I love to DIY fix everything, including my water vehicles. And several months ago, I needed to do some fixes on my motorboat.
But I was confused about whether to go for 3M 4000 or 3M 4200 since both are pretty great. Eventually, I did the job and learned quite a lot regarding 3M 4000 vs. 3M 4200.
While both 3M 4000 and 4200 are removable marine sealants, 3M 4000 is comparatively stronger. It also offers UV resistance and can be used on a range of surfaces, unlike 3M 4200. Both of these adhesives cure pretty fast, are suitable for water vehicles, paintable and sandable.
I can tell you are still weighing your options. Well, if you need more detailed information about them, I urge you to go right ahead.
Learn More: 3M 4200 vs 5200
Page Contents
3M 4000 Vs. 4200: A Comparison Table
Don’t have enough time in hand? Then check out the comparison below to get a decent overview.
| 3M 4000 | 3M 4200 | |
| Adhesive Type | Semi-permanent | Semi-permanent |
| Formula | Silane Modified Polymer | Polyurethane |
| Industries | General, Transportation, Marine | Marine |
| Water Vehicle Use | Works better above waterline | Works better below waterline |
| UV Resistance | Yes | No |
| Paintability | Yes | Yes |
| Strength | 500 psi/Excellent | 300 psi/Good |
| Ease Of Remove | Easy | Easy |
| Cure Time | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Tack Free Time | 30 minutes | 60-90 minutes |
3M 4000 Vs. 4200: A Detailed Comparison
As you can see from the table I shared above, both 3M 4000 and 4200 adhesives are similar in some ways.
Yet, they have certain differences. Now, let’s find out their similarities and differences in more detail.
Adhesive Type
Both 3M 4000 and 4200 are semi-permanent adhesives. It means even if you use them to seal various areas, you can disassemble them if needed. But are they easy to remove? Yes, they are.
Formula
The 3M 4000 has an SMP or silane-modified polymer formula, while the 4200 has polyurethane. And if you don’t know already, the polymer is more flexible and suitable as a sealant than polyurethane.
Industries They are Used in
As I mentioned at the beginning, I used the glues on my motorboat. But you can also be used in other types of objects and materials. However, using the 3M 4200 is more limited than 4000.
For example, the 4000 adhesive is more versatile. It is suitable for fiberglass, aluminum, wood, plastic, or anything from the industrial, marine, or general industry. On the other hand, the 3M 4200 is more suitable for the marine industry.
Water Vehicle Use
I have checked various forums and spoken to professionals before applying them on my boat. Most of them believe the 3M 4200 is more suitable for underwater use, while the 4000 is more suitable above water level.
UV Resistance
One of the best parts of the 3M 4000 adhesive is that it is UV-resistant. You can apply it to objects that are exposed to the sunlight without worrying about color damage or any effect.
However, the 4000 adhesive does not stay white forever. Many users experienced that, with age, it does get yellowish.
On the other hand, the 3M 4200 doesn’t offer such protection and keeps getting yellowish faster due to exposure.
Learn More: 3M 5200 Fast Cure Vs Regular
Paintability
If you want to sand or paint over the glue, go right ahead. Because both 3M 4000 and 4200 can be sanded and painted over without any major issues.
However, I suggest waiting for the glue to cure completely before doing any of those.
Strength
When it comes to strength, the 3M 4000 can easily beat the 4200. With a 500 psi tensile strength, it offers a stronger bond. And the 3M 4200 has a tensile strength of 300 psi.
Cure And Tack Free Time
Both 3M 4000 and 4200 have a fast cure time, typically 24 hours. However, the 4000 glue will begin to skin within 30 minutes of application. On the other hand, the 4200 glue can take up to 90 minutes.
Learn More: 3M 08115 vs. 08116 vs. 07333
Pros and Cons of 3M 4000
Pros
- Suitable for a range of surfaces
- Can be used on plastic
- UV resistance
- Cures faster
- Forms skin faster than 4200
- Can be painted immediately after application
Cons
- Not very suitable for using underwater
- Some users experienced leaking
- Turns yellowish over time
Pros and Cons of 3M 4200
Pros
- More suitable for underwater parts
- Corrosion-resistant
- Very flexible
- Can withstand rough weather conditions
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Not UV resistant
- The surface often gets yellowish on exposure
- Takes longer to form skin
Editor’s Opinion on 3M 4000 Vs. 4200
Comparing 3M 4000 vs. 4200 has given me a lot of ideas about their further usage. And I hope it helped you too.
They are both excellent bonding agents and can work on many things. The best part is that you can remove them if needed.
But which one is the right one? Well, there isn’t a definite answer. It all depends on what you expect from it. Yet, if you are still unsure, this article is here for the rescue.
