Difference between a sealant and wax.

M

MaThGr82

New member
Or are they the same thing.



My current process would be as follows. Do I need to use a sealant and if so, why???



Wash,

Clay

Polish

AIO

Wax w/#26



Where would the sealant fit in and why would I need it. I was under the impression that the wax would seal it up
 
My understanding is that sealants actually form a bond with the paint whereas carnauba waxes float on the paint (for lack of better description), which is why sealants are more durable.



If you were to use a sealant, you would use it after AIO but before your carnauba wax.
 
There both "generically" know as sealants, althought the polymer, often is referred to as a "sealant" , and a wax, a wax. They both require identical preperations for better longevity, and proper adhesion, although the polymer is probably more succeptable to improper adhesion. Most waxes will carry a slight petroleum carrier which makes them usable. Some polymers will also use a petro or water based carrier. Polymers "normally" with good prep work, will outlast a wax at least 2:1. Some folks prefer the "warmth" of a carnauba vs a polymer, although I cant tell the difference. Im pro Polymer, and prefer to use it on clients cars for the longevity. Most of my clients arent as discriminating as Autopian users, and deserve a couple months of protection. Some of my favorite are Blackfire, Fourstar, and NXT.
 
Thanks for the info guys. So as far as I am concerned, doing my own cars I will still use the Carnuba on my own vehicles and anyone who has a vehicle they usually wax. But it might be a good idea to do someones car with a "Sealant" if I know they won't be taking real good care of it after I am done.



Basically though, they both do the same thing and are both LSP's. One just seems to last a little longer.



Am I correct that it would be pointless to do both on a car?
 
It is not pointless to both. I put Pinnacle Paste Glaz over 4* UPP yesterday and it really improved the appearance. UPP looked great by itself---didn't think it could look better--and UPP with Paste Glaz looks incredible.
 
Okay I think I understand...



It would reasonable to use just a sealant on a White, Silver, or other light colored cars whereas it would be more effective to do both on Darker Colored vehicles.
 
You can use just a sealant on any color and just a carnauba wax on any color. It really depends on the look you're trying to achieve and the durability you want.



Where is Surprise, AZ? I lived in Tucson (Oro Valley) until I was 15.
 
Surprise is basically NW Phoenix out by the White Tank Mountains. Surprise probably wasn't very big when you lived here...Heck, its still not that big. Only about 35,000 people. I live about 45 minutes from the Airport.
 
I left AZ less than 4 years ago, LOL. I've heard of Surprise but couldn't place it. Scottsdale was where we usually went in Phoenix.
 
Scottsdale is still the place I suppose but Tempe is getting bigger and Glendale should be getting much bigger soon as they have both the new Hockey Arena and Football stadium. Bunch of Bars are supposed to go in there. My wife seems to live in Scottsdale though. She likes the malls.
 
TW85 HHI said:
I put Pinnacle Paste Glaz over 4* UPP yesterday and it really improved the appearance. UPP looked great by itself---didn't think it could look better--and UPP with Paste Glaz looks incredible.
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Must you antagonize me??? My Paste Glaz is just sitting there on the shelf waiting to reveal that special glow on my car. :(





IS IT SPRING YET? ARRGHH!!!
 
Polymer and Carnauba differences:



a) Polymer sealant- comprises an open linked molecule; these open linked polymer molecules join together to create an elongated mesh like effect that reflects light efficiently due to their inherent flat surface. Because they are usually very transparent they transmit the surface colour faithfully, but they have very little depth resulting in what is perceived as a very bright, flat silver glow.



b) Carnauba wax- molecules are closed linked, which means that they only butt up together to protect the surface. These wax molecules form an egg-grate type (with the long axis vertical) mesh over the smaller paint molecules of the paint film surface, which gives it an optical depth.

Carnauba Wax melts at 180oF and evaporates / erodes over time (dependant upon ambient temperatures and climatic conditions) which limits its durability.



In actual practice higher temperatures frequently leads to melting of the wax compounds. For example, painted surfaces exposed to ambient temperatures of 85oF in direct sunlight, will rise up to a temperature of 195 degrees or more



Note: Carnauba wax will bond to a polymer (once it has cross-linked) conversely if a polymer is applied on top of a Carnauba wax it will not bond due to its oil content



JonM
 
White95Max said:
Must you antagonize me??? My Paste Glaz is just sitting there on the shelf waiting to reveal that special glow on my car. :(





IS IT SPRING YET? ARRGHH!!!
Click to expand...



It is here in Georgia, or at least it feels like spring. :D
 
White95Max said:
Well it was warm yesterday (about 40* :) ), so I got to add Paste Glaz to my car.
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40's.....its been in the 70's here. Just kidding around with you :up

Glad you were able to put the Paste Glaz on your car.
 
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