Atsko · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard Aerosol 4.4 oz.
Silicone water guards usually avoid PFAS, but Atsko says nothing.
Atsko's silicone aerosol repels water without brand PFAS transparency. Silicone formulations typically avoid classic PFAS, but no confirmation is provided.
The better-graded swap
Ethan Allen
ETHAN allen Spring Floral Garden Pillow
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Silicone-based water-repellent aerosol
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and propellant inhalation
Aerosol formulations release propellants and solvents upon spray; Atsko does not disclose propellant type (hydrofluorocarbon vs. hydrocarbon vs. compressed gas). Inhalation exposure is virtually certain during application, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Respiratory and skin sensitization from fragrance or undisclosed co-solvents
Atsko does not list fragrance or co-solvent ingredients publicly. Aerosol exposure to any undisclosed sensitizing chemicals carries risk, particularly for individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivity.
Coating degradation and re-application frequency
Silicone water guards typically degrade faster than fluorinated alternatives, requiring annual reapplication and repeated inhalation exposure. This increases cumulative risk compared to longer-lasting treatments.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Silicone-based water repellents do not typically require formaldehyde resins as binders. No evidence on record of formaldehyde in this product, but ingredient opacity prevents full confidence.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
Water-repellent aerosols for furniture and textiles do not typically include added flame retardants as a separate additive, though silicone polymers themselves are inherently less flammable than some alternatives.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard is a silicone-based hydrophobic aerosol spray designed to repel water from textiles and some furniture surfaces. Silicone polymers themselves are considered lower-risk than fluorinated water repellents, as they do not rely on long-chain perfluorinated compounds. However, the aerosol formulation contains propellants and volatile organic compounds that are released during application, and Atsko does not publicly disclose the full ingredient list, propellant type, or presence of any co-solvents that could affect safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Atsko is a specialty outdoor fabric and leather treatment company with a decades-long presence but minimal third-party certification or transparency regarding chemical composition. The company does not publish safety data sheets or ingredient disclosures on its consumer website, and there are no widely documented recalls or safety controversies on record for this specific product. The lack of proactive disclosure is notable for a category where formulation transparency is increasingly expected.
How it compares in its category
Silicone-based water repellents are generally considered a middle ground between older fluorocarbon durable water repellents (DWRs) and newer non-fluorinated alternatives. This product lacks the environmental persistence concerns of legacy PFOA/PFOS treatments but also typically requires more frequent reapplication than long-chain fluorinated products. Many competitors in the aerosol furniture protection space now explicitly market PFAS-free status; Atsko's silence on this point is a relative disadvantage in a rapidly shifting market.
If you buy it
Apply only in well-ventilated outdoor spaces or indoors with windows open and fan running, as aerosol propellants and organic solvents pose inhalation risk in enclosed areas. Test on a hidden area of fabric or furniture first to confirm no discoloration or spotting occurs. Reapplication is typically needed annually or after heavy washing for textiles. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, and do not spray near flame or heat sources.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Atsko has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Acadia Outdoor 61in Sofa Cushion
Polyester cushion cover; likely acrylic or polyester-blend upholstery
PFAS
Limited concern
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or dyes
Limited concern
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Mildew and bacterial growth if moisture trapped
Moderate concern
Lower PFAS concern likely, but West Elm discloses nothing.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion
Polyester upholstery cushion cover
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Limited concern
Lower concern cushion, but West Elm provides no PFAS transparency.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Westport Slim Outdoor 68in Sofa Cushion
Polyester/cotton blend cushion cover, no specified water or stain treatment
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding and degradation
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial growth if waterlogged
High concern
Lower PFAS concern. Standard outdoor cushion with no reported treatments flagging risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.