Question about using sealant

[Tom_BMC_03435]

Figure I'd check with the experts on this one.

Having never used sealant on my paint, I thought that now since I have a new car, it's a good time to get started.

So, here's my question. Do I apply the sealant and then wax, or do I wax and then seal? The bottle of Professional Polymer Sealant that I picked up doesn't seem to mention that, and now that it's starting to warm up a little, I'd like to get out there and get 'er done!

Thanks!

[smack]

Re: Question about using sealant

The sealant will be the basecoat in a sealant/wax combination.

[Tom_BMC_03435]

Re: Question about using sealant

That would certainly make more sense than doing it the other way around. Thank you!

[smack]

Re: Question about using sealant

No problem Tom. This will answer anymore questions you might have on the subject.

http://autogeek.net/qude101.html

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Question about using sealant

Wax vs Sealant - in a nutshell:

Wax is traditionally what's been used as the final protection step in detailing, with carnauba being the most durable of natural occurring waxes. But no wax product on the market is 100% carnauba in the sense that there's nothing in the bottle but carnauba wax. That's because pure carnauba is basically as hard as a brick. Any product labeled as being 100% carnauba simply means that of all the wax in the bottle or can, all of it is carnauba (meaning there is no bees wax, paraffin wax, etc). But there will likely be silicones, polymers, and other ingredients to make it easier to apply, easier to remove, etc

Sealant is basically just a 100% synthetic final protection product. Essentially a wax substitute. As a group, synthetic sealants will outlast carnauba waxes but they can impart a different visual appearance than carnaubas. Any difference, however, is going to be predicated on how well you prep the car to begin with, what color your car is, how discerning your eye is, and what you personally like. Many of those variables are open for very spirited debate, except for the last one. Nobody can tell you what you like!

So, both do basically the same thing and are used for the same basic purpose. Meaning you don't need both. People who use both do so because they want the longer lasting protection of the sealant (it then goes down first) but the visual appearance of their favorite carnauba wax (so it goes on top).

[Tom_BMC_03435]

Re: Question about using sealant

I see now....it's all starting to make a lot more sense. Basically, I'll just need to use the sealant a couple times a year, and then wax it when I want the look of a fresh wax job, say before shows and such.

As usual, I think I was overcomplicating things as I so love to do.

[smack]

Re: Question about using sealant

Dont overcomplicate your waxing now! lol.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Question about using sealant

I see now....it's all starting to make a lot more sense. Basically, I'll just need to use the sealant a couple times a year, and then wax it when I want the look of a fresh wax job, say before shows and such.

As usual, I think I was overcomplicating things as I so love to do.

Expecting 6 months out of even a synthetic sealant may be a bit optimistic. We would suggest every 3 months to ensure you have a good, solid coat on the car at all times. Whether sealant or wax, they are sacrificial barriers that break down over time - they don't suddenly go away and need a replacement application. Exposure to heavy rains, or even just one good salting of a road in winter (though, admittedly, that's probably not an issue for you!) will dramatically shorten the life span of any product.

[Tom_BMC_03435]

Re: Question about using sealant

Definitely more concerned about the rain than the salt. Every 3 months is certainly do-able, though I have to say that the sealant is VERY hard to find. Found this bottle from a detailing supply company that had a booth at a somewhat questionable car auction in December.