What the Difference Between Car Sealants and Wax ?
Synthetic sealants are polymer based and provide more durability than even the best carnauba wax. They are liquid in form and apply very much like a liquid wax. It is suggested that most sealants cure for 12 to 24 hours before layering additional coats on the paint or applying wax over the sealant. Curing involves the cross-linking of polymer strands. When cross-linking is completed, the product has “cured.”
Some sealants contain an accelerator, or are sold with a separate accelerator that is mixed with the sealant before use, which speeds up the cross-linking (curing) process. For best results, the surface of the vehicle should be properly prepared for a sealant, which involves cleaning and polishing the paint prior to application. Applying a sealant over a wax or surface contamination may inhibit the bonding of the product to the paint. Once you top a sealant with a wax you will not be able to apply additional layers of the sealant without first cleaning the paint and removing all the wax.
Waxing further enhances the gloss and depth of the paint, and provides even more but shorter lasting protection. Wax comes in many forms such as cream, paste, and liquid. Most waxes contain carnauba which contains a high amount of fatty acids. This fatty acid creates a solid layer between the paint and the outside world which protects it, and gives it a glossy finish. Synthetic waxes commonly mix low amounts of cleaners with high amounts of U.V. inhibitors to create the same protective layer that carnauba does. Synthetic wax creates a high gloss while carnauba waxes give a warm and wet looking finish.
The difference between a Wax and a Polish
Wax: is a protective coating that is applied to the exterior surface of an automobile to prevent oxidation. Wax does not protect against bird droppings, acid rain or tree sap.
Polish: is a cleaning compound that removes impurities from the paint which prepares it for waxing, sealing, or protecting.
They are very different and should not be confused, although the retail industry has mixed them up greatly in their advertising as having a wax that polishes too. However this is not possible because the substances perform separate functions.
Experience is required when working with polishes. Polishing agents remove oxidation, surface contaminants and also some of the clearcoat surface. An inexperienced polisher can create swirl marks on the painted or clearcoat surface. Swirl marks can be hidden or masked when applied with wax but will return once the wax wears off.
Wax yourself but leave the polishing to the pros !
Rob Donegan is the owner of Auto Detailing Gift Certificates and Spokane odor removal.
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