From Funcosil SNL to Water-Based Impregnation
Understanding the transition from the classic Funcosil SNL to modern water-based Remmers impregnation products — and why Funcosil SNW is also worth considering as an alternative.
If you have worked with Remmers Funcosil SNL for many years, you may have noticed that availability is changing. This is not surprising: Remmers currently lists the classic Funcosil SNL as a solvent-based product and indicates that the product is being phased out in at least some markets. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
At the same time, Remmers is promoting different water-based impregnation products in different countries and markets. Depending on the country, you may encounter products such as Funcosil SNL [ultra] or Funcosil WS. The product names and local product portfolios are not necessarily identical in every country.
This article explains what this transition means in practice, why the old Funcosil SNL should not simply be compared with a water-based product on the basis of appearance, and where Funcosil SNW fits into this development.
Water-based does not automatically mean "weaker". The newer water-based Funcosil products use a different formulation technology. The objective remains the same: hydrophobically protect porous mineral substrates while maintaining water vapour diffusion.
Why do you see different Funcosil products in different countries?
One of the most confusing aspects of the transition is that Remmers does not necessarily use exactly the same product name in every market.
For example, Remmers currently lists Funcosil SNL [ultra] as a water-based silane emulsion. The German Remmers product information specifies a milky appearance, a neutral pH of approximately 7, more than 10% active ingredient and mineral water as the carrier material. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Remmers also uses the name Funcosil WS for a water-based silane/siloxane impregnation in certain product documentation. A current Remmers specification describes Funcosil WS as a water-based emulsion with approximately 10% active ingredient. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The fact that a product has a different name in your country does not necessarily mean that the underlying technology is completely different. Always compare the technical data sheet, active ingredient, carrier, substrate suitability and application method rather than relying on the product name alone.
The transition from classic SNL to water-based technology
Funcosil SNL
- Silane/siloxane based
- Solvent-based
- Approx. 7% active ingredient
- Clear liquid
- Dearomatised hydrocarbons as carrier
- Excellent penetration
SNL [ultra] / WS / SNW
- Silane or silane/siloxane based
- Water-based formulations
- Typically around 10% active ingredient
- Milky/emulsion appearance
- Water or mineral water as carrier
- Solvent-free formulations are available
Funcosil SNL versus modern water-based alternatives
The following comparison illustrates the fundamental difference between the classic SNL formulation and the newer water-based technology.
| Property | Funcosil SNL | Water-based alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based | Water-based emulsion |
| Active ingredient | Approx. 7% silane/siloxane | Typically around 10% for SNL [ultra] / WS |
| Carrier | Dearomatised hydrocarbons | Water / mineral water |
| Appearance | Clear | Usually milky/emulsion |
| Odour | Solvent odour | Water-based products can be odourless |
| Water vapour diffusion | Yes | Yes, depending on the product |
| Typical use | Porous mineral façades | Porous mineral façades and related applications |
Water-based does not mean simply "SNL with water"
This is an important distinction.
Funcosil SNL and modern water-based products may have a similar purpose, but they are not simply the same formulation with a different carrier. The formulation, emulsion technology and behaviour during application are different.
The fact that a water-based product looks milky rather than clear does not mean that it provides less hydrophobic protection.
Where does Funcosil SNW fit in?
In many markets, Remmers currently promotes water-based products under different names. Depending on the country, customers may therefore be directed towards Funcosil SNL [ultra], Funcosil WS or another locally available formulation.
Funcosil SNW is another water-based silane/siloxane impregnation that we make available to customers who are looking for a modern alternative to the classic solvent-based Funcosil SNL.
Our international approach
We do not suggest that Funcosil SNW has replaced every locally marketed Remmers product in every country. Product portfolios and product names can differ between markets.
Instead, we offer Funcosil SNW as an additional water-based alternative for customers who are looking for the technical characteristics and application profile of a modern water-based silane/siloxane impregnation.
Why consider Funcosil SNW?
Water-based
A water-based formulation instead of the classic solvent-based technology of Funcosil SNL.
Silane / siloxane
Designed for hydrophobic treatment of porous mineral building materials.
Solvent-free
Suitable when a solvent-free impregnation technology is preferred.
Low odour
The typical solvent odour associated with traditional SNL is avoided.
Typical mineral substrates
Water-based Funcosil impregnation products are designed for a broad range of porous mineral substrates. Depending on the specific product and application, these include:
Porous fired brick
Smooth and textured surfaces
Porous mineral render systems
Highly absorbent substrates
Depending on the specific system
Can a water-based product be used on a façade previously treated with SNL?
In renovation work, this can be an important question. A façade may have been treated with Funcosil SNL many years ago and may now require renewed hydrophobic protection.
Remmers specifically lists the topping-up of old hydrophobic coatings that have undergone long-term weathering as an application for Funcosil SNL [ultra]. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
However, an existing façade should always be assessed before applying a new impregnation. The substrate must be clean, dry and free from defects.
Always test a representative area first
This is particularly important when changing from a solvent-based impregnation such as SNL to a water-based formulation.
- Select a representative area of approximately 1–2 m².
- Apply the selected product according to its technical data sheet.
- Allow the surface to dry.
- Check the appearance and water-repellent effect.
- Use the test area to determine the actual product consumption.
Do not simply copy the old SNL consumption
Another common mistake is to assume that the consumption of Funcosil SNL can automatically be transferred to a water-based product.
The actual consumption depends heavily on the porosity and absorption capacity of the substrate. Remmers itself recommends applying a sufficiently large trial surface to determine the precise amount of impregnation agent required. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What will an experienced SNL user notice?
With Funcosil SNL
- Clear liquid
- Solvent-based
- Characteristic solvent odour
- Very familiar application behaviour
- Classic silane/siloxane technology
With modern water-based products
- Milky/emulsion appearance
- Water-based
- Little or no solvent odour
- Different wetting and drying behaviour
- Modern silane or silane/siloxane technology
Do not judge a water-based impregnation solely by how it looks during application. A milky appearance is characteristic of an aqueous emulsion and is not in itself an indication of poor penetration or poor hydrophobic performance.
Funcosil SNL [ultra], Funcosil WS or Funcosil SNW?
Customers often ask which product they should choose when moving away from classic Funcosil SNL. There is no universal answer based solely on the product name, because Remmers product portfolios differ between markets.
| Product | Position in this transition |
|---|---|
| Funcosil SNL | Classic solvent-based silane/siloxane impregnation; increasingly being phased out in the Remmers portfolio. |
| Funcosil SNL [ultra] | Water-based silane emulsion promoted by Remmers in several markets. |
| Funcosil WS | Water-based silane/siloxane technology used by Remmers in certain markets and specifications. |
| Funcosil SNW | A water-based alternative that we offer to international customers looking for an alternative to classic SNL and comparable water-based impregnation technology. |
Why we do not call SNW the "official worldwide successor"
Remmers product names, availability and product portfolios can differ between countries. In some markets, Remmers may recommend SNL [ultra], WS or another local product instead.
For that reason, we do not claim that Funcosil SNW has officially replaced every other Funcosil product worldwide. Instead, we offer SNW as an additional international alternative for customers who specifically want a water-based silane/siloxane impregnation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funcosil SNL being replaced?
The classic solvent-based Funcosil SNL is being phased out in the Remmers portfolio. Remmers is increasingly offering water-based alternatives, although the exact product name and availability can differ between countries. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Is Funcosil SNL [ultra] water-based?
Yes. Remmers describes Funcosil SNL [ultra] as a silane-based hydrophobic impregnation in emulsion form. The German product specification lists mineral water as the carrier and more than 10% active ingredient. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Is Funcosil WS water-based?
Yes. Remmers documentation identifies Funcosil WS as a water-based silane/siloxane impregnation with approximately 10% active ingredient. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Is Funcosil SNW an official worldwide replacement for SNL?
We would not describe it that way. Remmers uses different product names and portfolios in different countries. We offer Funcosil SNW internationally as a water-based alternative for customers looking for an alternative to the classic SNL technology.
Does water-based mean that the product penetrates less deeply?
Not necessarily. Water-based impregnation products are formulated differently from solvent-based products. Remmers describes SNL [ultra] as having outstanding penetration properties. The actual performance depends on the product, substrate, porosity and application conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Can I use a water-based impregnation on a façade previously treated with SNL?
This can be possible in renovation situations, but the existing substrate should always be assessed first. Cleanliness, moisture, existing hydrophobic treatment, porosity and construction defects should be checked before applying a new impregnation.
Should I use the same consumption as I used with Funcosil SNL?
Not automatically. Consumption depends on the absorption capacity of the substrate. A representative trial area should be used to determine the actual product requirement.
Why does Funcosil SNL look clear while water-based products can look milky?
Classic SNL is a clear solvent-based formulation. Water-based products such as SNL [ultra] are emulsions and can therefore appear milky when supplied. Appearance during application should not be used as the sole indicator of final hydrophobic performance.
The transition is about technology — not simply about product names
The move away from classic Funcosil SNL is part of a broader transition towards water-based impregnation technology. Depending on the country, Remmers may promote products such as Funcosil SNL [ultra], Funcosil WS or another locally available product.
For international customers, the important question is therefore not simply which product has "SNL" in its name. The technical formulation, active ingredient, carrier, substrate suitability and application instructions are much more relevant.
If you are looking for a water-based alternative to the classic Funcosil SNL, Funcosil SNW is an option we can supply internationally. We recommend comparing the technical requirements of your project rather than relying on the product name alone.
Looking for a water-based alternative to Funcosil SNL?
We can supply Funcosil SNW to customers looking for a modern water-based silane/siloxane impregnation as an alternative to the classic solvent-based Funcosil SNL.
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