PFAS‑free repellency, engineered with purpose

Alta™ dwr (durable water repellent) is Applied Textiles’  PFAS-free technology developed for customers who want high‑performance repellency to water-based stains. It’s the newest generation of water‑based protection, engineered to deliver exactly the level of performance each application requires.

Alta™ dwr repels water‑based stains, dust, and dirt while enhancing the physical durability of fabrics. Like Alta™, it is permanently bonded to the fiber, invisible to the eye and hand, and customized for end‑use environments and fire code compliance.

Smart chemistry. No shortcuts.

 

key features and benefits of alta™ dwr

Repels water-based stains, dust, and dirt

Helps fabrics stay clean, beautiful, and last longer.

Enhances fabric durability

Improves the seam strength, abrasion resistance, and pilling resistance of fabrics.

Extends fabric life cycle

Reduces wear, replacement, and long-term costs.

Maintains the original hand & shade of the fabric

No stiffness. No shade change. No compromise on design intent.

Cleanable & maintainable

Designed to perform long-term when cared for using a defined cleaning protocol.

reduced environmental impact of alta™ dwr

  • PFAS free

  • Free of solvents, VOCs, PFOA, and PFOS.

  • Complies with EPA, Cal Prop 65, and REACH standards

alta™ dwr environments

alta™ dwr hospitality

For the hospitality environment, turn to Alta™ dwr for the exact, permanent protection and fire code compliance needed in any application, whether seating, dining areas, mattresses, drapery, and more.
See More

alta™ dwr healthcare

Healthcare environments have high-performance requirements that shouldn't limit the selection of fabrics. Alta™ dwr focuses on providing the exact protection required while maintaining beauty and softness.
See More

alta™ dwr luxury

Fabrics once considered too delicate for demanding environments can now be treated with Alta™ dwr Luxury, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
See More

alta™ dwr senior living

Alta™ dwr allows beautiful fabrics to be specified for senior living spaces while meeting the specific requirements of the environment, including fire code compliance, Durablock® liquid barrier where needed, and antimicrobial.
See More

alta™ dwr higher education

With wear and tear on seating, frequent spills, and the fast pace of the higher education environment, fabric's cleanability and performance are key – Alta™ dwr is here to help!
See More

alta™ dwr workplace

Work environments should be beautiful and functional. Alta™ dwr offers the exact, permanent protection needed to withstand the real-life demands of the workplace.
See More

alta™ dwr cruise ship

Alta™ dwr cruise ship offers protection for high traffic areas, IMO fire code compliance, easy cleanability, durability, and more so beautiful fabrics stay beautiful for years to come.
See More

alta™ dwr nightclub

With Alta™ dwr nightclub, the party can go on! Alta™ dwr nightclub offers stiletto-proof backing, easy cleanability, and many other benefits to provide the best protection while maintaining beauty.
See More

alta™ dwr residential

Don't let pets, kids, or real-life impact the beauty of your home! Alta™ dwr Residential protects the beautiful, luxurious fabric that makes a home feel like home.
See More

alta™ dwr FAQ's

Questions about Alta™ dwr?

alta™ dwr

Environment Impact and Health Safety

Fabric Requirements

Application and Permanency

Fire Codes

Cleaning

IMO Upholstery Testing

Backings

Healthcare and Senior Living

alta™ dwr

What is Alta™ dwr?

Alta™ dwr is Applied Textile’s latest PFAS-free water-based repellency technology that repels water-based stains, dust, and dirt. It is the only technology that is engineered to provide the correct level of protection for each application (environment) for which it is specified in.

What does "dwr" stand for?

The "dwr" stands for durable water repellent.

How is Alta™ dwr different?

Alta™ dwr is the latest generation of PFAS-free repellency technology on the market. It's designed for each application, ensuring the right level of performance and fire code compliance at the most economical cost, so you only pay for what you need. Alta™™ dwr uses more water and less chemistry than other finishes and provides exceptional repellency performance to water-based stains, dust, and dirt. It's a water-based technology that improves abrasion and pilling resistance, seam strength, and fraying resistance for upholstery. Alta™ dwr is correctly engineered for each fabric and application and is designed to bond effectively to most fibers, including natural, cellulosic, and synthetic fibers.

What is the difference between Alta™ dwr and generic soil and stain finishes?

Generic soil and stain finishes are topical and temporary, and they wash off or wear off. Alta™ dwr is bonded permanently to the fiber and will last the life of the fabric. Unbranded soil and stain treatments can often make fabrics burn. Alta™ dwr ensures fabrics comply with the correct fire code. Unbranded soil and stain finishes make no claims regarding efficacy.

How does Alta™ dwr achieve its repellency?

The Alta™ dwr technology changes the fiber’s surface energy to repel water-based stains, dust, and dirt.

Environment Impact and Health Safety

Is Alta™ dwr environmentally friendly?

Yes, Alta™ dwr complies with CAL Prop 65, EPA, and European Union REACH standards for safe chemistries. Alta™ dwr is water-based and uses less chemistry than competitive products. Alta™ dwr does not contain PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), heavy metals, formaldehyde, or phthalates.

Is Alta™ dwr bad for my health?

No, Alta™ dwr is not toxic to humans, animals, or the environment. Alta™ dwr is PFAS-free, will not bio-absorb, is not carcinogenic, does not bio-accumulate, is not biopersistent, and is not mutagenic.

Fabric Requirements

Are there any fibers you cannot treat?

We can process 98% of all textiles, but to do so, we need to know the fabric’s fiber content. We will not run an order without knowing the fiber content. If you have a question about a specific fabric or fiber content, please contact us, and we will review your fabric specification with you.

What if a fabric already has a finish on it? Can I add Alta™ dwr?

Yes, Alta™ dwr can be applied over all finishes. Alta™ dwr provides these fabrics with a more durable, permanent repellent against water-based stains.

Can you treat coated fabrics?

Presently, we cannot treat faux leathers made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyurethane with Alta™ dwr.

What is the minimum yardage needed to treat with Alta™ dwr?

We ask for 2 yards to maintain pattern and weave alignment. Special accommodations can be made by contacting your account manager.

Can you treat a bleach cleanable fabric with Alta™ dwr?

Yes, Alta™ dwr will not affect the properties of a bleach-cleanable fabric.

Can Applied Textiles work with wide width fabrics?

Applied Textiles will support rapid service for standard-width materials, 53” usable, 59” overall. Fabrics that vary from standard processing widths will incur a special setup/processing fee.

Application and Permanency

Is Alta™ dwr permanent?

Yes, the Alta™ dwr technology is permanently bonded to the individual fibers; it will not wear off or wash away. Alta™ dwr is durable to spot cleaning, commercial laundering, and dry cleaning.

How is Alta™ dwr applied to the fabric?

Alta™ dwr is applied via an impregnation bath to both the front and back of the fabric. Alta™ dwr is not sprayed on.

Fire Codes

Does Alta™ dwr meet fire codes for various applications?

Yes, Alta™ dwr is designed to provide high-performance repellency and meets fire codes. Please contact us with any questions or for more information.

Can Alta™ dwr help natural fibers pass 701 drapery testing?

Yes, Alta™ dwr drapery typically helps linen, wool, or cotton fabrics pass 701 drapery testing.

Cleaning

How do I clean fabric treated with Alta™ dwr?

1.) Gently absorb liquid spills with a dry, clean, absorbent cloth. 2.) If any residual spot remains, flush with warm water and then blot with a dry, clean, absorbent cloth. Repeat, if necessary. 3.) For stubborn stains: follow the steps above, then mix 2-3 drops of a mild detergent with a cup of water and apply to the soiled area. Gently work the solution into the area, wait a minute, then blot the spot with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Repeat until the spot is gone. 4.) After cleaning, be sure to rinse thoroughly with water and blot to remove soap residue.

IMO Upholstery Testing

Can Alta™ dwr help me pass IMO Upholstery Testing?

Yes, Alta™ dwr IMO can. Any fabric containing 60% polyester mixed with any other fiber can be treated with Alta™ dwr IMO to pass IMO upholstery testing.

Backings

Since Alta™ dwr provides repellency, why do I need a liquid barrier for Alta™ dwr F+B, Alta™ dwr Healthcare, or Alta™ dwr Senior Living?

Liquid barriers are critical for keeping high-use areas clean and preventing stains from being pushed below the surface of the fabric and into the cushion. We recommend using liquid barriers for food and beverage areas, healthcare and senior living environments, and other areas where constant cleaning is required. Our proprietary liquid barrier is called Durablock® and is very durable to cleaners, including bleach and other healthcare cleaners.

When do I need to have a heavy acrylic backing added?

A heavy acrylic backing is typically applied to thick fabrics that require extra stability, or to fabrics used for wallcovering that need increased stiffness.

How is acrylic backing added?

Acrylic is aerated and applied to the back of the fabric in a thin, even layer using a knife edge.

What’s a laminated backing, and how is it applied?

A laminated backing is a layer of material bonded to the back of a fabric to improve its durability, water resistance, and stability. This is achieved by fusing the backing to the fabric using either a heat-activated adhesive or a heat-set method. This enhances properties for applications such as upholstery. This creates enhanced properties for applications like upholstery.

Healthcare and Senior Living

Has Alta™ dwr been tested with healthcare cleaners?

Yes, healthcare environments use three families of cleaners: quaternary, bleach, and peroxide. Alta™™ dwr has been tested and is durable to all these types of cleaners.

What is the antimicrobial used in Alta™ dwr Healthcare and Alta™ dwr Senior Living?

We add a durable antimicrobial effective against bacteria, microbes, mold, mildew, and fungi. We also add the antimicrobial to Alta™ dwr Outdoor to help prevent mold, mildew, and fungi from forming on outdoor fabrics.

How durable is the antimicrobial in Alta™ dwr?

The Alta™ dwr antimicrobial technology has been tested in over 75 healthcare launderings with a 99.5% efficacy rate.

My healthcare client does not want an antimicrobial. Can Alta™ dwr be specified without it?

Yes, Alta™ dwr Healthcare or Alta™ dwr Senior Living can be specified without antimicrobial if the client prefers not to have it.

download full alta™ dwr chain set

Alta™ dwr Designer Chain Set

 

get in touch with us

Interested in Applied Textiles or have questions for us? We welcome your feedback.
Contact Us