Choosing the perfect adhesive is not easy. Here are two good-quality putty sticks to help you decide.
One is a WaterWeld, which repairs plumbing, drains, showers, tubs, marine boats, fuel tanks, potable water tanks, and more.
Another one is PlasticWeld. It is used best on automotive trim, water tanks, vinyl, bumpers, fiberglass parts, and more.
Both include some excellent qualities to ensure the strongest bond to the surface. Let’s compare this article in detail.
Read More: J-B Weld Plastic Bonder vs. PlasticWeld vs. ClearWeld
Article Highlights
- J-B WaterWeld is a hand-mixable putty stick that has 10x more strength than any other regular product.
- J-B PlasticWeld is a multipurpose putty epoxy that works on various plastics and other materials. It doesn’t shrink after drying.
- WaterWeld has a faster setting and curing putty stick than PlasticWeld.
- PlasticWeld can be harmful to skin and eyes if not used with utmost carefulness.
What are the Differences Between J-B WaterWeld and PlasticWeld?
WaterWeld and PlasticWeld are both worthy products for different repairs. Compare them below to see which is the best.
Strength
When it’s about strength, you should know that the tensile strength of Waterweld is 4370 PSI.
On the other hand, the PlasticWeld is a multipurpose epoxy putty with a tensile strength of 3900 PSI.
However, the PlasticWeld Epoxy Syringe, a different PlasticWeld product, has a tensile strength of 4400 PSI.
So, it seems that the WaterWeld is stronger than the PlasticWeld, which has less tensile strength but is weaker than the other PlasticWeld, which has better strength.
Resistance
WaterWeld is resistant to water, gas, oil, hydraulic fluids, diesel, and most chemicals. It can work well in damp conditions and has an NSF certification.
PlasticWeld is also resistant to environmental, water, heat, and chemical elements. It is drinking water-safe and NSF-certified.
Cure time
WaterWeld sets in 20-25 minutes and cures in 1 hour. On the other hand, PlasticWeld is set within 25 minutes but takes longer to cure, as much as 3 hours.
However, another PlasticWeld syringe, an epoxy one, can be set for 5 minutes and cured in an hour. So, it varies from product to product.
Moreover, both have an off-white cure color and can be drilled, sanded, tapped, filed, and painted once cured. WaterWeld is the better one as it sets and cures faster.
Versatility
Both products have features related to versatility. WaterWeld and PlasticWeld have a putty consistency.
So it can be molded to fit the area. They can be fitted well anywhere to seal and fill holes and cracks.
WaterWeld holds 10 times more than any typical home product. It claims to be highly versatile and works both indoors and outdoors. It can also be set underwater.
On the other hand, PlasticWeld is easy to use and best works on most semi-flexible, rigid plastics, metals, ceramics, and fiberglass. WaterWeld differs greatly from MarineWeld and the original Cold-Weld.
Purpose
WaterWeld can fix showers, tubes, drains, plumbing, marine boats, fuel tanks, potable water tanks, and more.
PlasticWeld works on ABS, PVC, CPVC, pipes, automotive trim, water tanks, fiberglass parts, bumpers, vinyl, and more.
The purpose of the two uses is different. So, choosing the suitable one that fits the project’s purpose is better.
Drawbacks
WaterWeld has no such drawbacks. However, there are only some cases where users find it very hard, creating difficulty.
The drawbacks of PlasticWeld are more like caution, which users must follow. PlasticWeld can cause eye and skin irritation.
It also causes respiratory irritation and allergic skin reactions. It can be harmful if the effects stay longer.
However, as both products are similar, both WaterWeld and PlasticWeld require safety precautions, similar to handling JB Weld High Heat Epoxy, which can also cause skin irritation if mishandled.
Editor’s Opinion
Lastly, much information is being discussed about both J-B WaterWeld and PlasticWeld.
Both products are excellent and likable. However, some users have mixed opinions about PlasticWeld’s ease of use, durability, adhesion, easy setting, and standability.
WaterWeld is stronger than the standard PlasticWeld putty but not stronger than the PlasticWeld Epoxy Syringe.
I like the WaterWeld because of its fast setting, ease of use, durability, and stronger outcome.
Overall, both have many good features, and I believe they will do well on their suitable projects.