| Best Choice |
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Meguiar's M2116 Mirror Glaze Car Paint Sealant | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Chemical Guys Anti-Corrosion Car Paint Sealant | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Polymer Car Paint Sealant | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Meguiar's M2116 Mirror Glaze Car Paint Sealant
- 2. Wolfgang Concours Series Car Paint Sealant
- 3. Chemical Guys Anti-Corrosion Car Paint Sealant
- 4. Griot's Garage One-Step Car Paint Sealant
- 5. TriNova Car Paint Sealant
- 6. Meguiar's M20 Mirror Glaze Car Paint Sealant
- 7. Klasse High Gloss Car Paint Sealant Glaze
- 8. Adam's Car Paint Sealant
- 9. HD Poxy Car Paint Sealant
- 10. Polymer Car Paint Sealant
Are you getting fed up of waxing your car every six weeks or so but you still want to achieve that glassy finish? Perhaps it is time that you considered a paint sealant. This is the ideal product if you want to enhance the appearance of your paintwork and protect it at the same time.
A paint sealant can usually be applied by hand or by machine and lasts up to a year. It will fight off acidic elements in the air that could damage and age your paintwork. Many products can even be used on glass and plastic. It could save you time and money. To inform you about the best car paint sealants for your vehicle, here is a useful guide.
The Best Car Paint Sealant
With this product you can give your car the ultimate shine and protection. It is an advanced polymer with a synthetic formula that offers superior protection and advanced gloss and shine. It does this through hydrophobic polymer technology, which creates a gloss finish on which water will bead. At the same time, it protects the paint from the elements.
This car paint protection glides on easily and has a smooth and resistance-free wipe-off so it is a joy to use. You will immediately notice that it has eliminated fine scratches and swirls. The final effect on your car’s paintwork is deeper and more reflective. It can be used safely on all glossy paint finishes and can be applied on top of clear coats. You can apply it by hand, with a dual action polisher or even use a rotary buffer. It’s available in 16 ounce and 64 ounce bottles.
- Gives your car the ultimate in both shine and protection
- Hydrophobic polymer technology
- Smooth and resistance-free wipe-off
- Suitable for dual action polishers and rotary buffers
- Brand Meguiar's
- Model M2116
- Weight 1.04 pounds
All you need is a few drops of Wolfgang paint sealant to achieve an outstanding gloss surface that will stand up to everything the elements throw at it. It provides protection from sunlight, salt water and environmental pollutants. It is made with anti-static polymers that are water-based and have been fortified to enhance their dirt-repelling capabilities so your car stays glossier for longer.
The super polymers have a crystal-like structure that takes shine to the next level. It will not stain moldings and has a non-abrasive formula. You can even apply this paint sealant in hot and humid conditions and it will still be effective.
- Outstanding gloss surface
- Provides protection from sunlight, salt water and environmental pollutants
- Anti-static polymers with a crystal-like structure
- Can be applied in hot and humid conditions
- Brand WOLFGANG CONCOURS SERIES
- Model WG-5500
- Weight 1.05 pounds
This paint sealant will provide protection against harsh environmental elements. It is a synthetic wax that is long lasting and therefore gives you excellent value for the money. It will repel sunlight and pollution and is resistant to water spots as well as unsightly residue left by birds and bugs. You can use it to protect and enhance glossy paint as well as glass and polished metals. Once you apply it, it will last for up to one year.
The formula of this auto paint sealant is very easy to use if you want to apply it by hand, but you can also use a dual action polishing machine. It works to seal the paintwork and enhance the shine. The sealant contains a hydrophobic protective layer that will repel water and produce a brilliant shine.
- Protects against the harsh environmental elements
- Long-lasting and excellent value for money
- Can be used with a dual action polishing machine
- Hydrophobic protective layer
- Brand Chemical Guys
- Model WAC_118_16
- Weight 1.1 pounds
In just one step, you can polish your vehicle’s paint to a glossy shine and protect it for up to one year. This auto paint sealant will remove light swirl marks and other minor imperfections. It does this by bonding with the paint and enhancing its appearance, making it look wet and glossy.
If you don’t have time to polish your car every time you wash it, this is the product for you. It is also the ideal product if your car is left outside for long periods of time and needs protection. You will find it very simple and quick to apply and just as easy to wipe off. It will stand up to oxidation and carries on working for months.
- Produces a glossy shine
- Ideal for cars left outside for long periods
- Removes light swirl marks and minor imperfections
- Carries on working for months
- Brand Griot's Garage
- Model 11075
- Weight 1.15 pounds
Manufactured right here in the US, this is a trusted automotive paint sealer that will bring out the best of your vehicle’s paintwork. It uses the latest technology to produce a long-lasting layer that will bond to your paint’s surface and last a lot longer than traditional wax. It is very easy to put on, and you can apply it with an orbital polisher or by hand. It has a non-abrasive formula that wipes off in seconds to leave a surface that you can see your reflection in.
It doesn’t just look good, it provides protection from UV sunlight, road salt and even bird poop, which is very acidic and can wreak havoc on your paintwork.
- Latest technology produces a long-lasting layer
- Apply with an orbital polisher or by hand
- Provides protection from UV in sunlight
- Brand TriNova
- Model 4350473679
- Weight 1.25 pounds
Here’s an automotive paint sealer that will easily outlast every wax on the market. It will deliver a brilliant high gloss finish on your vehicle and doesn’t need to be reapplied for months. Thanks to a clever blend of polymers and silicones together with waxes, you get an outstanding shine as well as unrivalled protection
It is completely safe for all glossy paint finishes and you can even use it on top of clear coats. Application is easy – you can put it on with a soft cloth or use a DA polisher or rotary buffer.
- Delivers a brilliant high gloss finish
- Blend of polymers and silicones
- Outstanding shine and protection
- Can be applied over clear coats
- Brand Meguiar's
- Model M2016
- Weight 1.25 pounds
This is a high gloss sealant glaze that consists of a highly concentrated acrylic that can be used on new cars and on any other oxidation-free surface. It provides both additional protection to the paint and an attractive mirror-like shine.
The product creates a protective layer over the paintwork that is elastic and shrink-proof. It can repel chips and heat and prevent minor scratches. It also protects the paint from damage caused by ultraviolet light and salt water from the road as well as acid rain and industrial pollutants. Once you have applied it, it will last for up to 12 months. You can use it on all automotive surfaces, including paintwork, clear coats, glass, fiberglass and plastics. In fact, it can be used on just about any non-porous surface. It is an anti-static product that is non-abrasive and will not damage the surfaces of your car.
- Highly concentrated acrylic
- Elastic and shrink-proof
- Protects from ultraviolet light and salt water
- Will last for up to 12 months
- Brand Klasse
- Model 4332944331
- Weight 2.93 pounds
You can apply this paint sealant by hand or using a machine. It goes onto the paintwork quickly and easily, and if you do not have a polisher, it will work fine with just a microfiber applicator pad. It will spread evenly and sets quickly. The residue is very easy to remove.
It comprises an acrylic polymer, which provides ultra-durable protection and will withstand even the harshest of environmental conditions and chemicals. You get a rich, glossy finish that looks great on any car and is incredibly reflective.
- Goes onto paintwork quickly
- Residue is very easy to remove
- Acrylic polymer
- Rich, glossy finish
- Brand Adam's Polishes
- Model LPS
- Weight 1.1 pounds
This product is manufactured in the United States and is a nano-polymer sealant and combined wax treatment for your vehicle’s paintwork. It will both seal and protect and can be applied just like a wax. It reveals the true shine of your paintwork.
You won’t have to worry about constantly re-applying because it will last an entire season. You can apply it to all the exterior surfaces of your car and it will protect it from dirt and environmental chemicals. This means that it is great for paint and glass as well as wheels and polished metal.
- Manufactured in US
- Seals and protects
- Will last a whole season
- Can be used on paint, glass and metal
- Brand HD High Definition Car Care
- Model 422OZ32
- Weight 2.05 pounds
This is an extremely long-lasting paint sealant that dries to a long-lasting finish with a high-gloss shine. You can even see your face in it! It will bond to all paint surfaces and can be used without the need for any other waxes or polishes. As well as looking good, you get superior protection against UV rays and water spotting.
An eight-ounce bottle will coat eight cars, and it is very quick and easy to apply. You’ll get a full year of protection without the need to reapply and you can see how well it has worked when the water forms tiny beads on your paintwork. This polymer paint coating uses the latest technology and creates a positive electric charge using the chemical constituents. This makes sure that you get maximum surface bonding. It looks great on all colors of paint as well as on wheels, glass and chrome surfaces.
- Will bond to all paint surfaces
- Gives a full year of protection
- Polymer paint coating creates a positive electric charge
- Brand CAR-SHOW 1 Car Care Products
- Model cs1-ppc-8
- Weight 8.8 ounces
Best Car Paint Sealant Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying a Car Paint Sealant
Here’s what you should consider when you are choosing a car paint sealant.
- How often should it be reapplied?
One of the main advantages of car paint sealant is that it does not have to be applied very often. You can avoid the monthly waxing task! Therefore, look out for a product that will last for around 12 months.
What conditions must it be applied in? Some sealants cannot be applied in wet or humid conditions. This is not much good to you if you live in an area with long hot summers. The best products can be applied in different types of environmental conditions. It is also useful if it can be applied both by hand and by machine.
- What surfaces can it be used on?
Sealants are not just for the car paintwork. Look out for a product that will work on top of clear coats as well as on glass, fiberglass and plastics.
- What will it protect against?
Paint sealants should protect your paint against environmental pollutants, dirt, grime and minor chips. It should also be effective against bird poop and bugs. Some products will resist damage by UV light as well.
Why You Should Use a Car Paint Sealant
Any car owner who appreciates a glossy paint surface that lasts for ages should seriously consider car paint sealant as an option. Yet, many car owners are stuck in the cycle of constant waxing.
Paint sealants have been used for several years by discerning car owners. They are a liquid chemical compound that bonds tightly to the paint and provides appearance enhancement as well as protection. They are not just used on cars, they are used on trucks, RVs and boats as well as on small aircraft. You should use paint sealant to protect your paint from damage from:
- Ultraviolet light in sunlight
- Bird droppings which can be acidic
- Dried on bugs
- Dirt
- Small chips
- Fading
- Environmental contamination in exhaust gases
- Acid rain
Paint sealants contains synthetic materials and are supplied as a liquid or as a cream. They are manufactured by mixing silicone fluids with polymers. These dissolved in solvents and water. Some also contain wax.
Paint sealants bond with the paint they are applied to. When they are applied to the paint they start to cure. This involves strands of the polymer cross linking to form a tough surface and some sealants also contain an accelerator to speed up the curing process.
Added Benefits of Car Paint Sealants
Car paint sealants bond well to many types of finishes including gel coats. This makes them more durable. The main advantage of this is that you don’t have to apply them very often which saves you a lot of time. For some sealants, you don’t have to let them dry before they are wiped off and this saves even more time!
Sealants are also ideal for cars that are exposed to harsh environments such as snow and salt water or heavy environmental pollution. Many have UV-blocking properties as well and they will work in harmony with a clear coat which does the same thing. With both products applied, your paint job will last for many years and look like new.
Sealants contain special chemicals that stop dirt and grime from adhering to paint. As a result, your paint stays cleaner and is quicker to clean but it also reduces the risk of scratching. An added benefit is that water and other liquids will not be able to etch your paint. A sealant will shed water so you will not have to hand dry your car and this cuts down the risk of you scratching it.
Types of Car Sealants
There are several different types of car paint sealant to choose from.
Firstly, you need to choose between a pure sealant and a cleaning sealant. Cleaning sealers are also sometimes referred to as all-in-one sealants. These contain abrasives and solvents so they will remove fine scratches at the same time as sealing the paint. You cannot use them on paints that have already been polished or compounded. You wear away undamaged paint which is pointless. Pure sealants will not do this.
Secondly, sealants can be categorized by the method you have to use to apply them. The two categories are wipe on wipe off (WOWO) and wipe on walk away (WOWA)
The WOWO products are applied much like wax. You apply some to an applicator and wipe it onto the paint. Then you wipe it off using a microfiber cloth. They tend to be more affordable and are very easy to work with. The WOWA sealers are applied and then left on. They look clear when dry and do not haze so you don’t have to worry about dripping sealant on other car surfaces such as trim panels.
Finally, some sealants are temporary and some are semi-permanent. The semi-permanent sealants are applied more thinly and you need an applicator which looks a bit like a big syringe. They are left to cure and form a hard surface a bit like a clear coat. They can be a bit more fiddly to apply and are more expensive but they last much longer than temporary sealants.
Best Car Paint Sealant FAQ:
The main difference is that car wax is a natural product but paint sealant is synthetic. Car paint waxes typically contain carnauba, montan and bees wax. Some sealants are called ‘synthetic waxes’ but, in truth, if they contain synthetic compounds they are actually sealants. Waxes have to be wiped off after they have been applied. They also have to be reapplied quite frequently – around every six to eight weeks. However, sealants can sometimes be left on and will last for up to a year. Many people feel that wax gives a warmer appearance that is more reflective whereas others struggle to tell the difference between waxed and sealed paint surfaces. You are more likely to be able to tell the difference on dark paintwork than on light paintwork.
You may be surprised at how easy a synthetic paint sealant is to apply. If you can put wax on then you will certainly be able to apply a sealant. It can be applied by hand or you can use a machine. Sealants are liquids and are therefore very easy to work with. Your main aim should be to apply it both thinly and uniformly.
How to apply paint sealant by hand
Here are the steps that you should follow to apply sealant by hand.
Make sure that the paint surface that you are covering is completely clean.
Pour a few drops of sealant onto an applicator pad. This should be made of foam or microfiber.
Make contact with the paint lightly and spread the sealant across the paint thinly. Some people prefer a circular motion but others prefer a cross hatch.
You must cover all the paint so overlap each pass as you work across each panel of your car.
Leave the sealant in place for the period of time specified by the manufacturer. This is usually between 10 and 20 minutes.
For wipe on wipe off sealants, you will have to buff excess sealant using a microfiber cloth.
Let the sealant cure before you apply another coat. This could be up to a few hours.
How to apply paint sealant by machine
Here are the steps that you should follow to apply sealant using a dual action random orbital polisher.
Fit a fresh finishing pad to the machine.
Apply a couple of drops of sealant onto the finishing pad.
With the machine off, use the pad to spread some car paint sealer around.
Select a low speed and spread the sealant evenly.
Select a high speed and work the sealant in at around five inches per second and overlap each pass.
While the pad is still in contact with the paint, turn the buffer off. This will prevent slinging.
For wipe on wipe off sealants, after 10 or 20 minutes (check the instructions) buff off left-over sealant by placing a microfiber cloth over the top of a new buffing pad.
The sealant must cure before you can apply another coat.
Paint sealants are designed to last for many months. The manufacturer will indicate how long each particular product will last. However, if it is applied correctly, most paint sealants will last for a full twelve months. This means a lot less work for you! However, as a note of caution, you cannot apply paint sealer over wax. This is because bonds need to form between polymers on the surface your paint and the sealant. Wax or other oils get in the way. You can apply wax over the sealant if you wish. You also cannot apply paint sealer to new paintwork. You need to let it cure for around 30-90 days before you add the sealant. This is because the paint will continue to release solvents over this time and the sealant will trap them in and ruin the finish.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick of the best paint sealant gives your car both shine and protection. The advanced polymer synthetic formula applies hydrophobic technology to create a gloss finish and to protect from the elements.
It glides on and gives you a resistance-free wipe-off finish whilst eliminating fine scratches and swirls. You can use it on all glossy paint finishes and it can be applied on top of clear coats. You can apply it by hand, with a dual action polisher or using a rotary buffer.
Sources:
- Do Modern Car Finishes Prevent Body Damage? – HowStuffWorks
- How to Care for the Paint on Your Car – YourMechanic Advice
