Aqueous vs solvent-based
fluoropolymer fabric protectants.
Fluoropolymer fabric protector products come in two forms,
aqueous & solvent-based. The aqueous form uses water as its base. This is
the form used at textile and carpet mills. The textile or carpeting is put
through a water/ fluoropolymer bath and then through a high heat process (up to
195 degrees Centigrade! Without this high heat, an aqueous fluoropolymer never
cures fully, and can perform only to about 30% of its potential. This is why a
topically applied aqueous fluoropolymer product performs at such a poor level.
If you own a textile mill, go with aqueous. Otherwise, aqueous is a poor choice
and a worse value. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is only available in a solvent
base.
303 High Tech Fabric Guard
uses odorless mineral spirits (OMS), a very mild, easy to work with solvent
which is ozone safe. OMS carries the protective polymer deep into the fibers and
then evaporates in such a way to fully cure the high performance 303
fluoropolymer. Expect coverage of 75-100 sq. ft. of acrylic canvas with the 16
oz spray , 500 - 800 per gallon with proper spraying equipment although up to
1000 sq. ft. is possible. Coverage on heavier fabrics and carpeting is less,
depending on type of material and pile.