C0 Water Repellent
Our C0 water repellent is a fluorine-free finish that repels water while being completely PFAS-free — the choice for brands and mills that need water repellency with clean, compliant chemistry. It matches fluorocarbon finishes on spray rating and durability for water, stays soft, and comes in water- and solvent-based grades for a wide range of substrates. Request a free sample and a TDS below.
Why choose a C0 water repellent
- Fluorine-free and PFAS-free — no PFAS at all, compliant with current and proposed PFAS bans.
- Full water repellency — modern C0 matches fluorocarbons on spray rating for water.
- Soft hand — silicone-modified grades keep fabric soft and breathable.
- Wash-durable — with a crosslinker and cure, holds up through repeated laundering.
- Water- or solvent-based — plus low-cure grades for heat-sensitive fabrics like elastane.
- Compliant — OEKO-TEX and ZDHC-compliant options, a PFAS test report, and a TDS and SDS per grade.
What is a C0 water repellent?
C0 means zero fluorine. Instead of fluorocarbons, it is built on silicone, hydrocarbon or modified-polymer chemistry, so it contains no PFAS. It gives excellent water repellency, and the one thing it cannot do is repel oil — that needs a C6. For the full picture, see PFAS-free water repellents and C6 vs C0.
C0 water repellent specifications
| Type | Fluorine-free (C0) water repellent — silicone / modified-polymer |
| Repellency | Water and water-based stains (not oil) |
| PFAS status | PFAS-free (fluorine-free) |
| Carrier | Water-based or solvent-based grades |
| Application | Pad-dry-cure, exhaust, or spray-on |
| Cure | Typically 150–170 °C with a crosslinker; low-cure grades available |
| Substrates | Polyester, nylon, cotton, blends, wool, technical fabrics |
| Compliance | OEKO-TEX and ZDHC-compliant options; PFAS test report available |
| Documentation | TDS and SDS per grade |
| Dosage & spray rating | Grade-dependent — see the TDS for your substrate |
Applications
A C0 water repellent suits any product that needs water repellency and a PFAS-free story:
- Apparel and kidswear.
- Outdoor gear going PFAS-free.
- Technical textiles and filtration replacing a fluorinated input.
- Consumer and private-label sprays.
- Upholstery and home textiles.
Compliance and documentation
Our C0 grades are fluorine-free and available OEKO-TEX and ZDHC-compliant, with a PFAS test report to back the PFAS-free claim and a TDS and SDS for your records. If you also need oil repellency, see our C6 water repellent.
Request a C0 water repellent sample
Tell us your substrate, application method and whether you need water- or solvent-based, and we will recommend a grade and send a free sample with its TDS. Request a free sample or browse the full range.
Frequently asked questions
What is a C0 water repellent?
A fluorine-free finish that repels water. It contains no PFAS, and modern C0 matches fluorocarbons on spray rating and durability for water repellency.
Is a C0 water repellent PFAS-free?
Yes. C0 is fluorine-free, so it is genuinely PFAS-free and complies with current and proposed PFAS restrictions.
Does a C0 water repellent repel oil?
No. Oil repellency needs fluorine, as in a C6. A C0 repels water and water-based stains only.
Is a fluorine-free finish less durable?
No. With a crosslinker and a proper cure, a modern C0 holds a high spray rating through many washes.
What substrates can a C0 water repellent be used on?
Polyester, nylon, cotton and blends, wool and technical fabrics, in water- or solvent-based grades.
Do your C0 grades come with a PFAS test report?
Yes, along with OEKO-TEX and ZDHC-compliant options and a TDS and SDS per grade.