Best wax i've used to date ..

Obviously this thread turned into a battle between sealants and waxes.

Could someone help me understand WHY and what a sealer has over a wax (other than longevity)?
@ace96 mentioned the resiliency from bug guts but I get that from my wax. Which is why I wax my hood and front bumper now every wash. I've been over using my vehicle which is why I've had to be so repetitive with it. If I drove like the average person I wouldn't need to do it that often.

With my last detail I used Chemical Guys V4 Polish and Sealant then finished up with their Butter Wet Wax, which I loved. I'm new to detailing so my love of the banana scented wax (of which the bees in my neighborhood also enjoy) doesn't mean much since I'm so inexperienced.

Are most sealants like waxes in that they can be applied with a DA polisher or are they more a coating applied after a very detailed prep?

If anyone can elaborate on the benefits of a sealant it would be appreciated. I'm really getting into detailing. Soon I'm going to have 4 cars to maintain since the spouse and I are talking about another. I fear that the next one might be a BLACK Audi.

 

http://guidetodetailing.com/car-detailing-faq/paint-sealant-vs-car-wax-which-is-better/

 

Hey Pack - see if this explanation helps:

 

Those helped, thank you for posting.

How do I determine what sealant to use for my driving habits and experience level? I'm intimidated to use some sealers like the Opticoat because it seems like they take pretty serious prep and attention to detail.

I know some companies have a paste like sealant (almost like a liquid carnuba consistency) you can apply with a DA Polisher or by hand. Then of course you have things like Opticoat that are liquid and applied by hand. Are the thicker ones a lesser quality or not necessarily?

 

I just did my truck with Sonax Polymer Net Shield sealant .. comes in a aerosol spray can and i used a damp microfiber towel as shown in the video below. EXCELLENT results

https://youtu.be/X6kM-8h8PR0

 

The opti-coat you mentioned is a "coating". It's a third category of "LSP's" (or "last step products", as they're commonly referred to on detailing forums). There is a learning curve with some coatings. Others are a little easier. Coatings typically last 1-3 years, whereas waxes and sealers last weeks to months (for the sake of this description).

"Coatings" are also much more expensive and you typically just get enough for one application. They're good for those that want to lay down protection and then forget about it for a year or more. If you're a hobby detailer (like me), you may be happier with a sealer. I just like to try out different stuff every couple of months. That's not advisable when you have a coating. The only way to remove a coating (to keep it simple) is by using an abrasive (polish). Coatings are sometimes described as being like a "second clear coat".

As far as choosing a sealer goes-- no need to be intimidated. Sealers are easy. Often easier to apply and remove than a wax. And the process is just like doing wax. The key to success is to apply as thinly as possible. But even if you get it on a little thick, it'll still be easier to remove than most waxes.

Just an FYI- Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax is not a wax at all. It's a sealer. And it's about as friendly as it gets. There are better sealers out there, but for an over the counter sealer, Ultimate is a nice product, looks great, and has some nice durability.

As the above links suggest, aside from durability, another main difference between waxes/sealers is the appearance. Sealers = glassy, candy-Apple, shine. Waxes = deep, warm, wet, rich. Much of that is in the eye of the beholder. But something to note-- on light colors (silver, white, etc) sealers are more able to make a vehicle "pop". Whereas on dark colors waxes can give a wet look.

On my dads black maxima, waxes look nicer (but they don't last long). On my pyrite taco, I much prefer the look of sealants- the paint really pops.

 

Oh you had my hopes up until I read, "Apply to a cool surface." Guess that leaves me out.

 

Do you have a garage you can do it in ?

 

No, I live in the projects.

 

You have sealants and coatings confused. I use Optimim Glosscoat. I was super intimidated by it at first. I tried my wheels first so I could get a feel for it and figured it wouldn't show up to bad if I messed them up. Glosscoat is pretty easy to work with. After you get a couple panels under your belt it is easy. I have done 4 vehicles with it so far including our 16 4Runner. I will never use a sealant again on my own vehicles. Coating makes life so much easier especially when you have vehicles that live outside or have bugs like we do in western KY. You can every one hitting the vehicle at night.

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

What do you think about Chemical Guys or Adam's for products?

 

I had 2 bugs that died on top of my hood and cooked down on my black paint from the hot -n- humid weather. I was a little concerned they would not come off or leave pits in my beautiful black paint. This morning early I stopped in at Walmart and bought a couple microfiber wax applying pads along with a bottle of Meguiar's Cleaner Wax in the red bottle. Truck looks like it is brand new and the bug's came off the hood with a little extra attention. No clay bar.. Paint feels nice and smooth. I was going to wait till fall but the roughness I was feeling on the paint and the cooked on bugs I decided to get it done now. I'm happy with Meguiar's products. Hard to beat the price also.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s-Cleaner-Wax-Liquid/871743

 

Meguiars makes some great products !

 

I have heard only great things about Adams products, but I've not used any. I think you could buy with confidence.

I haven't been impressed with Chemical Guys products.

 

X2. I like Adams products a lot. Had same experience with Chemical Guys.

 

What specifically has left you unimpressed?

 

For me the aggravating thing is the multiple products in same category. I don't understand need 5 (if there is that few) different detail sprays, soaps, or APCs. Plus some of the waxes are ridiculous in price. Not sure who CG markets to but some of the products are absurd. Especially the stripper scent air freshener.

I do like VO7 quick detailer. Nice shine but requires more effort than other detail sprays. Kenotek will be my go to when I work through the VO7.

 

OMG not sure if i wanna know what that smells like

​

 

Idk but the site says it can cause happiness and arousal.

My TRD wheels already do that. I don't need my truck smelling like a ho on top of it.

 

I had some that was in the air freshener sample kit. Didn't care for it at all. Gave it away as a gag gift. I kept expecting it to smell like daddy issues and regret.