
Waterproof electronics often come with a depth/water pressure limit. The same applies to oilcloth, which was traditionally a cotton duck or linen cloth coated with boiled linseed oil to make it water resistant (modern versions are coated with vinyl, and are more waterproof than simply resistant). Materials like canvas and cotton aren’t at all water resistant on their own, but coating them with wax makes them so. Water-resistant fabrics get their moisture resilience in one of two ways: a coating or a tight weave. They also come in many types of material. Water-resistant fabrics will shed water and dry quickly, but they’re not entirely waterproof. Water-resistant fabrics are entirely different from waterproof fabrics. RELATED: The Best Dry Bags to Keep Your Valuables Safe Water-resistant fabric is often more breathable. Also consider Neoprene, the brand name for polychloroprene, which is a rubber substitute used in making wetsuits for watersports. Some fabrics weave in a polyester and polyurethane blend, so they are waterproof but also very lightweight. Other fabrics might contain a layer of acrylic backing that also keeps water from passing through the weaves, similarly to PVC. Waterproof fabrics typically feature a layer of polyvinyl chloride that prevents water from penetrating the weave of the fabric. These fabrics are typically covered in a coating that keeps water out entirely. If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from rain, snow, or even just general exposure to water, choose a waterproof fabric. Waterproof fabric offers the greatest amount of protection from rain. RELATED: The Best Waterproof Tape to Use Around the Home The point is that water cannot seep through the seal. This could be a rubber membrane on the outside of the foundation, an epoxy coating on the inside, or a number of other types of products. Similarly, a basement waterproofing product would seal water out, keeping it from getting into the basement. The finish creates a barrier that keeps water from soaking into the wood and weakening it or causing a leak. Good old H2O won’t penetrate or affect the product at all.įor instance, a plywood boat would need a waterproof finish to keep it from deteriorating while it’s in constant contact with water. If you’ve ever been shopping for a particular product and the manufacturer markets it as “waterproof,” that product should be totally sealed or protected from the effects of water.

In general, waterproof connotes that a material is impervious to water. This guide will explain the difference so you’ll know which term to look for in clothing, building materials, or electronics. In fact, mixing the two terms can be an expensive and unpleasant blunder. When it comes to building materials, outerwear, electronics, and even wristwatches, manufacturers and consumers throw the terms around as if they’re interchangeable.

waterproof products and materials is long-lived, and few people truly understand the difference. The debate surrounding water-resistant vs. If you’re confused about the difference between the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof,” don’t worry, you’re in good company.
