Water Resistant vs Waterproof
When we are in the market buying rainwear or even watches, we hear words like water resistant and waterproof from the salesmen and even on the brochures of products available. We do not pay much attention to the coining or phrasing of the words and consider the product to be safe from spoilage when exposed to water whether it is water proof or water resistant. However, the two terms are not synonymous, and it will be clear after reading this article.
Waterproof
Waterproof is a term that refers to the fact that the product does not get affected if it is exposed to water or remains in touch with water for some time. In fact, waterproof makes a product good enough to remain submerged in water and not get soiled. Waterproof means making the surface of an object such that it does not let the liquid penetrate under it. Waterproofing seals the surface in such a manner that no water goes inside and no water comes out. Thus, if a camera is made waterproof, it means that it can be used underwater as its design will not allow any liquid to get inside. Any product that describes itself as waterproof must provide a high level of protection against water even under tough conditions. Thus, if we are looking for a rainwear in a place that receives a lot of precipitation, we need a raincoat made of a material that is waterproof. Waterproof raincoat ensures that no water gets through the surface of the coat.
Water Resistant
As the name implies, a water resistant product has a design to resist the effects of water for some time. Remember, if a product is water resistant, it can become soiled or can become wet inside as water can seep through if it is submerged in water for some time. If your watch is water resistant, you can wear it and take a shower, but you must not have it on your wrist if you are going to dive under water.
When it comes to rainwear, water resistant fabric for raincoats is made by adding a coat of finish called DWR that resists seepage of water inside. Though this coat resists water, it is not totally impervious to water with the result that it allows the formation of water beads on the surface after some time that can seep inside if there is prolonged contact with water.
What is the difference between Water Resistant and Waterproof?
• Water resistant products provide protection from water when it comes in contact with their surface, but they get soiled when the product is submerged in water. This means that the protection is only relative and not complete.
• On the other hand, waterproof product has a design that does not allow water to go inside even under prolonged contact with water or even when submerged under water. This is the difference between water resistant and waterproof watches.
• As far as rainwear is concerned, water resistant rainwear is made by adding a coating called DWR that resists the effects of water for some time and does not let water get inside to the surface of the raincoat.
• One should, therefore, remain vigilant while purchasing products and buy only water proof products if they are required to be submerged under water.