Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large family of over 12,000 man-made chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

In textile and surface finishing, PFAS were widely used to create stain-resistant, water-repellent, and oil-resistant coatings on fabrics, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. Common examples include PTFE, C8-based fluorochemicals, and the later C6 generation.

Because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or in the human body, PFAS are often called “forever chemicals”.

PFAS has come under increasing scrutiny worldwide due to mounting evidence of serious environmental and health risks:

Health concerns include exposure to thyroid disease, immune system disruption, hormone interference, elevated chortesol, kidney and testicular cancers, and developmental issues in children.

Another issue with PFAS is that it is a “forever chemical” which means it can never be broken down. Once release, it accumulates in soil, water, and living organisms indefinitely.

Multiple governmental entities have stepped in recently to ban/set strict limits on PFAS being used. This includes the EPA (U.S.), EU, and multiple states in the U.S. have set bans on PFAS in textiles, apparel, and food packaging.

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. It is a finish applied to the outer surface of fabric to cause water to bead up and roll off rather than soak in to the fibers. It is one of the most common functional finished in performance apparel, outdoor gear, workwear, and upholstery.

Before PFAS was banned, the most used DWR was a C8/C6 chemistry.

We have our own DWR product called LIGHTSHIELD that we typically only use on woven material, since most nonwovens are naturally hydrophobic. It is completely PFAS-free.

WHATASHIELD is the new modernized chemistry to replace PFAS. It is completely eco-friendly (please review certifications section for more information).

PFAS would bead up oil-based stains like how a DWR beads up water-based stains.

WHATASHIELD does not bead up stains, but “releases” them. Once WHATASHIELD is on a surface and covalently bonded on the fibers, it does not allow oil-based stains to lock in to the material.

The normal cleaning process would be to put water on the stain and blot with a dry towel until the stain fully releases. If it’s a more stubborn stain, then we recommend water extraction as the next step.

WHATASHIELD has a 5.0 clean-ability rating using our PFAS-free cleaning process.

WHATASHIELD can be treated on any surface/substrate!

We work with multiple industries to protect their environment against UV damage, increasing FR, higher clean—ability, higher abrasion and seam strength, decreasing VOCs, and more!

Please note that WHATASHIELD does not change the hand, feel, or characteristic of any material.

Our philosophy is that guarantees/warranties don’t fix problems, people do. We work with our clients with R&D with an A2LA/ISO certified lab, in-field issues, and more to make sure we solve your problems!

YES! Every claim/benefit of WHATASHIELD has been tested at an A2LA/ISO certified lab, and we also have client testimonials.

Please feel free to contact us to get more information.