A number of two-part acrylic adhesives were examined for the effect of immersion time in water at 23 degrees C, 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C on the tensile lap shear strength. The mechanism of acrylic bonded joint failure in water was discussed based on the observed results. The relative water resistance between these adhesives was compared from shear strength retention values. The dependence of the water resistance of these adhesives at 23 degrees C and at elevated temperatures was discussed. It has been found that for acrylic adhesives, the water resistance at room temperature can be evaluated on the basis of the shear strength retention values after aging in water at 80 degrees C. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009