As a car owner, you may have found yourself asking what you should use between car paint sealant vs wax. It may be that you just bought a new car or want to do a new paint job on your old ride. Of course, you want the paint to last a long time. You also want it to have a mirror-like finish and lovely shine.
In addition, you also want the surface level of the painting to be hydrophobic and non-sticky. Therefore, you find yourself wondering what product you should use between car paint sealant and wax. If you are in these shoes and finding it difficult to decide, do not worry.
With this article, you have answers to the questions troubling you. In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at the key differences between car paint sealants and wax. We will also discuss the advantages each one has over the other. This way, when you finish reading this informative article, you will be able to pick the right product for your car.
What Does Car Paint Sealant and Wax Have in Common?
Before we delve into the similarities of these product types, let us understand their similarities. Many drivers and auto mechanics take car sealants for wax and vice versa. This is understandable because both are similar. However, despite these similarities, they are different.
The similarities come in their overall functions. Car paint sealants and waxes basically form a layer of protection on your car paint. This protection prevents dust particles, debris, and other external elements from settling on your vehicle.
Based on your location, your car will always be exposed to forces of nature. These include ultraviolet rays, solar radiation, rain, salt, snow, moisture, heat, etc. Over time, these forces will reduce the quality of your car’s coat and paint. Within a short time, you will find yourself needing to repaint the vehicle.
However, with car paint sealant and wax, you will protect your ride better from these natural elements. Hence, it will take a long time before you begin to consider a new paint job. Now that we know the similarities between sealants and waxes let us learn more about them.
What is Car Wax?
Car wax’s main ingredient is Carnauba wax, a naturally secreted wax from a palm tree found in northern Brazil. Carnauba wax’s function in the tree is to protect the leaves from heat and moisture by coating them. It carries out the same function when you apply it on your car’s surface.
If you apply car wax properly, it will keep your car’s paint beautiful and fresh for some time. Its functions include the deflection of UV rays, repelling of water, and protection from contaminants and particles. However, waxes don’t last forever. Its natural ingredients make it susceptible to erosion and wear.
Hence, it is not so durable. This is a point to note in the car paint sealant vs wax debate. It lasts between a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the intensity of use.
Despite this fact, it leaves your car surface with a marvellous finish. Waxes produce a deep warm shine. This shine blends with your vehicle’s paint, giving it more vibrance and depth.
What is Car Paint Sealant?
Sealants are artificial products made from petroleum derivatives, resins, and polymers. The way they are engineered makes it easier for them to blend with your car’s paint coat. Hence, car paint sealants last longer and are stronger than waxes. A quality sealant will last for up to a year.
This durability is one deciding factor in the car paint sealant vs wax question. Besides being durable, sealants also have additional resistance against chemical erosion and UV rays. They also create a hydrophobic surface, have higher surface tension, and repel particles and contaminants.
A car paint sealant will form a hard glass-like shell over your vehicle’s paint. This shell layer is clearly visible and separated from the paint. It produces a glossy shine that adds to your car’s aesthetic, bringing out the paint’s colour and beauty. Sealants also clean, polish, and seal your car’s paint.
What is the Difference Between a Sealant and Wax’s Ingredients?
When people wonder which to choose between car paint sealant and waxing, they tend to compare their ingredients. Car waxes contain mainly natural ingredients, with Carnauba wax being the chief component. Some waxes contain a mixture of components. Synthetic and natural oils can also be added to waxes to help it protect your car’s paint better.
On the other hand, car paint sealants contain artificial ingredients. Chemical engineers take their time in the lab to manufacture the best combination when making sealants. Car paint sealants contain polymers, petroleum derivatives, and resins. These components work to give your car adequate protection by producing a hard and effective protective layer over it.
How Do You Apply Sealants and Waxes?
The car paint sealant application process is different from that of wax. However, it does not just differ based on car paint sealant vs wax, but also from product to product. You can apply car paint sealant and wax with the use of a microfiber applicator. You can also use a random-orbit polishing machine.
However, there are a few things to note. These are:
- You require extra care when you use paste products. You have to spread it over the surface to keep to an even and thin layer.
- When using liquid products, you must be fast to get a good layer over your car paint.
- It is easiest and most efficient to apply spray products.
It is always best to visit a professional car paint sealant application in Vaughan for your sealant or wax applications. A poor application of the products above can lead to an ineffective job or a waste of time.
Related article: Car paint sealant vs wax: What are their differences
Comparing Car Paint Sealant vs Wax
The main differences between car paint sealant and wax are durability and aesthetics. Sealants are more durable and can last from a few months to a year.
Their manufacturing process means they are best for the long-term protection of car paints. Hence, if you drive your car daily or stay in a place with harsh conditions, you have to use sealants.
However, when it comes to aesthetics, waxes tend to produce a smoother, deeper glow than sealants. They melt into your car paint, enhancing its reflective properties and colour. On the other hand, car paint sealants produce glossier, high-tech shines for your cars. This is due to the protective shell it forms over car paints, giving rise to a mirror finish.
Newer car paint finishes now produce the deeper glow waxes give, making them the total package. Therefore, even though choosing between car paint vs sealant is down to choice and preferences, sealants get the nod over waxes.
The advantages of car paint sealant over wax outweigh that of wax over sealants. Other points to note when answering the “Is sealant better than wax?” question include:
- Sealants have a higher resistance and offer protection in all weather conditions, while waxes degrade quickly in harsh conditions.
- Many sealants available today offer excellent clarity and reflective properties found in wax.
- Some of the chemical compounds found in sealants have varying amounts of wax, which add to your car paint’s shine.
- Sealants offer more protection against abrasive cleaners than waxes do.
Can You Use Car Paint Sealants and Waxes?
If you still find it hard to choose between both products, you may wonder if you can use both. Usually, you can do so. However, you need to ensure the specific products you are using are compatible. If they are not, it will lead to an ineffective job.
In most cases, you can layer both products. If you decide to do so, you must apply the car paint sealant first before finishing off with the wax. Being the stronger of the two, the sealant will offer your car paint better protection and durability. The wax then adds the beautiful glow and aesthetic effect you desire so much.
Rounding It All Up
We have come to the end of the article, and you are now a better judge in the car paint sealant vs wax debate. You also know the qualities both products have and how they differ from each other. As you understand, the choice depends on personal preferences, though car paint sealants have the upper hand over waxes.
If you prefer a beautiful glossy shine coupled with long-lasting protection, then your choice should be car paint sealant. If you desire to give your car the perfect car paint sealant treatment, you will need the best professionals for it. Luckily for you, they are only one call away.
Choose Auto Boss Vaughan for the best sealant application you can ever get. We will leave you satisfied and happy after working on your car.
Our customers are always delighted with our service delivery and always leave with smiles on their faces. It is no wonder why we are the best-rated car paint sealant application service around. Call us today.
