What is Car Paint Sealant?

Paint sealant can mean several things, depending on who you ask – but at the most basic level, it is a synthetic product designed to protect a car’s surface while providing a mirror-like shine.

Paint Sealant vs. Wax

If you haven’t been around automotive detailing much, you’ll hear words like wax, polish, sealant, coating, and more all thrown around – sometimes interchangeably. The purpose of this article isn’t to lay out a full detailing glossary, so we’ll stick to the two most common forms of protecting your paint.

Wax (when properly defined) means a substance that is at least some part natural wax. The most common is Brazilian Carnauba waxOpens a new window, which is derived from plant leaves. The natural wax is blended with other ingredients to create a liquid that can be applied to the surface of your car to protect against the elements and provide a great shine.

Because a sealant is chemically engineered to bond to the surface, it will last much longer than a traditional wax while providing stronger protection against paint-killers like sap, acid rain, and UV rays. Wondering what those contaminants can do to your paint? Check out our article here.Opens a new window

Sealants produce a mirror-like shine, but some find that it appears “hard” or “cold.” Many enthusiasts layer a natural wax, which they feel provides a deeper, softer finish, on top of a paint sealant to get the best of both worlds.

How to Use Paint Sealant

Despite being incredibly advanced chemistry, paint sealants are a breeze to apply. You can use an orbital or dual-action polisher if you have one – but a hand application will do just as well. Follow these steps to a protected surface and a mirror shine:

• Wash your car using your preferred soap, and then dry it to avoid water spots
• If this is a daily driver, consider using a clay barOpens a new window to remove any contaminants from the surface of the paint. This will help you avoid any swirl marks from applying the sealant.
• Apply paint sealant to an applicator pad (again, you can use a machine if you have one – but it isn’t necessary)
• Work in sections applying the sealant in an overlapping pattern. Aim to spread it as thin as possible so it will cure evenly and quickly.
• Once you have worked your way around the entire vehicle, grab a clean microfiber cloth and begin to buff the surface to remove any excess sealant.
• If desired: after 1 hour, apply a second coat for more protection. This is likely an unnecessary step unless you live in the harshest of environments.