Griot’s Car Care Tip: Wax vs. Sealant
Waxes and sealants perform differently in terms of longevity, surface enhancement, and ease of application, but their mission statements are similar: Create a protective coating while enhancing paint’s appearance. Determining which is best for you boils down to answering questions like, “How do I use my vehicle?”; “How often am I willing to wax it?”; and “What are my expectations of the results?”
Sealant
With its quick and easy application, long-lasting protection, and excellent gloss, paint sealant (sometimes called “synthetic wax”) is the ideal solution for frequently driven vehicles that are parked in the elements on a regular basis. Typically, you’ll experience at least six months of protection, but if you’re using a spray wax regularly with your washes, you may go up to a year without needing to reseal.
Wax
While sealants are synthetic, waxes are formulated with natural compounds. Liquid carnauba wax produces superior color, depth, and clarity – perfect for show cars. It also has excellent filling capability that hides swirls or scratches. Wax does lose its luster and protective properties more quickly than a sealant (lasting up to three months), so it is better for cars that don’t see much harsh weather. Also, wax can be tricky to apply, so be sure to closely follow application directions.
