Does the combination of sealant and wax really make a difference?
Wax, Sealant or Both?
- Thread starter enjoy425
- Start date
Does the combination of sealant and wax really make a difference?
imported_Luster
New member
Only to the critical eye. Average Joe (not a detail-person) would never notice. Carnuba over sealant does add depth. That's why you'll see guys using carnuba at concours car shows. It just makes the paint look wet and deep. But it doesn't last very long. Typically 1-2 months max.
I don't find this to be the case. All the waxes I'm using go on and come off just as easy as the sealants I've used.
The reason I only do one coat each is so I can insure complete coverage on my car. If I was using only a sealant or only a wax, I would still only put 2 coats. I have my doubts about layering.
However, In my own warped thinking, I figure if there is a chance of doing any layering it would be layering a wax over a sealant.
Mike
imported_Luster
New member
Hey, tifosi1... Welcome to TID!
That you asked is the great debate between detailers. I'm a "2 coats of sealant" guy. Others swear by a layer of wax over their sealant. Carnuba wax adds depth and shine, but doesn't last as long as sealant.
It comes down to personal choice.
Again, Welcome!
I don't find this to be the case. All the waxes I'm using go on and come off just as easy as the sealants I've used.
The reason I only do one coat each is so I can insure complete coverage on my car. If I was using only a sealant or only a wax, I would still only put 2 coats. I have my doubts about layering.
However, In my own warped thinking, I figure if there is a chance of doing any layering it would be layering a wax over a sealant.
Mike
From my experience, buffing off the wax by hand is the most tiring part of the waxing process.
What is your doubts about layering?
I have tried layering sealants and it does improve the durability compared to just one coating. As for look, it does improve marginal which most people won't notice anyway.
imported_Piku
New member
Currently, I have two coats of BFWD on both my car and my wife's new CR-V. After every wash, I use OID which adds slickness.
On my car, I like to apply a wax on top of the sealant or at times just straight a coat of wax with no sealant under.
Going forward, like Alkimel, I will just use UPGP on my wife's CR-V. That's all I was using on her old car.
On my car, I like to apply a wax on top of the sealant or at times just straight a coat of wax with no sealant under.
Going forward, like Alkimel, I will just use UPGP on my wife's CR-V. That's all I was using on her old car.
It has to be the wax you're using. Which wax have you been using?
A member on "Detailing World" forum ran some wax thickness testing measured by reflectometry and ellipsometry in a lab. Check out the thread here. It's a very interesting read.
Mike
It has to be the wax you're using. Which wax have you been using?
A member on "Detailing World" forum ran some wax thickness testing measured by reflectometry and ellipsometry in a lab. Check out the thread here. It's a very interesting read.
Mike
I'm using meg. First it is hard to apply uniformly as the wax is pretty hard.
I have this thread before, from my own personal observation and comparison, i did notice that applying more coating of sealant does improve the durability when compared to one coating. However, i can't say that on wax as i have not use wax for quite a while since i discover the ease of use from sealant.
It is way much easier to use sealant compared to wax especially those wowa sealant like UPGP. I currently keen to give waxing a go if wax will indeed provide better visual appearance compared to sealant.
Must be M16.
I do like using UPGP on my wife's silver Trailblazer, but I do it for ease of use and protection more than I do for looks. I may have to try it on my Camry one day to see how it looks.
To me it depends on the color of the paint. On dark colors ( black, red, etc) I like the look of a carnauba wax. On light colors I think a sealant leaves a better look.
Mike
Seriously, i need to get some carnauba wax to try out and see for myself the difference. My concern over using carnauba wax is the lack of durability and application. It will take more effort to re-coat the wax. I guess that is the price to pay for better look.
supercharged
New member
sealant and wax for me...
imported_firebird
New member
What if you have sealant and wax on but then want to re-apply more sealant? Do you have to do an IPA wipedown to remove the wax and then just re-apply the sealant and wax again?
imported_Luster
New member
I would wipedown with IPA. Better bonding.
imported_CARFREAK
New member
sealant then wax (carnuba) watch the color pop:drool5:
imported_Goose
New member
For my daily driver -Chevy S10 ZR2 Truck- I use Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, and Lucas Spray Mist Detailer after a wash
Can't wash my truck as much as I'd like to here with the snow and all...
Can't wash my truck as much as I'd like to here with the snow and all...