It’s a fantastic era to be a car nut these days. The car industry is filled to the brim with all sorts of different options when it comes to keeping your car looking spiffy, like it just came off of the showroom floor.
One great product that can help to accomplish this goal is a quality car paint sealant. Car paint sealant is, quite simply, a product that keeps UV rays and other potential hazards from marring paint jobs over time. Additionally, they can also help keep things like chipping and scratching from occurring on your paint job.
This article will be covering the best car paint sealants that the market has to offer today. First off, we are going to go over the absolute minimum that you need to know before purchasing one of these products in our short guide. Right after that, we’re going to leap straight into the product reviews.
Finally, to round off the article, we’ll provide you with some additional info on car paint sealant, including why it’s so beneficial for automobile care.
Choosing the Perfect Car Paint Sealant
Here are a couple of quick and easy points of consideration to make before purchasing a high-quality car paint sealant. If you desire more information, please be sure to take a look at our extended guide near the end of the product reviews for a closer look at these types of products.
Protection
There are plenty of things in the natural world that are going to be harsh on your paint job over some time. Prioritizing the kind of car paint sealant you buy for the specific area of the world you live in is going to be a key factor in the buying process.
If you live in an area where certain types of weather are a common occurrence, then it’s best to buy a car sealant that specializes in protecting your vehicle from that particular type of weather.
The good news is that many car paint sealants are multifaceted and can deal with different environmental problems at the same time, which keeps you from having to agonize over your decision too much.
Ease of Use
You could potentially purchase the Holy Grail of car sealants, but have no clue on how best to apply it to your vehicle. The good news is that slathering on car paint sealant isn’t rocket science and will usually be a pretty quick process.
Usually, the only external tool you are going to need is a basic shop rag or microfiber towel, or if you’re savvy, an electric polishing tool. We realize that not everyone has access to these sorts of higher-end tools, however. The good news is there are aerosol car sealant options on the market as well. They probably the easiest way to go when it comes to the application process as you have to do is just spray on a layer of coating all over your vehicle and use a clean towel to wipe it evenly.
Appearance
Not all car paint sealants are going to have your vehicle looking the same when you are finished using them. Some produce a high-intensity gloss, while others just enhance your car’s natural color scheme without adding a wet-looking effect. Some car paint sealants are even color-specific and are primarily based on the predominant color of your vehicle.
Value
Value is important for pretty much anything we purchase with our hard-earned dollars nowadays. With car paint sealant, be sure to check how much a bottle holds compared to its price point, and base how much you need to purchase on how large your vehicle is. If you’ve got a huge truck or SUV, you’re going to have to buy a lot more individual products compared to if you were just treating a smaller car.
With all of that in mind, let’s get started!
Top 9 Best Car Paint Sealants 2021
1. Best Overall Sealant: CarGuys Liquid Wax Polymer Paint Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant/wax
CarGuys Liquid Wax has an ace in its hole that makes it an attractive buy for reasons other than its excellent all-around performance. It is designed with an intriguing polymer additive that allows it to last longer than a lot of car paint sealant brands, especially at its low price point! This sealant, amazingly enough, only needs to be used once or twice a year (depending on how much you use and abuse your vehicle).
Not only are the unique protective aspects of this product a strong aspect, but it’s no slouch in the aesthetics department either. As you may have guessed from the title of the product, this sealant leaves an almost wax-like sheen to an applied vehicle. This isn’t a surprise considering it’s a hybrid wax/sealant product, which we think adds to the appeal. It also comes with a free microfiber towel!
Verdict
Other than it being a bit difficult to remove from some rubber and plastic trims (for which the Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Sealant would be a better choice), it’s hard to find anything bad to say about this car paint sealant. It hits a lot of the sweet spots for what we are looking for in a top product.
It’s utterly affordable, is made up of a solid formula, and even comes with something a little extra in the form of a free microfiber towel. CarGuys even adds a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied!
Pros
- Great price
- Comes in 8 or 16-ounce kits
- Leaves a wet, lustrous finish
- Comes with a microfiber towel
- Full refund if not satisfied
Cons
- Not to be used on rubber or plastic
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant/protectant
This is our top product on this list simply because it was designed for the best. JetSeal was made specifically with the aerospace industry in mind to make sure air vehicles got maximum paint protection in the harshest of elevations and weather conditions. If you consider the various kinds of extreme weather an airplane might deal with per day along with serious UV rays constantly attacking its body, adequate protection is a must.
The great properties of this product don’t just end there, however. The JetSeal also creates a hydrophobic layer over your car’s paint job, which not only disperses water with ease but can improve your car’s overall shine as well.
Drying time is a fast one, around 20 minutes, which is pretty incredible. Additionally, the JetSeal also has maximum protective durability. One solid coat of this sealant will last you around an entire year.
Verdict
Probably the biggest downside to this product is its price tag. However, with that being said, you’re investing in a solid product that is air-tested by the aerospace industry and also will last you a year per application. You simply cannot beat that, especially for the cost.
Pros
- Lustrous mirror finish
- Long-lasting at over 12 months of protection
- The hydrophobic layer sloughs off water
- Has anti-corrosion protective properties
Cons
- Quite pricey for most buyers
3. Best Budget Sealant: Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant
Meguiar’s is another well-known name brand in the automobile landscape, especially when it comes to car paint sealant. They make quality products at extremely affordable price points, and this offering is no exception to that rule.
Coming at a whopping 64 ounces, this is massive value, especially if you expect to treat multiple vehicles in a year’s time. However, if you just focus on one personal vehicle, the amount this product provides could easily last years. However, if you’re not expecting to need that much, Meguiar’s also offers a smaller (and cheaper) 16-ounce version.
Impressive volume doesn’t always necessarily mean quality, however, we are happy to report that is not the case with this product. Not only does it provide a base level of protection from and disperses things like dirt and water easily, but it also has wonderful scratch and abrasion filling properties as well. So not only will your car be protected from the elements, but it will look like it has a new lease on life as well!
Verdict
One of the downsides we found was that the sealant could, in unnecessary larger amounts, leave streaks on darker vehicles. This isn’t too big of a deal, it just requires extra attention to detail and utilizing careful amounts of the product—though you’ll need to spend a bit more on something like the CarGuys wax if this is something you want to avoid. Overall, this is the best value on this list and will keep your car well protected for years upon years if utilized properly.
Pros
- Comes in 16 or 64 fluid ounces
- A hybrid mix of natural and synthetic additives
- Deep, smokey finish
- Can remove abrasions
Cons
- Streaks on darker automobiles
4. Easiest Sealant to Apply: Chemical Guys Hybrid Optical Select High Gloss Spray Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Spray sealant/detailer
The Chemical Guys are a well-known brand in the car world, and they provide quality products. So much so that we included another product of theirs earlier in this list. This product is no exception to their record of quality either.
The application of this product is obscenely simple. Just spray it on, and then wipe it off accordingly. You’re going to have a top shine in mere minutes as the formula binds with your vehicle’s paint job quickly due to its patented nano-spec technology integrated within its formula.
If you’re looking for a fast application kind of product and high-quality car paint protection, then this is a solid product for you. On top of that, it’s multifaceted in that it can work on nearly any surface you can conceivably think of, so it has versatility beyond just the automobile world.
Verdict
The only real issue we found with this Chemical Guys product is that it can potentially leave streaks, especially on darker vehicles—try the other Chemical Guys product if you’re looking to avoid that, although it won’t be as affordable as easy to use. As we mentioned above, though, if you’re looking for fast application and quality protection, you can’t go wrong with this fantastic offering from the Chemical Guys.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Comes in one gallon, 16 and 64oz options for maximum versatility for your needs
- Fast to apply to one’s vehicle
- Hybrid polymer formula gives unparalleled shine and UV protection to any surface
Cons
- Can potentially streak surfaces
5. Most Attractive Sealant: Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant
This car paint sealant is made specifically to produce an incredible sheen on your vehicle that isn’t merely just glossy, but deep and vibrant in a way that most car sealants aren’t capable of.
Not only does it create an almost otherworldly sheen for your car, but it also obscures things like scratches and swirls on your paint job as well, giving the car a fresh and new “off the lot” kind of look.
The Wolfgang sealant also provides a typical level of protection against UV rays and other sorts of abrasive environmental factors. So you can rest easy knowing your car is not only protected but looks great at the same time.
Verdict
While this product is certainly impressive in the aesthetics it delivers, the shine will, unfortunately, wear off after just a few months. This means consistent maintenance with the product is crucial if you want to keep those incredible looks persistent for your vehicle
Also, if you live in a fairly humid area, this product might be a pain to use, as it requires a moisture-free environment to bond with your vehicle’s paint properly. If you happen to live in one of these areas, definitely don’t let it cure outside!
To sum up, if you don’t mind some fairly routine work on your end and are looking for quality aesthetics for your ride, this product by Wolfgang is the way to go. It’s not durable, though, so if you prefer longevity over aesthetics you might want to buy something durable and long-lasting like the Trinova Paint Sealant.
Pros
- Safe to use near rubber and plastic
- Non-abrasive
- Creates a beautiful gloss
- One doesn’t need a lot of formula for complete coverage
Cons
- The sheen goes away after just a few months
6. Best Waterproof Sealant: P&S Detailing Products Bead Maker Paint Protectant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Spray waterproof sealant/protectant
Who doesn’t like choices, right? Sometimes we need a little more of a particular product than what is offered in a package, other times we need way less than is offered in the first place! When it comes to the car paint sealant industry, P&S gives us a variety of choices so that we can acquire the exact amount of sealant we need for our vehicle’s needs.
It also happens to be a fantastic, high-quality product to boot. This is an extremely hydrophobic car sealant formula, and it can dispel dirt and water like you wouldn’t believe. On top of that, once applied to the paint’s surface, the polymer technology that comes in this formula immediately merges with the paint to provide long-lasting protection that will repel water for months and months.
Verdict
This is a solid, and fast to apply product that, once applied, is going to neutralize dirt and water on your car, and keep it that way. The only downsides we could find were that the product was quite hard to strip if we wanted to re-apply another car paint sealant down the road. Additionally, the gloss isn’t as eye-popping as some of the other offerings on this list. JetSeal Paint Sealant solves both problems, but it’s not as convenient, waterproof, or affordable as a tradeoff for its superior performance elsewhere.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of different sizes
- Extremely hydrophobic
- Can be put on all surfaces
- Spreads easily during the application process
Cons
- Hard to strip from your vehicle for a reapplication process
- Not as vibrant as far as gloss goes
7. Best Sealant and Ceramic Coat: Epic Elements Protect Superior Ceramic Coating
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant/ceramic coating
This is an interesting product in that it has a three in one formula. It is a mix of a hydrophobic car wash formula (sans water), wax spray, and a ceramic coating component.
The thing that pops with the Epic Elements sealant is just how lustrous and shiny it can make your vehicle. We found that applying this on a vehicle could easily have it looking like a showroom car in a matter of minutes.
Verdict
The biggest problem with this formula is not nearly enough for some of the larger vehicles out there, so be aware of this before purchase, especially if you have a huge rig that needs treating! But as inexpensive as this product is, this really isn’t too big of an issue.
Additionally, this isn’t purely a car paint sealant, but a mix of many different sorts of items, so if you’re looking for maximum protection, definitely look elsewhere—any other sealant on our list will suit that purpose better if that’s all you’re looking for.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Three in one formula
- Can be used on any surface
Cons
- One bottle will not cover an entire vehicle
- Not as protective as some of the other products on this list
8. Most Durable Sealant: Trinova Paint Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Sealant
This is a decent generalized car paint sealant that will create a luxurious gloss in the process. Where this product shines, however, is its strong hydrophobic properties. People that live in really harsh landscapes with a lot of rain or snow would benefit tremendously from this sealant. We think the best part about this product is it only takes a mere 30 minutes for it to bond with the surface of your vehicle’s paint, so there’s no need to wait around for hours in order to dry this sealant.
Verdict
Unfortunately, this car paint sealant is extremely hard to strip from one’s vehicle and is also known to cause streaking on darker colored vehicles. However, it’s inexpensive, has a good gloss, and can give you up to 12 months of protection from the elements.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Protects against dirt and the elements
- Hydrophobic
- Embeds with a vehicle’s paint in under 30 minutes.
Cons
- Hard to strip/remove
- Can create streaks easily
9. Best Acrylic Sealant: Klasse High Gloss Paint Sealant
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Acrylic sealant
This extremely durable product is an acrylic car paint sealant that will protect against almost everything, even things like dead bugs! And at 33 ounces per container, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of this product anytime soon, making it perfect for those looking for the best bang for their buck. This is an awesome deal considering that one full application of this product will give your vehicle protection for around one year.
This sealant from Klasse also can be used for more than just automobiles, as it will bind to lots of different kinds of surfaces. Everything from metal to glass and even things like floor tiles!
Verdict
The biggest issue with this problem is that it’s tough to apply without potentially making a few mistakes. It sets fast and becomes extremely hard, so you have to work quickly and accurately if you want an even spread on your vehicle. This is not a sealant for people new to the market.
Pros
- Tough acrylic sealant
- Can go on many different kinds of surfaces
- One bottle can last potentially for years
Cons
- Extremely difficult to apply
Guide to Buying the Best Car Paint Sealants
Here are some more in-depth points that expand a bit more on what we covered in our brief buyr’s guide earlier in the article.
If you are still hazy on some aspects of the product, we think this section will help inform your purchase tremendously and show you some great reasons on why they are such a valuable product in the first place.
Why Car Paint Sealants Are Worth It
Here are a few positive benefits of purchasing a car paint sealant that you might not know offhand.
Protecting Your Paint Job
Car paint sealants are generally designed to protect your vehicle’s paint finish. Every time you leave your garage, your car is exposed to all sorts of environmental factors that can affect its paint job over a period of time. This is doubly true for car owners that don’t even have a garage in the first place!
Car paint sealants merge with your vehicle’s paint to protect from all sorts of elemental factors, such as dirt, dust, the effects of weather, and more. It provides a shield for all of those things, keeping the layer of paint underneath it safe and sound. This will end up saving you money in the long run, as professional paint restoration services generally are not cheap.
When it comes to simple protection, our top overall pick should meet just about anyone’s needs.
Enhancing Your Car’s Look
Let’s face it, we don’t want to drive an ugly looking vehicle, even if we don’t usually care about keeping up appearances in our neck of the woods. There’s just something satisfying about driving around in a vehicle that looks like a work of art.
Car paint sealants, depending on the brand, can help to give your vehicle a glossy/wet sort of look, or enhance your car’s natural paint job without being too blinding in the sunlight. This sort of visual enhancement will be noticeable to you as well as others, and for some folks that in itself is worth the price of admission.
If it’s aesthetics you have in mind, you can’t beat the Wolfgang WG-5500.
Increasing Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Keeping up with proper maintenance of one’s vehicle is a good practice to have, especially if you’re one of those types that don’t like to drive a vehicle into the ground and have future resale in mind.
Automobile paint can strip and deteriorate over time if not properly managed, especially if your vehicle is left completely exposed in the elements over long periods. The great thing about car paint sealant is, with just a few applications several times a year, this will pretty much never be an issue with your vehicle.
So, if you’re someone that trades or re-sells a vehicle every couple of years and are concerned about a car’s value, in the long run, you really can’t beat purchasing high-end car paint sealant to protect your paint job. The better your car runs (and looks) ultimately paves the way for better dollar value in the future.
[Image: “https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/water-droplets-on-surface-yellow-car-1806848521” alt text: water droplets on surface of car paint]
Applying Car Paint Sealant: A How-To Guide
If you’re concerned about applying these sorts of products on your vehicle, don’t be. It isn’t difficult to put a car paint sealant on your vehicle in the least, and it doesn’t require any specialized tools to accomplish. Here’s how to do it in a few simple, painless steps.
1. Completely Clean Your Car’s Exterior
It’s best to do a full clean of your car before applying any sort of car paint sealant. It’s also a good idea to strip away older sealants that might already be on your car in the first place. Once this is finished, allow time for your vehicle to dry completely before going to the next step.
2. Put On the Sealant
As mentioned earlier in this article, you can put on a car paint sealant via a simple shop rag or with a polishing machine. Both of these methods have their differences.
Applying the sealant by hand is going to be better for fine detailing, but is ultimately going to take you much longer and there may be consistency issues depending on how keen your eye is. However, using a machine polisher is going to give you a more even layer of coating with less product, but at a larger price point than a simple shop rag. For a more in-depth look at this please consult our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
3. Let the Sealant Dry
A big thing to remember here is to completely let the sealant dry before wiping the vehicle down, otherwise, you’re going to have a mess on your hands. Additionally, the sealant won’t merge very well with your car’s paint, effectively ruining the entire process. Once the sealant is completely dry, take a smooth microfiber towel and wipe the entirety of the area you’re treating.
4. Let it Cure
The curing process is needed for the sealant to harden up and be an effective shield against the elements. The time this takes depends on the product you used, but a conservative estimate is generally considered to be half a day. It’s good practice to keep your vehicle in a garage or some kind of structure with a decent overhang for this process to have its maximum impact.
For a more visual guide on how best to apply a car paint sealant to your vehicle, please take a look at this short video from Autogeek.
FAQ
Is car paint sealant much different from a car wax?
Car paint sealant is essentially the next step up from just any old car wax you can purchase at an automotive store. Car wax only increases the visual quality of your vehicle’s paint job, but it does absolutely nothing to protect it from the elements and other potential paint hazards from the road. Additionally, you have to constantly apply it to keep the luxurious shine continual.
Car paint sealant not only protects your car from hostile particles and the negative effects of weather, but it also doesn’t have to be applied nearly as much as car wax does per year. It’s true, car wax is cheaper, but we think that car paint sealant is the better option as far as longevity goes.
With that being said, if it is wax you need, we’ve got a list of the best car waxes available for you to check out as well.
How many times a year should I apply a car paint sealant to my vehicle?
This is a fairly open-ended question, and it really depends on the brand of product you are using and how long it lasts on the car itself. Some brands last for over a year once applied, some are best used several times a year. It’s good to keep a memo of when you apply a car paint sealant and base your next application session around that and what the manufacturer stipulates.
Should I apply sealant by hand or invest in a polishing tool?
Application via towel/rag allows you to more fine-tune certain details on your vehicle. It allows you to get into various nooks and crannies for a more complete polished look. However, one of the downsides of this method boils down to the adage “to err is human”.
Elbow grease isn’t as consistent in application compared to what a machine polisher can do. Additionally, you might end up using more product that is needed, wasting time and money.
Machine polishing tools are great and will save you time, especially on more massive vehicles like trucks and SUVs. You will generally need less sealant in the long run and you will have more consistency in the resultant layer. The only real downside to this method is the cost of the polisher itself!
Are there any negatives to using a car paint sealant?
Some individuals consider car paint sealant to be inferior in terms of aesthetics compared to a high-quality wax product, such as carnauba. The truth of the matter is, most individuals uneducated in these sorts of niche automotive coloration/gloss differences are not going to notice a tremendous divide in quality between a car paint sealant and a car wax.
Does using a sealant make cleaning my car easier?
One of the interesting things we found about the product is that applying it makes cleaning your car easier as well!
Why is that? Well, the sealant is a barrier and keeps things from digging in deep to a paint’s surface. This means that washing off particles (such as dirt) is far easier, and they will just slide off with a quick wash.
Something else to note regarding the car washing process is that the sealant also sloughs off any additional water quickly as well, which means a faster drying time overall.
Final Thoughts
If you didn’t see a product that suited your particular needs, or if you’re still a bit confused about just what it is your need in the first place, please consider looking at our short guide first to get a general idea of what one needs. Next, go over our in-depth extended guide to hone in on the ins and outs of the product itself.
There are a lot of different options on the market, and each one is going to vary according to your needs. No one wants to drive around in a subpar looking automobile, and because of this, we tend to think keeping your vehicle’s paint job looking as good as the day you took it off the lot is a great thing to strive for.
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
