EverShield™ — Superior Fabric Protection
The First Durable Omni Repellent
In 2006, Army General John Caldwell challenged scientists at the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center to develop a "self-cleaning" uniform. Goals: highly repellent, durable coated textiles that resist attraction of liquid and solid contaminants. Minimize battlefield logistics burden — less laundering, detergents unnecessary.
EverShield™ — fabric & textile protection
Zero-microplastic, water- and stain-repellent finish for soft surfaces. Tested across automotive, marine, and hospitality textiles — keeps fabrics looking new without changing their hand-feel.
From Army Challenge to Commercial Reality
Army General challenged the Soldier Research Center to develop a "self-cleaning" uniform.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: US Army Soldier RD&E Center (Natick, MA) + Luna Innovations (Blacksburg, VA). 6 years and over $2M of SBIR funding across Phases I–IIB.
25 prototype Army Combat Uniforms field-demonstrated by 20 warfighters at Ft Drum, NY. 70% said the uniform should be adopted.
Product determined ready for commercialization after extensive lab and field testing by US Army.
First Responder Field Demonstration: 19 volunteers from Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad tested prototype uniforms on duty and in obstacle courses.
Product optimized for standard applications and commercial production commences.
Conformal Fabric Coating
EverShield™ establishes a polymer coating that encapsulates each fiber of the material and creates durability through cross-linking the individual polymers in a protective matrix. This process uses a water-borne, solvent-free application that can be used in any current textile mill without expensive equipment. The treatment is non-C8 based and environmentally friendly, adding less than 2% weight to the fabric while maintaining breathability.
Dip/Pad Stage — Fabric immersed in EverShield treatment solution
Dry/Cure Stage — Heat-set to bond the polymer matrix to fibers
Second Dip/Pad — Optional antimicrobial or FR treatment layer
Final Dry/Cure — Complete cross-linking for maximum durability
DOR vs DWR — A New Category
EverShield™ is the first Durable Omni Repellent (DOR), exceeding traditional DWR in every measurable category.
| Feature | Traditional DWR | EverShield™ DOR |
|---|---|---|
| Water Repellency | Good | Superhydrophobic |
| Oil Repellency | Limited | Oleophobic |
| Debris Resistance | Minimal | High |
| Wash Durability | 10-20 washes | 50+ washes |
| Category | Durable Water Repellent | Durable Omni Repellent |
Characteristics & Properties
Superhydrophobic
Extreme water repellency beyond standard DWR
Oleophobic
Repels oils and greases on contact
Debris Resistant
Resists staining from solid contaminants
50+ Wash Durability
Retains most performance after numerous washings
Durable Omni Repellent (DOR)
A new category — Hydrophobic + Oleophobic combined
US Army Developed
Originated from Natick Soldier Research Center
Colorfast
Retains fabric's original hue — no color change after treatment
Flame Retardant Compatible
Does not compromise base fabric's flame retardancy properties
Antimicrobial Integration
Ability to incorporate anti-microbial agents into the treatment for enhanced protection
PFAS-Free Option
EverShield® ZERO™ variant offers PFAS-free Super Durable Water Repellent technology
Benefits
From first responders to marine textiles
EverShield's durable omni-repellent (DOR) finish is field-proven on first-responder uniforms, military fabrics, and marine textiles. Zero microplastics, no change in hand-feel, and verified water + stain repellency long after conventional DWR coatings would have washed out. Tested across automotive, hospitality, and outdoor categories.
Applications
- Military uniforms and tactical gear
- First responder uniforms (EMS, Fire, Police)
- Industrial workwear and uniforms
- Outdoor and performance textiles
- Healthcare and medical textiles
- Hospitality linens and uniforms
- Athletics and sports apparel
- Camping and outdoor gear
- Restaurant and food service uniforms
- Children's clothing
- Automotive upholstery and interiors
- Home goods and upholstery
Key Performance Results
First Responder Field Demonstration
First responders commonly enter situations with unknown threats wearing only duty uniforms offering little to no protection. UltraTech developed EverShield — a low surface energy fabric treatment providing inherent resistance to water, oil, and chemicals, combined with antimicrobial and flame-retardant properties in a lightweight, breathable garment.
EverShield® ZERO™
PFAS-Free Super Durable Water Repellent
EverShield® ZERO™ is a PFAS-free solution with advanced Super Durable Water Repellent (SDWR) technology for consumer-grade fabrics. It delivers superior water repellency after repeated washing and heavy wear — an eco-friendly, high-performance alternative for applications where oil repellency is not required.
Cross-Linker Technology
EverShield® uses a chemical additive called a cross-linker that connects polymer chains and makes them stronger. This forms strong links between polymers uniquely bound together, creating durable, long-lasting protection that goes beyond surface treatment — each individual fiber is coated with EverShield®.
Interested in EverShield™?
Contact our team for technical consultation, product demonstrations, and competitive pricing.