CHEM KARIS CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 water, oil and soil repellent agent, PFOA and PFOS-free textile finish

CHEM KARIS CK GUARD WR-SERIES — C6 water, oil and soil repellent agent, PFOA and PFOS-free eco-friendly textile finish

Chem Karis is a Korean chemical manufacturer, established in 2003, delivering advanced finishing solutions to textile and industrial manufacturers worldwide. Our CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 Water Repellent uses short-chain fluorocarbon chemistry to give fabrics durable water, oil, and soil repellency — without the environmental drawbacks of older long-chain (C8) technology. This guide covers everything you need to know about C6 water repellent chemistry, its benefits and applications, and how it compares to our fluorine-free C0 range.

What Is C6 Water Repellent?

C6 Water Repellent is a specialized textile finish built on short-chain (6-carbon) fluorocarbon chemistry. It is applied to fabric to create a hydrophobic, oleophobic surface that repels water, oil, and waterborne stains, while letting the fabric breathe normally. Compared to older long-chain fluorocarbon finishes such as C8, C6 chemistry has a shorter perfluorinated chain, which significantly reduces environmental persistence and bioaccumulation potential.

CK GUARD WR-SERIES is manufactured entirely without PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) — two long-chain substances now restricted under REACH and other global regulations. This makes C6 a practical choice for manufacturers who need fluorocarbon-level performance, including oil and soil resistance and not just water resistance, while meeting the tightening chemical compliance requirements of international apparel and footwear brands.

C6 vs. C8 vs. C0 — Comparing Water Repellent Chemistries

Choosing the right water repellent chemistry depends on your product’s performance requirements and your brand’s regulatory targets. Here is how the three main technologies compare:

C8 (Long-Chain)C6 (Short-Chain)C0 (Fluorine-Free)
Fluorine contentHigh (8-carbon chain)Reduced (6-carbon chain)None
Oil & stain resistanceExcellentExcellentGood to very good
Water resistanceExcellentExcellentExcellent
Environmental persistenceHighLowLowest
Regulatory statusRestricted in most marketsREACH & ZDHC compliantFully PFC-free
Best forLegacy formulations (not recommended)Technical textiles needing oil/soil resistanceApparel & home textiles prioritizing fluorine-free claims

Need a completely fluorine-free option? See our C0 Water Repellent page for PFC-free formulations.

Key Benefits of CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6

Triple Repellency: Protects fabric against water, oil, and soil in a single finishing step, not just water resistance.
Superior Water Resistance: Creates a hydrophobic surface so water beads up and rolls off instead of soaking in.
Wash & Wear Durability: Maintains repellency through repeated laundering and daily use.
Breathable Performance: Unlike waterproof membrane coatings, C6 finishes let air and moisture vapor pass through for all-day comfort.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Short-chain chemistry is far less persistent in the environment than legacy C8 finishes.
Global Regulatory Compliance: Manufactured PFOA/PFOS-free and meets ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) requirements.
Water droplets beading on fabric treated with CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 water repellent

Water droplets beading on C6 water repellent treated fabric

How C6 Water Repellent Is Applied

CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 is applied using standard textile finishing equipment — padding, spraying, or foam application — making it easy to integrate into existing production lines. The chemical lowers the fabric’s surface energy so water forms beads and rolls away rather than wetting the fibers. After application, the fabric is cured at a controlled temperature to fix the finish to the fiber surface, so performance holds up through commercial and home laundering. Dosage and application method are adjusted based on fabric type (woven, knit, or non-woven), fiber content, and the target repellency grade, and our technical team provides application guidance for every order.

Applications Across Industries

CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 water and oil repellent applied to outdoor sportswear and automotive textiles

CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 water and oil repellent fabric applications for outdoor sportswear and automotive textiles

Because C6 chemistry delivers both water and oil repellency, it is used across a wide range of textile and industrial categories:

Outdoor & Sportswear — jackets, pants, and technical apparel exposed to rain and moisture
Footwear & Leather Goods — uppers, linings, and synthetic leather needing stain and water protection
Workwear & Medical Textiles — fabrics that must resist fluids in demanding environments
Home Textiles, Travel Bags & Automotive Interiors — everyday products needing long-lasting stain resistance
Carpets, Rugs & Construction Surfaces — protecting against moisture and staining in commercial settings

Explore the Full C6 Water Repellent Series

We’ve published a detailed guide for each application category, covering formulation notes, application methods, and performance expectations:

Certifications & Compliance

Chem Karis holds a compliance record trusted by global apparel, footwear, and industrial brands:

REACH Compliant — meets EU chemical safety regulations
ZDHC Compliant — aligned with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals MRSL
bluesign-aligned formulation and manufacturing practices
PFOA & PFOS-Free Manufacturing across our entire water repellent range
KITA Member — Korea International Trade Association
Award-Winning — Korea Trade Association Presidential Award (2018) and Korea Technology Innovation Award (2022)

Manufacturing & Custom Support You Can Trust

Chem Karis has been manufacturing specialty textile and industrial chemicals in Korea since 2003. Our in-house production and quality-control facilities let us offer custom formulation, small-batch samples, and large-scale bulk supply from the same site, so the product you test is the product you scale with.

Every textile manufacturer has different requirements, so our technical team works closely with you from product formulation through application guidance — whether you need a few liters for lab trials or full IBC/drum quantities for production, each batch is manufactured to your exact specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between C6 and C0 water repellent?

A: C6 uses short-chain fluorocarbon chemistry and delivers the strongest oil and soil resistance alongside water repellency. C0 is completely fluorine-free. Both meet strict compliance standards — see our C0 Water Repellent page to compare.

Q: Is CK GUARD WR-SERIES C6 safe and compliant?

A: Yes. It is manufactured without PFOA or PFOS and complies with REACH and ZDHC requirements.

Q: How can I contact you?

A: You can reach us by submitting an inquiry through our official website or by calling us directly.

Q: Can I get samples?

A: Yes, we provide free samples. You will just need to cover the shipping costs, either by providing your FedEx or DHL account.

Q: How can I verify product quality before placing an order?

A: For certain products, we offer free samples — you just need to cover the shipping cost or arrange your own courier. Alternatively, send us your product specifications and requirements, and we will manufacture the product to your needs.

Q: When can I expect a price quote?

A: Our sales team will get back to you with pricing within 24 hours.

For the chemistry behind the finish — how C6 fluorocarbon polymers bond to the fibre and why the pad-dry-cure route matters — see How C6 Water & Oil Repellent Finishing Works.