Waterproof: What Does It Mean?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  08.02.2023
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Most people will think of “waterproof” as being able to withstand water. But is that all? What else does it entail? Well, that’s what this article is about.

Waterproofing is a process that makes something resistant to water. It’s usually done by coating the material with a special substance that prevents water from getting through. This is different from water-repellent and water-resistant, which are also ways of protecting things from water but don’t necessarily make them completely waterproof.

Let’s look at waterproofing more closely and see all the differences to water resistant and SPLASH-proof.

What is waterproof

What is Waterproof?

Waterproof is a term used to describe something that is impermeable to water. It’s like a raincoat for your stuff! But what does that actually mean?

What Makes Something Waterproof?

Waterproofing is a process that makes something resistant to water. It’s usually done by coating the material with a special substance that prevents water from getting through. This is different from water-repellent and water-resistant, which are also ways of protecting things from water but don’t necessarily make them completely waterproof.

What Can You Make Waterproof?

Pretty much anything! Clothing, shoes, tents, bags, and even electronics can all be waterproofed. It’s a great way to protect your stuff from the elements and keep it looking good for longer.

How Do You Make Something Waterproof?

There are a few different ways to waterproof something. You can use a waterproof spray, a waterproof sealant, or even a special waterproof fabric. Depending on what you’re waterproofing, you’ll want to pick the right method for the job.

The Benefits of Waterproofing

Waterproofing your stuff can have a lot of benefits. Here are just a few:

  • Keeps your stuff dry in wet weather
  • Prevents water damage to electronics
  • Makes clothing and shoes last longer
  • Protects your stuff from the elements

So if you’re looking for a way to protect your stuff from the rain, a good waterproofing job is the way to go!

What’s the Deal with Water-Resistance?

What is Water-Resistance?

Water-resistance is like the little brother of water protection. It’s like the kid who’s always trying to keep up with the cool kids but never quite makes it. It’s like the guy who’s always trying to get the girl but never quite gets the girl. You get the idea.

Basically, water-resistance means that the device is built in a way that makes it harder for water to get inside. Or, it might be coated with a light substance that helps it survive watery encounters. So, if you’re looking for something to survive a light rain or a hand-washing, water-resistance is the way to go.

What Does Water-Resistance Mean for Me?

Well, if you’re looking for something to survive a light rain or a hand-washing, water-resistance is the way to go. It’s great for products like watches and other items that might be exposed to water.

Plus, it’s a great way to make sure your device doesn’t get ruined if you accidentally drop it in the sink or the toilet. (Hey, it happens to the best of us!) So, if you’re looking for a way to make sure your device doesn’t get ruined by water, water-resistance is the way to go.

What Else Should I Know?

Water-resistance is the lowest level of water protection, so if you’re looking for something to survive a heavy rain or a dip in the pool, you’ll need something with a higher level of protection.

Also, water-resistance isn’t a guarantee that your device won’t get damaged. So, it’s still important to be careful with your device and make sure it doesn’t get exposed to too much water.

Bottom line: water-resistance is a great way to make sure your device survives light water exposure, but it’s not a guarantee that your device won’t get damaged. So, be careful and use common sense when it comes to water and your device.

What is Water-Repellency?

What is Water-Repellency?

Water-repellency is the next level up from water-resistance. It’s like the difference between being able to swim and being able to float. Devices labeled as water-repellent have a special coating that makes them hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This gives them a better chance of surviving a watery encounter.

What’s the Technology Behind Water-Repellency?

Water-repellent devices usually have a thin-film nanotechnology coating on the inside and outside. This coating is what gives them their water-repellent properties. Companies might claim water-repellency, but it’s hard to tell if it’s true or not. There are a lot of questions and unpredictable elements associated with it.

What Does Water-Repellency Mean For Me?

Water-repellency means you can take your device for a swim and it won’t get mad at you. It’s like having an umbrella for your phone. You can take it out in the rain and it won’t get all soggy and sad. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined if you accidentally drop it in the pool.

Is Water-Repellency Really That Great?

Water-repellency is pretty awesome. It’s like having a superpower for your device. You can take it anywhere and not worry about it getting wet. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined if you accidentally drop it in the pool. So if you’re looking for a way to protect your device, water-repellency is the way to go.

What’s the Deal with Waterproof?

What Does Waterproof Mean?

When it comes to waterproof, it’s not as simple as it sounds. There’s no industry standard to classify a device as waterproof, so it’s hard to know what you’re getting. The closest thing to a rating scale is the Ingress Protection Rating scale (IP Code). This scale assigns items a rating from 0-8 based on how well they keep water out.

But what about companies like HZO who don’t want to keep water out? Our coatings let water in, but they also protect devices from water damage. So, the IP scale isn’t the best way to measure the power of our coatings.

The Risk of Calling Something Waterproof

Using the term waterproof can be risky for companies. Most people assume that waterproof is a permanent condition, and that whatever has been ‘waterproofed’ won’t fail due to contact with water.

But that’s not always the case. Devices can still experience water damage in certain situations. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks associated with calling something waterproof.

The Need for New Definitions

The words ‘waterproof’, ‘water-resistant’, and ‘water-repellent’ are often used incorrectly. Technology has come a long way since these terms were first used, so it’s time for new definitions. We need a standard to measure a device’s waterproof qualities and represent the possibilities of modern technology.

So, the next time you hear the word ‘waterproof’, make sure you know what you’re getting. It’s not as simple as it sounds!

What’s the Difference Between Splashproof and Waterproof?

Splashproof

So you’re wondering what the difference is between splashproof and waterproof? Well, let’s break it down. Splashproof products have a limited ability to resist water damage, but they’re not meant to be submerged. Think of it this way: if you take your splashproof headphones on a run, they’ll be safe from sweat or a few droplets from your water bottle, but they won’t survive a dip in a puddle.

IP Scale

To better understand the difference between splashproof and waterproof, let’s look at the IP scale. Most waterproof electronics have an IP67 rating, while splashproof products have an IP44 rating. Here’s a breakdown of the scale from splashproof to waterproof:

  • IP44: These products are splashproof and can withstand splashes from any direction. They’re also safe from solid materials larger than 1 millimeter.
  • IP55: These products can resist low-pressure jets from any direction and have some protection against dust.
  • IP66: These products can withstand strong jets from any direction and completely protect against dust.
  • IP67: These products are waterproof and can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. They also have total protection against dust.

So there you have it! Now you know the difference between splashproof and waterproof.

Conclusion

Waterproof is an important concept to understand when it comes to protecting your belongings. Whether you’re looking for a water-resistant watch or a water-repellent coat, it’s important to know the difference between the two. Water-resistant is the lowest level of protection, while water-repellent is the next step up. So, if you want to make sure your items are well protected, make sure to do your research and get the right level of waterproofing. And don’t forget, if you’re ever in doubt, just remember: WATERPROOF IS YOUR BFF!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.