Is Paint Sealant better or worse than Car Wax?

[xuimod]

I've started using Griot's Garage One-Step Sealant [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-11075-One-Step-Sealant/dp/B002E02MOQ/ref=bdl_pop_ttl_B002E02MOQ"]Amazon.com: Griot's Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant - 16 oz.: Automotive[/ame].

I like it a lot but am unsure about the differences between a paint sealant and a car wax.

Is using a paint sealant better or worse than using a car wax? How is a paint sealant different from a car wax or are they basically the same thing?

Can I use a paint sealant THEN a car wax?

[WhiteFRS69]

in short terms

sealant is what protects the car

Wax is what gives it that glossy wet look

[ARTBRZ]

Originally Posted by xuimod

I've started using Griot's Garage One-Step Sealant Amazon.com: Griot's Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant - 16 oz.: Automotive.

I like it a lot but am unsure about the differences between a paint sealant and a car wax.

Is using a paint sealant better or worse than using a car wax? How is a paint sealant different from a car wax or are they basically the same thing?

Can I use a paint sealant THEN a car wax?

You can do that, applying the sealant then wax. I prefer not using any abrasives. The one that you posted has abrasives. I like the ammonyc product. Check it out. [ame]http://youtu.be/We_x09XCf6I[/ame]

[Junkman2008]

Originally Posted by WhiteFRS69

in short terms

sealant is what protects the car

Wax is what gives it that glossy wet look

That is so far from the truth.

The difference between a wax and a sealant is longevity and ease of use. It has NOTHING to do with what the car will look like when either product is applied. A sealant is longer lasting but takes a lot longer to apply (curing time), giving it a level of difficulty. A wax is a LOT easier and quicker to apply but does not last as long. Those are the simple facts.

It's not a case of which is better, it's a case of which is more convenient to you due to the application process. You have to make that call.

[xuimod]

Originally Posted by ARTBRZ

You can do that, applying the sealant then wax. I prefer not using any abrasives. The one that you posted has abrasives. I like the ammonyc product. Check it out.

What makes you say that? I have used it twice and it didn't feel like it had any abrasives and no sort of scratches or anything.

In fact the car looked great aftewards.

[Junkman2008]

A one-step wax or AIO (all-in-one) is a product that is supposed to correct and protect in one application. Thus, it contains the correcting ability of a light polish and the protecting ability of a wax. It does neither very well and is normally used when you don't want to take the time to separate the process out, which is the preferred way to do this in order to get the best results. A lot of detailers will use products like this to speed up the process of fixing cars so that they can get them in and out the shop quickly in order to maximize their profits.

[Junkman2008]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

... I lightly polished it before applying to coats of wax. I always polish a new car prior to wax to get all of the crap off of the paint.

That's what clay is for. Then you polish the paint to remove any oxidation (and marring left behind by the clay) to bring the paint back to an eye popping shine.

[Junkman2008]

I admit, claying with traditional clay will wear a ball and socket joint out in your arms if you are as old as me but I did a recent video on 3 different types of claying medium (the claybar, claying towel and clay eraser), and after it was all said and done, the clay eraser was a winner. MUCH eraser on these old joints. You have to really use clay to appreciate what it does for the final outcome. As much as I hate the work, I won't do anything without it if the necessity is there.

[ARTBRZ]

Originally Posted by xuimod

What makes you say that? I have used it twice and it didn't feel like it had any abrasives and no sort of scratches or anything.

In fact the car looked great aftewards.

If you look under features on that product it will say "polish and protect...minor polish will remove swirls." The reason why I don't like it is because if you don't have experience using the product, it may do more harm. Also if you're applying the the sealant with the abrasives you may not notice it because the sealant is hiding the very fine scratches. It's more noticeable on mine because I have a black car. One thing you can do to find out if the the sealant of wax is hiding the fine scratches is spraying 50:50 ratio of water and isopropyl and wiping it with a microfiber towel. This will remove the wax/sealant and reveal the swirls.

[Junkman2008]

The polish in that product is so light that I'm positive he's not doing any damage with it. The only thing that polish is going to remove is VERY light damage anyway.

[xuimod]

Originally Posted by ARTBRZ

If you look under features on that product it will say "polish and protect...minor polish will remove swirls." The reason why I don't like it is because if you don't have experience using the product, it may do more harm. Also if you're applying the the sealant with the abrasives you may not notice it because the sealant is hiding the very fine scratches. It's more noticeable on mine because I have a black car. One thing you can do to find out if the the sealant of wax is hiding the fine scratches is spraying 50:50 ratio of water and isopropyl and wiping it with a microfiber towel. This will remove the wax/sealant and reveal the swirls.

I have a black FRS and it looks amazing on my car. Way better than the Turtle Wax I used a few months ago.

[xuimod]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

Yep, you are correct.

I skip the clay because it's a PITA and I don't see a lot of benefit to using it. Lightly polishing first is "good enough" for my needs.

Applying clay to the front portion of the car is a must imo because the front of the car takes the brunt of the dirt and bugs and stuff. You should see a huge difference waxing the front a car with and without clay, I certainly did.

Btw, claying isn't that difficult if you are using a lubricating spray. Its actually pretty easy, easier than buffing out car wax/sealant.

[Junkman2008]

Originally Posted by xuimod

... Btw, claying isn't that difficult if you are using a lubricating spray. Its actually pretty easy, easier than buffing out car wax/sealant.

It's not that claying is hard, it's that claying wears you out. You young guys have fresh joints that can take it. Us old guys are another story!

[86geek]

Take your car to a detailer to get Opti Coat Pro applied. Best $395.00 spent on my car. Ease of washing car and I wax with Optimum Spray Wax once a month and use Optimum Instant Detailer Spray every other wash.