Wax or Sealant? And which product?

onehappydad · 04-01-2008, 11:11 AM

I may have a free weekend coming up and am thinking of detailing my car.

I have always used wax, but have been reading quite a bit on here about sealants. Do you recommend a wax or sealant & why. Also what brands of each do you recommend. And where to buy?

I bought the car used and it needs some work - minor swirl marks and unfortunately, lots of rock chips on front bumper!

I have purchased several products recommended on here for the "cleaning" but have not decided on a wax/sealant.

Thanks for the input and advice!

ttdmac · 04-01-2008, 11:40 AM

Actually I want to add to this question and ask why some folks use both a sealant then a carnauba wax on top as the LSP.

Is there more benefit of having wax on top of sealant?

BK · 04-01-2008, 12:15 PM

Choice of products is very much personal preference, and I'd recommend reading more here and on autopia. Popular brands include Zaino, Chemical Guys, Poorboys, Menzerna, Meguiars, Klasse, Pinnacle, and so on.

A tremendous generalization, but wax = "deep" shine for beauty and protection but not durable (think in terms of weeks), sealant = "surface" shine for gloss and protection and very durable (think in terms of months).

Some people like carnauba over a sealant because it won't hurt, it may provide a slightly different or a deeper look, and it gives them something to do in the off weeks before they have to redo the sealant.

You can't do a sealant over a wax. Well, maybe there are some, but not Zaino, anyway.

FWIW, I've tried PB Natty's Blue over Z2/Z5 and it looks nice. Slightly different than just Z2/Z5 alone, which is what's on my car at the moment.

oneshare325 · 04-01-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Choice of products is very much personal preference, and I'd recommend reading more here and on autopia. Popular brands include Zaino, Chemical Guys, Poorboys, Menzerna, Meguiars, Klasse, Pinnacle, and so on.

A tremendous generalization, but wax = "deep" shine for beauty and protection but not durable (think in terms of weeks), sealant = "surface" shine for gloss and protection and very durable (think in terms of months).

Some people like carnauba over a sealant because it won't hurt, it may provide a slightly different or a deeper look, and it gives them something to do in the off weeks before they have to redo the sealant.

You can't do a sealant over a wax. Well, maybe there are some, but not Zaino, anyway.

FWIW, I've tried PB Natty's Blue over Z2/Z5 and it looks nice. Slightly different than just Z2/Z5 alone, which is what's on my car at the moment.

...I like zaino under a quality paste wax too! I still have a 4 or 5 month old zaino on my car.

Another popular combo is CG products, Jetseal under 50/50 (what I have planned for my full detail in the next couple weeks) .

orionredwing · 04-01-2008, 12:26 PM

Check out the stickies in this section and your questions will be answered.

As to wax vs sealant, it all depends on what you're looking for. Sealants are generally more durable (e.g. 2-6 months vs 4-6 weeks depending on product and environment), but wax looks warmer and has more depth.

In the old days, sealants were unable to achieve the same warmth and depth as good carnauba waxes. They've come a long way over the years, but the consensus is that nothing beats a good carnauba.

So to combine both durability and looks, enthusiasts put a carnauba 'topper' over a sealant.

I personally use a topper for my own car, but not for my fiancee. She is not a detailing enthusiast and can't really tell the difference. So to her, the durability and looks of a sealant is enough to make her happy and for her friends to notice the detail. As the stickies will tell you, a good polish makes the most impact.

So with the basics outta the way, i'll let the other experts chime in on their favorite products (once again, check the stickies and the other threads).

ored

P.S. I wanted my 200th post to be informative, so I chimed in, despite so many more knowledgeable experts here

Woot, 200 posts, but kinda slow after 1.5 years I guess.

Detailed Image · 04-01-2008, 12:36 PM

The above posts are great and answered the questions well. Some of my favorite combo's are:

Bang for the Buck:
Poorboy's EX-P Sealant topped with Poorboy's Natty's Blue Paste Wax

Maximum in Looks:
Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket topped with Pinnacle Souveran

Also, at the end of the week we'll have in the Chemical Guys JetSeal109 and 50/50 combo that oneshare325 mentioned! Looking forward to trying them out. We have a few more new sealants and waxes on their way too

George

phatr1s · 04-01-2008, 12:50 PM

George,

So you applied first the Poorboy's EX-P Sealant and then the Poorboy's Natty's Blue Paste Wax?
Thanks

Detailed Image · 04-01-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatr1s

George,

So you applied first the Poorboy's EX-P Sealant and then the Poorboy's Natty's Blue Paste Wax?
Thanks

Yes, and for optimal results, you'll want to let the sealant (any sealant) cure for 24 hours before applying your first coat of wax or a second coat of sealant. The only time this doesn't really apply is when you use a product like ZFX for Zaino to help accelerate the cure time. Typically waxes require about 12 hours to cure, so if you're applying multiple coats of wax, space them out 12 hours or more.

phatr1s · 04-01-2008, 01:35 PM

George,

thanks for the information, I will place an order for these products.

328i · 04-01-2008, 10:47 PM

I really like the easy of application of FMJ, it's probably the easiest LSP to buff off after it hazes. However I found the durability to be real weak for a sealant.

Calgary Agent · 04-01-2008, 10:58 PM

If you've got swirl marks I'd try Zaino Z5 PRO Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches

(http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...oduct_Count=10)

Also get some ZFX accelerator, and then apply Zaino CS (Clear Seal)

TwinPowerF30 · 04-02-2008, 01:44 AM

few months after applying the sealant and wax, would i just apply wax to keep it looking good or would i have to start the process over again?

brocken · 04-02-2008, 02:14 PM

Zaino CS is supposed to be great and will go over other products.

I use Optimum Poli-seal. Same sort of product, it's a sealer that will go over top of just about any product. Lasts at least a few months and enhances the shine of the car while protecting what's underneath. Super easy to use, just spray on and wipe off.
Autopia is a great site to check out more info on any of the above products. That's where I learned.

normtrum · 04-02-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328i

I really like the easy of application of FMJ, it's probably the easiest LSP to buff off after it hazes. However I found the durability to be real weak for a sealant.

Did you put a wax over the top of the fmj? I use the combo that George mentioned above....fmj (2 coats) with natty blue on top (2 coats). Mine looks incredible, and I find it to be very durable. Wheather conditions and where you park are a big factor however.....I don't drive in the rain and I'm always in the garage!

I agree with you on the ease of application of the fmj.....i've never found anything easier to apply and remove....especially since I use my orb for the application part.

328i · 04-02-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normtrum

Did you put a wax over the top of the fmj? I use the combo that George mentioned above....fmj (2 coats) with natty blue on top (2 coats). Mine looks incredible, and I find it to be very durable. Wheather conditions and where you park are a big factor however.....I don't drive in the rain and I'm always in the garage!

I agree with you on the ease of application of the fmj.....i've never found anything easier to apply and remove....especially since I use my orb for the application part.

I actually haven't used it in a while, but when I did I didnt top it with a carnuba, just 2 coats. My car was also outside 90% of the time. If you don't drive in the rain that's definitely going to extend durability of any type of LSP. I do like it when I'm short on time, as the ease of application makes it nice to use. Wiping it off is almost effortless.

I have used Natty's blue on my car and I really like the look of it on jet black. My favorite product so far durability wise has been opti-seal though.

ScheerSpeed · 04-03-2008, 01:05 AM

get the best of both worlds! put a wax on top of sealant!

BYAW · 04-05-2008, 06:00 PM

I always put wax over sealant when detailing. I use Poorboys EX-P sealant and apply it with a PC at low speed to just spread it all over the car. I usually let it sit for an hour or so when detailing in a shaded area or garage. Then wipe off and apply the wax. Gives an amazing shine with a really deep wet look.

04-01-2008, 11:11 AM	#1
onehappydad Private First Class 24 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2006 330i - Electric Red/Black Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Wax or Sealant? And which product? I may have a free weekend coming up and am thinking of detailing my car. I have always used wax, but have been reading quite a bit on here about sealants. Do you recommend a wax or sealant & why. Also what brands of each do you recommend. And where to buy? I bought the car used and it needs some work - minor swirl marks and unfortunately, lots of rock chips on front bumper! I have purchased several products recommended on here for the "cleaning" but have not decided on a wax/sealant. Thanks for the input and advice! __________________
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04-01-2008, 11:40 AM	#2
ttdmac Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 201 Posts Drives: E92 335i - Blk Saph/Coral Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (1)	Actually I want to add to this question and ask why some folks use both a sealant then a carnauba wax on top as the LSP. Is there more benefit of having wax on top of sealant?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2008, 12:15 PM	#3
BK Smiling politely 179 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Choice of products is very much personal preference, and I'd recommend reading more here and on autopia. Popular brands include Zaino, Chemical Guys, Poorboys, Menzerna, Meguiars, Klasse, Pinnacle, and so on. A tremendous generalization, but wax = "deep" shine for beauty and protection but not durable (think in terms of weeks), sealant = "surface" shine for gloss and protection and very durable (think in terms of months). Some people like carnauba over a sealant because it won't hurt, it may provide a slightly different or a deeper look, and it gives them something to do in the off weeks before they have to redo the sealant. You can't do a sealant over a wax. Well, maybe there are some, but not Zaino, anyway. FWIW, I've tried PB Natty's Blue over Z2/Z5 and it looks nice. Slightly different than just Z2/Z5 alone, which is what's on my car at the moment. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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04-01-2008, 12:26 PM	#5
orionredwing Captain 111 Rep 728 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan, 135i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	Check out the stickies in this section and your questions will be answered. As to wax vs sealant, it all depends on what you're looking for. Sealants are generally more durable (e.g. 2-6 months vs 4-6 weeks depending on product and environment), but wax looks warmer and has more depth. In the old days, sealants were unable to achieve the same warmth and depth as good carnauba waxes. They've come a long way over the years, but the consensus is that nothing beats a good carnauba. So to combine both durability and looks, enthusiasts put a carnauba 'topper' over a sealant. I personally use a topper for my own car, but not for my fiancee. She is not a detailing enthusiast and can't really tell the difference. So to her, the durability and looks of a sealant is enough to make her happy and for her friends to notice the detail. As the stickies will tell you, a good polish makes the most impact. So with the basics outta the way, i'll let the other experts chime in on their favorite products (once again, check the stickies and the other threads). ored P.S. I wanted my 200th post to be informative, so I chimed in, despite so many more knowledgeable experts here Woot, 200 posts, but kinda slow after 1.5 years I guess. __________________ PROcede \| AMS FMIC \| AR Catless DPs \| AR Oil Cooler \| BMS DCI Wavetrac LSD \| KW V3 w/ Swift Springs \| M3 Front Suspension
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04-01-2008, 12:36 PM	#6
Detailed Image 373 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (5)	The above posts are great and answered the questions well. Some of my favorite combo's are: Bang for the Buck: Poorboy's EX-P Sealant topped with Poorboy's Natty's Blue Paste Wax Maximum in Looks: Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket topped with Pinnacle Souveran Also, at the end of the week we'll have in the Chemical Guys JetSeal109 and 50/50 combo that oneshare325 mentioned! Looking forward to trying them out. We have a few more new sealants and waxes on their way too George
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04-01-2008, 12:50 PM	#7
phatr1s First Lieutenant 33 Rep 363 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00] 2007 335i [0.00] 2007 335i [0.00]	George, So you applied first the Poorboy's EX-P Sealant and then the Poorboy's Natty's Blue Paste Wax? Thanks
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04-01-2008, 01:35 PM	#9
phatr1s First Lieutenant 33 Rep 363 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00] 2007 335i [0.00] 2007 335i [0.00]	George, thanks for the information, I will place an order for these products.
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04-01-2008, 10:47 PM	#10
328i Colonel 153 Rep 2,934 Posts Drives: E46 ///M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: central NJ iTrader: (15)	I really like the easy of application of FMJ, it's probably the easiest LSP to buff off after it hazes. However I found the durability to be real weak for a sealant. __________________
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04-01-2008, 10:58 PM	#11
Calgary Agent Captain 21 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '11 550i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 F10 550i [0.00]	If you've got swirl marks I'd try Zaino Z5 PRO Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches (http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...oduct_Count=10) Also get some ZFX accelerator, and then apply Zaino CS (Clear Seal) __________________ '11 550i \| AT \| Dark Graphite on Black
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04-02-2008, 01:44 AM	#12
TwinPowerF30 Captain 39 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	few months after applying the sealant and wax, would i just apply wax to keep it looking good or would i have to start the process over again?
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04-02-2008, 02:14 PM	#13
brocken Captain 43 Rep 622 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (5)	Zaino CS is supposed to be great and will go over other products. I use Optimum Poli-seal. Same sort of product, it's a sealer that will go over top of just about any product. Lasts at least a few months and enhances the shine of the car while protecting what's underneath. Super easy to use, just spray on and wipe off. Autopia is a great site to check out more info on any of the above products. That's where I learned.
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04-03-2008, 01:05 AM	#16
ScheerSpeed Major General 447 Rep 5,766 Posts Drives: '13 F30 Estoril M-Sport 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (14)	get the best of both worlds! put a wax on top of sealant!
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04-05-2008, 06:00 PM	#17
BYAW Enlisted Member 0 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 330ci, soon to drive 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	I always put wax over sealant when detailing. I use Poorboys EX-P sealant and apply it with a PC at low speed to just spread it all over the car. I usually let it sit for an hour or so when detailing in a shaded area or garage. Then wipe off and apply the wax. Gives an amazing shine with a really deep wet look.
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