Paint Sealant vs. Car Wax: Which is Better?

Paint sealant and car wax are essentially the same thing. They are coatings applied to your car's paint to protect it from nature and add a deep, wet-look shine.

Car waxes are produced using natural waxes, such as Brazilian carnauba, or they synthetically created using polymers or acrylic resins. Today, most car wax product contain a mixture of ingredients that offer unique protection and gloss enhancing properties.

Regardless of how a car wax is formulated, car waxes and paint sealants are both designed to protect your car's paint from exposure to the sun, moisture and pollution. Without the sacrificial coating provided by a car wax, your vehicle's paint finish will quickly oxidize and deteriorate.

Beyond protection, car waxes and paint sealants also make your car's paint finish reflect more light. As a result, your car will appear to have more color and vibrancy. Many car enthusiasts feel that Carnauba car waxes, like P21S, add an element of depth and warmth to a car, creating a shine that looks more natural. Paint sealants, on the other hand, are said to offer more brilliance, sparkle and lasting protection.

What About Cleaner Waxes?

A cleaner wax is essentially a car polish and wax in one. This type of product allows you to polish (clean) and wax (protect and shine) your car in a single step, but most often the products are a compromise. It's difficult to create a polish containing wax because the wax acts as a lubricant, which limits polishing ability. And, it's just as difficult to get a wax to stick when you're scrubbing it off with polishes and cleaners.

Best Car Wax

I'm often asked "What's the best car wax?" or "What's the best car wax for a black car?" The answer to these questions is simple. The best car wax is the wax you will use.

I know that sounds obvious, but it's true. How often have you purchased something that was recommended to you as being "the best," only to find out it was very difficult to use? Did you use it again?

The fact is, there are a lot of good car wax products available. By this I mean they do a good job protecting your car and make it look good, too. What makes a good car wax great is that it is also very easy to apply.

Best Car Wax Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations for car waxes that I like (because they work!)

Carnauba Paste Waxes

• P21S Concours Carnauba Wax (most popular)
• Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax (when price is no object... best experience)
• Poorboys Blue Nattys Paste Wax (best value!)

Paint Sealants

• Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0 (most popular)
• Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant (best shine and ease of use)
• Meguiar's Synthetic Sealant 2.0 #21 (premium durability and wet-look shine)

Cleaner Waxes

• Optimum Poli-Seal (best protection)
• Klasse All In One (best cleaner and polish, easiest to use)
• Meguiar's COLORx (best value)