and reapply DWR coating for fabrics periodically. Washing with specialized cleaners and using heat activation can also help maintain repellency.
PFC-free alternatives offer similar water repellency without the use of perfluorinated chemicals.
This means understanding the properties of DWR-treated outdoor gear to make the right decisions regarding the maintenance of water-resistant apparel. Whether a puffer jacket or a men’s windbreaker jacket, knowing how DWR works will ensure that performance lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
One important feature of outdoor gear is that A DWR finish helps keep the fabrics dry while allowing them to breathe. While DWR is not a substitute for full waterproofing, it plays an essential role in performance apparel and gear maintenance. With the right care and periodic reapplications, your DWR-treated clothing can provide excellent water repellency for years to come.
