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A Chemistry World report published on 4 December 2015 described a polymer coating that repels oil, water and alcohol. The headline’s “ready in seconds” wording is not enough to establish that the full preparation takes only seconds, and the available account does not verify that this specific coating is sold today.
What the 2015 report describes
Chemistry World’s 4 December 2015 article, “Super-repellent coating ready in seconds”, summarized a non-stick polymer coating said to repel oil, water and alcohol. That is the central claim; the available summary does not provide a numerical measure of repellency or detailed test results.
A secondary repost dated 16 December 2015 attributes the approach to Liming Wang and Thomas McCarthy at the University of Massachusetts. It explains that flexible groups are covalently attached to smooth surfaces to create a slippery, liquid-like layer. This is a secondary description, not the underlying research paper, so it does not establish the exact chemistry or experimental procedure. Read the secondary account.
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Does “ready in seconds” mean the whole process takes seconds?
That is not established by the available account. It does not specify which preparation, application or curing step the headline refers to, or how long the complete process takes. A quick curing step would not by itself prove that preparation and finishing are also that fast.
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- RESTORE DWR PROTECTION – Reapply durable water repellency to waterproof jackets, rain gear, ski wear, tents, and camping gear to help water bead off fabric surfaces
- MAINTAIN FABRIC BREATHABILITY – Helps GORE-TEX and waterproof-breathable materials stay breathable by reducing fabric saturation and wet-out during outdoor use
- PROTECT AGAINST WATER, DIRT & STAINS – Adds all-season protection to outerwear, backpacks, tents, and technical fabrics exposed to rain, mud, snow, and everyday wear
- TREATS MULTIPLE GARMENTS – 5 oz spray treats 1–2 adult jackets, 10 oz spray treats 2–4 jackets, and 16.9 oz spray treats 4–6 jackets depending on garment size and coverage
- FOR BEST PERFORMANCE – Wash gear first with Revivex Pro Cleaner before applying Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Spray to maximize waterproofing performance and longevity
A separate patent describes a different coating process in which curing may take seconds, while optional solvent dipping and drying can take longer. That process is not evidence about the coating in the 2015 report; it only illustrates why a short curing time and a short end-to-end process are not necessarily the same. See the separate patent.
What the available evidence does not establish
The primary research paper and its full test results are not identified in the available sources. As a result, they do not support specific claims about contact angles, durability, performance after wear, safety, manufacturing scale or which substrates the coating works on. No attributable statistic for this specific coating is available here.
Rank #2
- EFFORTLESS CLEANING -- Lifeproof Home Ceramic Coating prevents stains, smudges, fingerprints, water-spotting, soap-scum build-up, mineral build-up & more. When surfaces do get dirty, wipe away with ease! Protects surfaces for up to 6-12 months.
- SUPER-SLICK, ANTI-STICK, & ULTRA HYDROPHOBIC -- Lifeproof Home gives surfaces that super-slick, clean glass feeling, repelling liquids, stains, and other unwanted elements. DO NOT USE ON FLOORS due to super slick properties.
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- NON-TOXIC COATING -- Rest easy knowing your surfaces are protected in a non-toxic coating. Lifeproof Home has passed MTT Cytotoxicity testing.
- EASY SPRAY APPLICATION -- Starting with a cleaned surface, simply spray on desired surface, buff in with included microfiber towel, flip towel and remove any residue. Let cure (wait 1 hour for dry use, 4 hours for wet). Lifeproof Home coating can be removed anytime with Isopropyl alcohol. For best results, ensure surface is cleaned thoroughly before application.
Nor do the sources establish a current commercial formulation, a named supplier or present-day retail availability. The report is best understood as a historical account of a research result, not confirmation of a consumer product that can be bought or applied now.
How to assess a claim about this coating
If a product is presented as the coating from the 2015 report, look for evidence that connects it to that specific work—not simply a general claim that a spray repels water or oil. Useful documentation would identify the formulation or supplier, supported substrates, the liquids tested, application and total processing time, and performance after wear. Without that link, treating a generic repellent as the reported coating would be misleading.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WATER REPELLENT SPRAY: One Scotchgard Outdoor Sun & Water Shield Fabric Spray, 10.5 oz can, that repels water and protects against the sun's UVA/UVB rays
- ODORLESS: Stain sprayer dries clean and odorless, so you don't have to worry about ruining outdoor gear
Rank #4
- Superior Surface Protection: This advanced ceramic spray forms a durable, invisible shield that delivers instant water-beading performance. The enhanced ceramic coating spray technology offers long-lasting protection without greasy residue or streaks, helping surfaces stay clean for months
- Effortless Long-Lasting Clean: Create a super-slick, anti-stick layer using our clean ceramic coating formula. It repels stains, fingerprints, water spots, and soap-scum buildup while preserving shine on glass, tile, and stainless steel. Enjoy surfaces that remain protected for 6–12 months
- Multi-Surface Safe: Safe for use as both a glass ceramic coating and a ceramic glass coating, this product works effectively on stainless steel, marble,, porcelain,and more. The versatile glass coating enhances clarity and preserves the natural finish (Not for floors.)
- Easy Spray-and-Wipe Application: Get Get professional results with this home-use ceramic coating kit. Simply spray onto a clean surface, buff with the towel, and wipe away residue. Achieve a glossy, sealed finish that reduces daily grime and simplifies maintenance
- Family Safe Formula: Formulated with a non-toxic, low-odor blend, this ceramic coating is safe to use throughout your kitchen and bathroom. Protect your home's most-used surfaces with confidence, even in households with kids and pets
Rank #3
- RESTORE DWR PROTECTION – Reapply durable water repellency to waterproof jackets, rain gear, ski wear, tents, and camping gear to help water bead off fabric surfaces
- MAINTAIN FABRIC BREATHABILITY – Helps GORE-TEX and waterproof-breathable materials stay breathable by reducing fabric saturation and wet-out during outdoor use
- PROTECT AGAINST WATER, DIRT & STAINS – Adds all-season protection to outerwear, backpacks, tents, and technical fabrics exposed to rain, mud, snow, and everyday wear
- TREATS MULTIPLE GARMENTS – 5 oz spray treats 1–2 adult jackets, 10 oz spray treats 2–4 jackets, and 16.9 oz spray treats 4–6 jackets depending on garment size and coverage
- FOR BEST PERFORMANCE – Wash gear first with Revivex Pro Cleaner before applying Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Spray to maximize waterproofing performance and longevity
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