The 10 Best Car Paint Sealants

The best car paint sealant will make your car’s paint look better and last longer.

Who said waxing your car is the only way to make it shine like new? Much like nano-ceramic coating, a quality car sealant can give its paint the deep glossy look you so desire while protecting it from the environment and other hazards.

Use our review catalog and in-depth, expert researched buying guide to find the best car sealant for your paint protection and detailing needs. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Car Paint Sealant Reviews

You can’t go wrong with any of these car paint sealants. All the criteria and other considerations we used to review and rank each product can be found in the buyer’s guide section of this article.

1. Wolfgang Concours Series Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

Our top pick, the Wolfgang Concours Series Paint Sealant, provides a solid combination of protection and aesthetic-enhancements for car paint that few other sealants can match.

Its non-abrasive, water-based formula blends special polymers to produce a durable and robust shield that withstands extreme temperatures, the sun’s UV rays, road salt, environmental pollutants, and other hazards for months.

Better yet, it leaves behind a streak-free, anti-static, and non-stick finish that repels water, oil, dust, grime, and other substances to keep your cleaner and make it easier to maintain.

Finally, this sealant delivers a glossy, wet-like finish that enhances all paint colors, helping your car “pop” in a way that few sealants can manage. It does not stain moldings or easily cause swirl marks.

Wolfgang has delivered an outstanding paint sealant that ticks all the right boxes. However, it’s a premium product with a premium price. Also, its curing time of 12 hours is on the long side, so prepare to wait.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 16 oz. (473 ml)

Things We Like

  • Water-based formula
  • Incredible protection against the elements
  • Impressive wet-like gloss and shine
  • Great durability, long-lasting results

What We Don’t Like

  • Long curing time
  • Premium price

Bottom Line

The Wolfgang Concours Series Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is the total package, delivering incredible production, shine, and durability at a price that won’t break the bank. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant

This synthetic polymer formula from Meguiar’s is a more affordable alternative to Wolfgang’s sealant that delivers good results.

Not only does it provide an advanced level of paint protection but it also eliminates fine scratches and swirls and produces a noticeably deeper, more reflective finish that will leave your car’s paint looking flawless.

The hydrophobic properties of Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant enhance the glossiness of the paint, with its water-beading action helping keep your car clean for longer. 

It’s also easy to apply, going on and wiping off easily and smoothly with little in the way of resistance.

Meguiar’s best car paint sealant isn’t as durable, shiny, or long-lasting as our number one pick, but it performs far better than traditional waxes and sealants in terms of protection and longevity, and its much lower price point makes it a very compelling buy.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 16 oz. (473 ml)

Things We Like

  • Good level of protection and shine
  • Conceals fine scratches
  • Easy to apply
  • Low price, affordable

What We Don’t Like

  • Produces a ‘sheen’ rather than a ‘shine’
  • Middling durability

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an affordable car paint sealer that provides solid protection and produces a respectable level of shine that lasts many weeks, consider giving Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant a try. CHECK LATEST PRICE 

3. P&S Detailing Products C250Q  Bead Maker Paint Protectant

The Bead Maker Paint Protectant from the guys at P&S Detailing Products is an incredibly versatile paint sealant that can be used safely on virtually any surface on your vehicle aside from the paint, including plastic and rubber trim, metal, and glass.

More importantly, it provides solid protection against the elements, combining UV filters and stabilizers to minimize damage from the sun’s UV rays and producing a highly hydrophobic surface that repels water and dirt.

The Bead Maker also produces a super glossy shine that will leave your car looking exceptionally slick, exceeding the results produced by many pricier sealants. 

Application is easy, requiring you to simply wipe it on and off and letting it cure for about 8 hours.

This car paint sealant shines bright (pun intended), but it’s not perfect. While better than your typical car wax, its durability and hydrophobic properties are about average for a sealant, and some users have experienced issues with streaking during application.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Spray
  • Quantity: 32 oz (946 ml)

Things We Like

  • Can be used on all surfaces
    Solid UV protection
  • Produces super glossy shine
  • Easy to apply

What We Don’t Like

  • May produce streaks
  • A bit difficult to remove

Bottom Line 

If you want your car, truck, or SUV to look like a slick and glossy piece of eye-candy, the Bead Maker Paint Protectant will have you covered in spades. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Griot’s Garage One-Step Car Paint Sealant

Griot’s One-Step Sealant produces good results easily and quickly. To save time on the application process, it’s specifically designed to be applied with an orbital buffer, though it can also be applied entirely by hand should you be so inclined.


It is a polish and protectant rolled into one, removing fine scratches, swirl marks, and other minor imperfections while imparting a durable, long-lasting synthetic polymer finish that enhances the shine of your paint and shields it against the elements.

You will find that Griot’s sealant goes on and wipes off effortlessly, especially if using an orbital buffer, and the results will last weeks, if not months. Its water-beating and UV-blocking capabilities are nothing to sneeze at.

Griot’s Garage claims 12 months of protection after a single application, but your mileage may vary. Also, the solution may separate if left unused for very long periods and can be hard to mix back up.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 16 oz (473 ml)

Things We Like

  • Paint polish and protectant in one
  • Removes light scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation
  • Leaves nice glossy shine
  • Very easy to apply and remove

What We Don’t Like

  • Solution may separate if left unused for long periods

Bottom Line

When you’re short on time and need good results on the quick, you would be best served to have a bottle of Griot’s Garage One-Step Car Paint Sealant on hand. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. CarGuys Hybrid Wax Automotive Sealant

Don’t let the low price of this car paint sealant fool you into thinking less of it  — it’s a very good paint sealant and a great bargain.

CarGuys’ Hybrid Wax Automotive Sealant makes a good compromise between price and quality, offering comparable levels of durability to some pricier sealants. 

In addition to protecting your paint, it does a good job concealing fine scratches and enriching the colors of the paint for a shinier, more vibrant appearance.

You can bet on the Hybrid Wax being super easy to apply and remove. Not only that but it can also be used on any surface on your vehicle, and unlike traditional wax and paint sealants, doesn’t leave behind white residue or streaks.

Unfortunately, CarGuys’ best car paint sealant doesn’t produce much of a shine or last as long as more premium paint sealants, but for the price, you get pretty good results.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Spray
  • Quantity: 18 oz. (532 ml)

Things We Like

  • Good all-around protection
  • Quick and easy to apply
  • Low price, great value

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t leave much shine
  • “Budget-level” durability

Bottom Line

Here’s a car paint sealant that manages to deliver very respectable results at a very affordable price. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant 

The Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant wins big points for its easy, very slick application and exceptional durability. 

It’s formulated with a high concentration of advanced polymers to provide serious protection in everyday driving and all weather conditions, repelling dust, road grime, environmental pollution, the sun’s UV rays, bugs, just you name it.

It can be applied very easily by hand or with a polishing machine and will leave your paint looking very slick, glossy, and shiny. 

While not the most hydrophobic sealant, it’s water-sheeting properties hold up well for months, something that can’t be said about many sealants.

The only downsides to buying and using the Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant are that it’s expensive and the product may get stuck on some non-paint surfaces.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 16 oz. (473 ml)

Things We Like

  • Solid all-around protection
  • Produces high-gloss, wet-look finish
  • Leaves seep shine
  • Easy to use by hand or with a machine

What We Don’t Like

  • Can get stuck on some non-paint surfaces
  • Expensive

Bottom Line

The Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant is a premium product that delivers premium results. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Chemical Guys JetSeal Paint Sealant & Paint Protectant

Chemical Guys’ JetSeal Paint Sealant has a lot to offer. Like the other products on our list, it forms a strong bond with your car’s paint to protect it against harsh environmental conditions and enhance its shine.

It shields against dirt and debris, road grime, water spots, contamination, and UV damage and can be used on exterior paintwork, clear plastics, polished metal surfaces, glass, carbon fiber trim, and just about any other material.

The JetSeal goes on and wipes off easily, and you don’t have to use a lot of it to achieve the desired results. It also has a pleasant smell.

The company claims a single application will protect your car for up to a year, but judging by user reviews, it doesn’t last nearly as long.

Also, it has a fairly high price that can make it unattainable for cash-strapped budget buyers.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 16 oz. (473 ml)

Things We Like

  • Works on many different materials
  • Produces smooth, reflective finish
  • Easy to apply and buff

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t last as long as advertised
  • Expensive

Bottom Line

Though on the expensive side, the Chemical Guys JetSeal Paint Sealant covers all the bases. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. 3D Car Care HD Poxy Paint Sealant

3D Car Care has been in the auto detailing business for over 24 years, and the HD Poxy Paint Sealant is possibly their best car paint sealant.

It’s a nano polymer wax and sealant hybrid that waxes, shines and protects car paint, as well as all other hard exterior surfaces (plastic, glass, polished metal, wheels, etc.). It will give your car a deep, glossy finish while simultaneously shielding it from the harmful effects of the environment.

The natural montan wax it contains darkens the appearance of paint, creating more depth for an eye-catching wet-look shine.

Finally, it’s easy to apply and remove, with the results lasting several months and potentially longer depending on road and environmental conditions. 

An issue worth mentioning is that the cap on the bottle is poorly designed and comes off easily, which can cause leaks or spills. Also, the product delivers a better shine on dark colors than it does on lighter ones.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 32 oz. (946 ml)

Things We Like

  • Seals and protects; waxes and shines
  • Produces deep wet shine
  • Can last an entire season
  • Works on all hard exterior surfaces

What We Don’t Like

  • Poorly designed bottle cap, prone to leaking
  • Works better on dark colors than on light ones

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for something that can seal, protect, wax, and shine your paint in one go, give the 3D Car Care’s HD Poxy Paint Sealant a shot. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. CAR-SHOW 1 Polymer Paint Sealant

This 8 oz bottle of paint sealant can coat up to eight medium-sized cars, leaving a non-stick, super slick polymer finish that repels dirt, water, UV rays, road salt, bug splatter, contaminates, and other nasties typically dished out by the environment.

It also enhances the appearance of paint by giving it a high-gloss shine and keeps it cleaner for longer.

In addition to protecting paint, the CAR-SHOW 1 Polymer Paint Sealant will work well on your glass windshield and windows, metal wheels, and chrome trim and can be used on all types of vehicles (RVs, motorcycles, boats, etc.). 

It goes on and wipes off easily and, according to the manufacturer, can last up to 12 months. As if that’s not enough, you get all this performance for a very low price.

One shortcoming has to do with its versatility. Unlike many of the products on our list, this one can’t be used on plastic and rubber surfaces.

Product Specs

  • Type: Polymer sealant 
  • Form: Cream
  • Quantity: 8 oz. (237 ml)

Things We Like

  • Solid protection for paint, glass, and metal surfaces
  • Easy to apply
  • Very affordable

What We Don’t Like

  • Not compatible with plastic and rubber surfaces

Bottom Line

True to its shame, CAR-SHOW 1 Polymer Paint Sealant will give your car’s paint a showroom look while protecting it from mother nature’s harmful effects. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze

The Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze is a pure acrylic sealant that excels at protecting car paint from environmental damage and other hazards.

Acrylic paint sealants are generally more durable than polymer-based ones, so you can expect this sealant to protect your paint against dirt, UV rays, saltwater, acid rain, industrial pollutants, and other substances for up to 12 months like the manufacturer claims.

Not only is it anti-static and non-abrasive, but it’s also free of ingredients that can damage paint, plastic, or metal. In fact, it is compatible with all non-porous surfaces and materials on your car, even glass. 

Klasse’s paint sealant falls short in the aesthetics department, however, as it doesn’t produce the level of shine typically associated with paint sealants. It’s also difficult to remove and a bit pricey.

Product Specs

  • Type: Acrylic sealant 
  • Form: Liquid
  • Quantity: 33 oz. (976 ml)

Things We Like

  • Excellent all-around protection for paint
  • Durable, lasts very long
  • Can be used on nearly all materials

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t produce a good shine
  • Difficult to remove
  • Pricey

Bottom Line

The Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze is all about protecting your paint for as long as possible. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Car Paint Sealant Buying Guide

Man wiping off best car paint sealant

You should want nothing but the best paint protector for your car. The problem is that, with so many different options available, choosing the best car paint sealant for your needs can be quite a challenge.

We prepared this buying guide to make your life easier, as it contains all the information you need to understand what exactly these products are, what they do, and how you can quickly weed out the good from the bad.

What Is Car Paint Sealant

A paint sealant is a fully-synthetic product that is engineered to chemically bond with dried paint to provide it with an additional layer of production. This protective layer is hydrophobic and non-stick to repel water, debris, and other hazards, as well as UV-resistant.

Much like car wax and ceramic coating, paint sealers also enhance the shine of paint to give it a showroom look. So not only do you get more protection for your car’s paint, but you also get a snazzier-looking ride.

In addition to cars, SUVs, and trucks, paint sealants are also commonly used on RVs, boats, and small aircraft.

Car Wax Vs Paint Sealant – What’s The Difference?

Both car waxes and paint sealants are applied similarly, provide an extra layer of protection for a car’s paint and simultaneously enhance its appearance, and therefore appear very similar. However, the two products work differently and excel in different areas.

Whereas car wax products work by sitting on top of the paint, paint sealants form a chemical bond with the paint, fusing with it in a manner that makes their protective and aesthetic-enhancing properties more durable and less fleeting.

Sealants, therefore, last longer than waxes (up to seven times longer) and are better able to withstand extreme heat, dirt, and other contaminants, the sun’s UV rays, moisture, oxidation, and mechanical erosion.

With car waxes, the prime focus is on aesthetics and less so on protection. These products are designed to produce a rich, deep look with an extremely high level of gloss and shine that make paint “pop”.

To put it simply, the best automotive paint sealants provide better protection and greater durability, while the best car waxes deliver a higher level of shine. But you’re not limited to just using one — it’s possible to get the best of both worlds by stacking the two products. 

Note: Applying a car paint sealant and then topping it off with car wax is a technique frequently used by professional detailers to achieve superior paint protection and shine.

Benefits Of Car Paint Sealants

Car paint sealants are very beneficial to the well-being of car paint, so much so that they are a staple for many, if not most, car detailing professionals. If the results they deliver are good enough for professionals, they will certainly be good enough for a DIYer like yourself.

Here are five reasons why you would want to use a car paint sealant.

Protect Your Car’s Paint

The primary function of car paint sealants is to protect your car’s paint from damage. They serve as a sacrificial layer that mitigates or prevents damage from dirt, road salt and debris, bug splatter, bird droppings, and even minor scratches.

The best car sealant products will also protect your car from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause paint to oxidize and fade, as well as other environmental factors such as acid rain.

Improve Your Car’s Look

The secondary function of paint sealants is to make your car look nicer. Not only do they protect your paintwork so that it retains its luster for a longer time, but they also enhance its glossy shine.

Paint sealants generally don’t offer the same level of shine or gloss as car waxes, especially on dark-colored cars, but they can make a noticeable difference.

Then again, many car sealants can be paired with carnauba wax to deliver an unprecedented level of shine and gloss.

Long-Lasting Results

Unlike car wax products, which tend to only provide three to six weeks of protection, paint sealants can last a few months up to a year depending on driving and environmental conditions.

Not having to constantly re-apply the sealant or buy a new bottle every several weeks will save you time, energy, and money.

Easier, Cheaper Maintenance 

Paint sealants can make washing and maintaining your car easier and more affordable. That’s because, in addition to protecting against damage, they have hydrophobic and anti-stick properties that make water and other fluids bead off the paint and prevent contaminants from sticking to it. 

Not only does this keep the paint cleaner and make it easier to wash, but it also reduces the amount of drying required.

Basically, by routinely applying a paint sealant, washing your car will require less effort and fewer resources, leaving you with more time to spend on other things and more money in your pocket.

Better Resale Value

By protecting your paint and making it look better for a longer period, paint sealants help preserve the overall condition of your vehicle. And as you probably already know, cars that are kept in good condition tend to be easier to sell.

After all, just one or two minor paint scratches can be the difference between a “Fair” or “Poor’ trade-in value.

Buying a quality car paint sealant is, therefore, a small investment that can make you a lot of money should the time come to sell your car.

Types Of Paint Sealant

There are several different types of car paint sealants, and they are as follows.

Pure Sealant Vs Cleaning Sealant

This is the most important distinction between paint sealants. As their name suggests, cleaning sealants have cleaning properties on top of the added protection and shine they provide your paint. 

More specifically, these cleaners contain solvents and abrasives that allow them to remove mild oxidation and smooth out very minor scratches. Because they abrade the paint (remove bits of it), you shouldn’t use them on paints or clear coats that have already been polished as doing so can cause damage.

Pure paint sealants, on the other hand, don’t have any abrasive or cleaning properties and are strictly for protecting and enhancing the appearance of your car’s paint. While this makes them unlikely to cause damage, it means you’ll need to clean and/or polish your paint before applying them.

One isn’t better than the other. The decision will be based on your particular cleaning process and how much time you have on your hand. 

Acrylic Sealant vs Polymer Sealant 

Car paint sealants can also be classified as either acrylic or polymer-based. Acrylic sealants are oil-based, have fewer fillers, are easy to apply, and tend to be more durable and long-lasting. 

You won’t have to reapply them as often, as a result, saving you time, energy, and money.

Polymer sealants, on the other hand, are a blend of different compounds and are believed to produce a nicer, deeper shine than acrylic sealants. That’s because some formulas incorporate car wax and other shine-enhancing substances.

The one you choose will depend on your priorities. For the utmost durability, an acrylic paint sealant will be your best bet; for maximum aesthetics, go with a polymer-based product. 

Top Car Paint Sealant Brands

Car paint sealants are increasingly becoming popular by the day. Granted there isn’t a premier car paint sealant brand, Chemical Guys, Meguiar’s, Griot’s Garage, and Wolfgang Car Care are among the most popular and reputable.

Chemical Guys

California-based Chemical Guys fashions itself as a lifestyle brand and not just a car care brand. From exclusive small-batch waxes to highly-advanced polishes, coatings, and sealants, they have a high-quality product for just about every car detailing job there is.

With regards to car paint sealants, one of our top recommendations is the Chemical Guys JetSeal Paint Sealant & Paint Protectant.

Meguiar’s

At over 100 years old, Meguiar’s has such a strong and enduring presence in the car detailing world that it has essentially become the poster child for the space. The company has a product for just about every surface on your car, including exterior paintwork, interior upholstery and carpets, and wheels.

If you’re looking for a car paint sealant that’s proven to deliver long-lasting protection and shine, check out Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant.

Griot’s Garage

Griot’s Garage is a family-owned company that has been developing and manufacturing an extensive line of car care products since 1990, including liquid polishes, washes, and waxes and tools such as microfiber towels and cloths, buffing machines, and garage gear.

All its products, such as the highly lauded Griot’s Garage One-Step Sealant, are made in the U.S. to the highest standards.

Wolfgang Car Care

Wolfgang Car Care is an American company that uses highly advanced German technologies to produce a wide variety of premium products such as car wash soaps, polishes, leather conditioners and cleaners, tire and wheel cleaners, and paint sealants. 

Its flagship product — the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant — is considered by many professional retailers to be the best car sealant.   

Features Of The Best Car Paint Sealant

Now that you know what paint sealants are, their two distinct classifications, and the benefits they offer, let’s bring all that knowledge together to help you pinpoint the perfect sealant for your car.

The following are the key features you should look for when shopping for a car paint sealant.

Level Of Protection

The best automotive paint sealants will provide some level of protection for your car’s paint; however, their protective properties can differ.

For instance, some models are geared more towards repelling, dirt, dust, and road debris (light-duty protection), while others are better able to protect against the sun’s UV rays, acid rain, and other elemental factors. Some truly special sealants can even remove scratches and swirl marks.

Even if the products you’re considering all have the same protective properties, chances are they don’t perform equally well in every area.

Base your decision on factors such as your climate and the other types of products you use on your car (e.g. wax).

Sealant Finish

Paint sealants not only protect a car’s paint but also make it look nicer. That said, they can differ greatly in the kind of finish they deliver.

Some will leave your paintwork looking shiny, while others are all about the wet, glossy look that many car enthusiasts lust after. Also consider that some sealants are optimized for certain body colors such as white or black.

This is a mostly subjective decision that will depend on your aesthetic taste, but you can almost certainly bet that the best car sealant of your choice will deliver desirable results.

Durability

Even if a car paint sealant provides all the protection in the world and delivers an impressively shiny or glossy finish, what’s the point of buying and using it if the results don’t last long?

Sealants can vary greatly in their durability, with some providing only several weeks of protection and others lasting an entire year.

Needless to say, the longer-lasting your sealant, the less time and money you will have to spend re-applying and rebuying it.

Ease of Application

Ease of use is an important consideration for car paint sealants. You should be able to apply the product onto your vehicle’s body smoothly and evenly, and once applied, shouldn’t require extensive buffing and cleaning. 

While most car paint sealants can be applied entirely by hand, an orbital buffer can often be used to expedite the process. But regardless of your method of application, the whole process should be straightforward and effortless. 

Sealant Volume

How big is your vehicle and how often do you plan to apply the product? Before buying a car paint sealant, make sure it has sufficient quantity for your needs.

The bottle size of most sealants varies from 8 oz to 128 oz. Generally speaking, the greater the volume, the more you have to work with. Otherwise, several bottles may be required to cover the entire vehicle.

The potency of the car paint sealant is something you should also consider when looking at bottle size. Some products are so potent that you don’t need to use a lot to get the job done.

How To Apply Paint Sealant

Man Applying Best Car Paint Sealant

As with any car detailing product, car paint sealants need to be properly applied to achieve the best results. Fortunately, since they have a similar construction to liquid car waxes and polishes, they are applied in a similar, straightforward, and easy manner.

Car paint sealants can be applied in two basic ways — entirely by hand or by using a buffing machine.

Prep The Vehicle

Regardless of your chosen method of application, it’s essential that you wash your car before applying your chosen car paint sealant. 

Sealants need to form a chemical bond with the paint to deliver the impressive results they’re known for, so you certainly wouldn’t want dirt, oil, chemicals, or any other contaminants getting in the way of that.

Wash the car using the two-bucket method or, for faster and better results, a suitable pressure washer with a soap dispenser and use an IPA solution or other similar product to remove any lingering particles or contaminants.

If you’re using non-abrasive sealant, it is recommended that you use a clay bar to remove any fine scratches on the surface. If the scratches are large, you may want to thoroughly polish the car.

Applying Sealant By Hand

You apply paint sealant by hand in much the same way as you apply car polish.

Step 1. After the surface of your car is perfectly cleaned, use a microfiber applicator to apply a few drops of the sealant (about a dime-sized amount). Dividing the entire surface into 2 x 2-foot sections and working on each one separately will get you the best result.

Step 2. Pressing lightly on the applicator, rub the product evenly across the surface in a forward or vertical pattern. Avoid using circular motions as that can cause paint swirls.

Step 3. Let the sealant set for the duration prescribed by the manufacturer. In general, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes for car paint sealants to dry. 

Step 4. Once the sealant has dried, buff the surface of any excess with a clean microfiber towel. To avoid scratches, consider using an edgeless towel.

Applying With Buffing Machine

The process of using a machine to apply the paint sealant is mostly the same as applying by hand. 

Step 1. Attach a soft finishing pad to your buffing machine and apply a few small drops of the sealant to it. With gentle dabbing motion, apply the sealant across the 2 x 2-foot section of your car’s surface

Step 2. After dabbing the entire section, turn on the machine to its lowest speed setting and work a thin, even layer of the sealant across the surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.

Step 3. Raise the speed from low to medium and work the sealant in, making sure to treat one section of the surface at a time. Attempting to work on the entire surface of your car at once usually doesn’t lead to the best results.

Step 4. Let the sealant settle for as long as prescribed by the manufacturer.

Step 5. If your sealant requires buffing, use a clean microfiber cloth or towel to buff and polish the surface. Since you used a buffing machine in the previous steps, getting a  microfiber orbital bonnet will allow you to use it for this step, as well. 

Note: Paint sealants generally don’t work or behave the same way. To get the best results, always read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying one.

Car Paint Sealant FAQs

To wrap up this guide, we have answered some of the most commonly-asked car paint sealant questions to help clarify any confusion you might have.

Is Car Paint Sealant Worth It?

Using car paint sealant is one of the best ways to protect your car’s paint, but determining whether it’s “worth it” will depend on your desire to protect your vehicle’s paint, the amount of time and money you have to spend, and the results you’re looking to achieve.

If you’re on a tight budget, buying a quality paint sealant and applying it yourself will be significantly cheaper than paying a car detailing shop to do it. And if you desire the best car paint protection, a paint sealer will deliver better, longer-lasting results than car wax.

Which Is Better, Car Wax Or Sealant?

Car wax has its benefits, but it’s not necessarily better than car paint sealant. The decision will depend on your priorities.

Paint sealants provide better protection and can last up to seven times longer than even the best car wax products. However, they do a poorer job hiding paint damage and can’t match the deep gloss finish and warm glow typically delivered by carnauba waxes.

Can You Put Car Wax Over Paint Sealant?

Yes. Not only can you wax a car that has already been treated with a paint sealant but doing so is often recommended.

Combining the two paint protection products will give you the best of both words — the superior, durable, and long-lasting protection of the paint sealant and the deep, warm glossy shine of the wax. 

However, you should never apply the paint sealer over the wax, as that would nullify the benefits of both products. The sealant, for one, needs to form a chemical bond with the car’s paint to effectively work, which can’t happen if the surface is waxy.

How Often Should I Apply a Sealant?

The longest-lasting car paint sealant products can protect your car for six to 12 months; however, this only an estimate. 

Whether or not you should wait that long to re-apply the sealant will also depend on your climate and driving conditions, where you park, how often you clean your car, and how well the sealant is applied.

Using the sealant together with other paint protection products such as car wax can also make it last longer.

Can Car Paint Sealant Only Be Used On Paint?

In addition to your car’s paint and clear coat, the best automotive paint sealants can also be used on other materials and surfaces such as plastic, glass, and fiberglass.

However, some sealants can damage plastic, rubber, and other materials, so always read and follow the product specifications and instructions. 

What Is The Longest-Lasting Paint Sealant?

Acrylic paint sealants tend to last longer than polymer-based in large part because they are oil-based and contain fewer fillers. An example of a pure acrylic paint sealant that can potentially last up to 12 months is the Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze.

Final Thoughts

Applying car paint sealant is one of the best ways to protect your car’s paint and simultaneously make it look better. Compared to car wax, paint sealers provide better protection, deliver a comparable level of shine, and last much longer.

But like any other car care product, some paint sealants are better than others and finding a good one can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.

AutoTribute has you covered. We reviewed a collection of the best paint sealers on the market and provided an in-depth buyer’s guide to make your search easier.

For us, the Wolfgang Concours Series Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is the best car paint sealant since it produces a high-gloss, mirror-like finish and a durable, long-lasting shield for car paint, plastic and rubber trim, and windows. Need something less expensive? Check out Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant.