Difference between a WAX and a Paint Sealant?

[sheltem]

Hi, does anyone know the difference between these 2? Which is recommended to be used? And when should I use a wax and when should I then use a paint sealant.



Thank you in advance. Just trying to learn as much as possible.



Any brands to recommend? Is Meguair Paint sealant or Autoglym paint sealant any good?

[Lowejackson]

My best advice is to download DavidB`s book which provides a great answer to your question.



To answer your second question, Autoglym is a sealent, and a good one but so is Zanio, Klasse........





Steven

[imported_Intel486]

These are simply terms. If you talk to a bodyshop, then any product that seals the paint and prevents curing can be considered a sealant. So, a product can be a carnauba based product and be called a sealant. There is nothing wrong with it though. Just an example of how you cannot usually go by the label.



Normally on this board if you say you are using a wax you are referring to a natural wax or a product that is like a natural wax. Product containing beeswax, paraffin, carnauba, montan, etc.



When people here refer to a sealant they are usually talking about a synthetic wax. These are man made products that act like a natural wax. They usually have a different appearance though but increases durability.



Some examples of synthetic waxes would be Profection, Liquid Glass, Klasse, Zaino, Platinum, and Blackfire.



Like Lowejackson suggested you should probably get the ebook. It answers lot of the basic questions.

[Jngrbrdman]

I`ve always thought of it as you wax to perfect and you seal to protect. A wax isn`t going to provide long term protection like a sealant will. Sealants will last longer through harsher conditions. You can always wax over a sealant if you want the look of the carnauba, but the sealant will outlast the wax by a long shot.

[imported_RamSus]

My best advice is to download DavidB`s book which provides a great answer to your question.





Steven



Steven, would you have a link to that download?

Thanks

[Bobby G]

No longer available. Most of the information is here: Autopia Articles (http://articles.autopia.org/index.php)



I am slowly updating these pages to bring them current.

[Eliot Ness]

Steven, would you have a link to that download?

ThanksThis thread dates back to 2003 and I don`t think that guide is available to download any longer. The info, however, can be viewed in here:



Guide to Detailing (http://guidetodetailing.com/topics.php?topicId=17)



Guide to Detailing - Autopia.org (http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/)

[imported_Jakerooni]

I`ve always been told that wax is something that looks like it just blends into the paint where the sealants look more like they sit on top of the paint. Sealants are sythetic to last longer and giver better protection. Waxes are natural and don`t last near as long but "can" look a lot better than most sealants. However with new products hitting the markets everyday who knows if any of those defintions still hold true anymore.

[Alfisti]

I`ve experienced better protection from bird bombs and insects using a carnauba-based wax compared to a sealant.



I think sealants protect better/longer from general environmental contaminants but not organic contaminants. That`s been my experience, anyway. ;)

[imported_RamSus]

This thread dates back to 2003 and I don`t think that guide is available to download any longer. The info, however, can be viewed in here:



Guide to Detailing (http://guidetodetailing.com/topics.php?topicId=17)



Guide to Detailing - Autopia.org (http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/)



Didn`t realize the thread was that old.....Thanks for the links..

[haper]

Hi, does anyone know the difference between these 2?

what is sealant:

chemical protectant that adheres to the paint

gives that wet look

lasts 2 – 6 months (depending on conditions)

you shouldn’t apply sealant over wax

sealant doesn`t bead as well as most wax



what is wax

is optional if you’ve used a sealant

wax gives a deep warm look

most ppl use it over sealant to get protection of sealant but warm look of wax

lasts 2 - 6 weeks (depending on conditions)

you can apply pure-wax (w/ no cleaning agent) over sealant

you can apply wax, or add a new layer of wax, at anytime

wax does bead better then most sealants



when to use which

generally, ppl that have the time to wax every 3 - 4 wks go w/ wax only and don`t use a sealant

ppl who don`t / can`t wax that often apply a sealant and top it w/ wax, that way if the wax wears off the sealant underneath still provides protection.

ppl who like the wet, shiney look often don`t apply wax



sealant

jet seal 109

best is left on for an hr or two, then left cure for 12 hrs, then reapply

but can be as little as 30 mins

hand or machine applied – i find applying by machine is much easier, even and thinner

wipe off w/ dry MF towel



to remove

wash w/ concentrated car wash or CG Citrus Wash & Gloss

ISA wipe down





wax

zymol – cheaper line received bad reviews; expensive, hard to use, doesn’t last

Zymol line, start with Glasur and move up, all the rest below are junk.

swissVax line, start with Saphir and move up.

p21s 100% carnuba – too expensive for what it gives

p21s – not good



name the list I really like:

#1 Vintage

#2 Concourse



Other waxes I love:

VW Red

SV Mystery

SV Concorso

SV Smaraged

Z Glasur

Z Atlantique

Supernatual

RB OE

TOL Trade Secret

CG 5050

CG 53

FK Pink Wax

Souveran

Lusso Oro

Collinite Insulator

Collinite Marquise

[Wasatch]

Nice write-up haper.

[imported_RamSus]

what is sealant:

chemical protectant that adheres to the paint

gives that wet look

lasts 2 – 6 months (depending on conditions)

you shouldn’t apply sealant over wax

sealant doesn`t bead as well as most wax



what is wax

is optional if you’ve used a sealant

wax gives a deep warm look

most ppl use it over sealant to get protection of sealant but warm look of wax

lasts 2 - 6 weeks (depending on conditions)

you can apply pure-wax (w/ no cleaning agent) over sealant

you can apply wax, or add a new layer of wax, at anytime

wax does bead better then most sealants



when to use which

generally, ppl that have the time to wax every 3 - 4 wks go w/ wax only and don`t use a sealant

ppl who don`t / can`t wax that often apply a sealant and top it w/ wax, that way if the wax wears off the sealant underneath still provides protection.

ppl who like the wet, shiney look often don`t apply wax



sealant

jet seal 109

best is left on for an hr or two, then left cure for 12 hrs, then reapply

but can be as little as 30 mins

hand or machine applied – i find applying by machine is much easier, even and thinner

wipe off w/ dry MF towel



to remove

wash w/ concentrated car wash or CG Citrus Wash & Gloss

ISA wipe down





wax

zymol – cheaper line received bad reviews; expensive, hard to use, doesn’t last

Zymol line, start with Glasur and move up, all the rest below are junk.

swissVax line, start with Saphir and move up.

p21s 100% carnuba – too expensive for what it gives

p21s – not good



name the list I really like:

#1 Vintage

#2 Concourse



Other waxes I love:

VW Red

SV Mystery

SV Concorso

SV Smaraged

Z Glasur

Z Atlantique

Supernatual

RB OE

TOL Trade Secret

CG 5050

CG 53

FK Pink Wax

Souveran

Lusso Oro

Collinite Insulator

Collinite Marquise





Very informative. Thank you.....Actually, this should be a stickie.