15 Best Car Paint Sealants: Top Protection From Weather & Wear

Are you taking great care of the exterior of your vehicle? No matter what year, make, or model your car, truck, motorcycle, van, RV, or SUV is, your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, and you should take great care of every aspect.

When you take the time to keep your car in top shape, you are increasing its longevity, which is always a good thing. There are so many areas of your vehicle to tend to, and sometimes, car paint can be low on the list for maintenance. Even if you have a new car, your paint still has a lifetime, and everyday wear and tear can cause chipping, rust, fading, and beyond.

A car paint sealant is a great way to keep your car paint looking fresh and new, and it is your ally in keeping your paint in top condition during its lifetime. Even if you’ve been waxing your car regularly, waxes don’t protect the paint finish – only paint sealers give your exterior a solid coat of protection against weather, grime, and everyday wear and tear.

While you can get car paint sealant professionally applied, there are so many products available today that can be used in the comfort of your own home. They are easy to apply, and it only requires a small amount of sealant on each panel to get the long-lasting protection you’re looking for.

When you’re ready to make a small investment in a great car paint sealant that helps your car’s paint stay in top condition for many years, here are the best car paint sealant products on the market today.

8 Best Car Paint Sealants (Paint Only)

This first section will cover a few of our favorite paint-only sealants. A little further down, we will go over a few paint-wax sealants as well!

1. Wolfgang Concours Series Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

DETAILS

Wolfgang Concours Series WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant is a water-based, oxygen activated polymer sealant, and the formula is a German Super Polymer.

It can be applied by hand or by machine. It is fortified with a dirt-repelling power that keeps your vehicle cleaner and shinier for a long period of time, and it can be applied in hot, humid conditions.

In addition, it also doesn’t stain moldings and is a non-abrasive formula.

Before applying, wash your car and dry it completely. It is also recommended to use a paint cleanser to remove small imperfections, as well as wax build up, before applying.

If applying by hand, use a yellow foam applicator, and be sure to only apply a thin, even coat.

PROS

The crystal-like structure of the German Super Polymer leaves paint with a deep, high-gloss shine and enhances your paint color. It’s easy to wipe off and doesn’t leave any dust or streaks behind.

You only need to apply a small amount to your vehicle a couple times a year, and one application in the winter will last until the spring.

It possesses an anti-static property that helps to repel everything from oil to water, dust and road grime, and it also will protect your exterior from extreme temperatures, UV rays, infrared radiation. You can trust that this formula will keep your paint highly protected.

CONS

This sealant needs 12 hours or more in dry conditions to fully complete the bonding process. While this is achievable by leaving your car overnight in a garage, it does take longer than most other sealants on our list.

If you want to apply more than one coat, which many people do, it will end up being a lengthy process.

2. TriNova Paint Sealant

DETAILS

The TriNova Paint Sealant is a synthetic sealant that is created with long-lasting surface technology bonds and can be applied with an orbital polisher or by hand.

It comes from a trusted brand with a lengthy line of products that also work well. It’s a non-abrasive product that easily wipes on and off and leaves behind a glossy shine.

When applying, spread on your entire car with only two dime-sized drops on a microfiber towel or buffer pad using circular motions and wipe away the residue with a dry microfiber towel. Apply wax afterwards, if desired.

PROS

The TriNova Paint Sealant only takes 15-30 minutes to dry, and then it will be ready to add another coat (or be finished). The paint sealant achieves a great, glass-like shine and repels water, common road grime, bird droppings, and even dust.

It protects your paint from UV rays, road salt, acid rain, bird droppings, and other weathering. This product makes it easy to keep your car clean and residue-free.

CONS

Unlike some other paint sealants on our list, this should only be applied to the paint. It will not be successful on any of your car’s surfaces, such as your trim or wheels.

3. Adam’s Paint Sealant

DETAILS

Adam’s Paint Sealant comes from a very popular detailing brand. It is an acrylic polymer sealant that can be applied by hand with a soft foam or microfiber pad or by machine. It leaves a reflective shine with long-lasting protection.

PROS

Adam’s Paint Sealant is quickly bonded to your paint after being applied, and it can be applied in the sun or hot weather.

It is easy to apply and wipe clean and only needs to be applied once or twice a year and achieves a durable, rock solid finish. It also stands up to the harshest conditions.

CONS

While Adams says it can be applied in the sun or hot weather, it is better to do it in the shade and cannot be done in more than 100 degree weather.

4. Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Sealant

DETAILS

Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant is a hydrophobic synthetic polymer sealant that is technologically advanced and provides top paint care and protection, as well as a high-gloss finish and protection from water and weather.

You can apply Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant by hand or by machine.

Before applying Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant, wash and dry your vehicle with a pH balanced car wash soap.

If you have any bonded contaminants on your paint, you’ll want to remove these with a paint cleanser, and to remove additional swirls, scratches, water spots, and beyond on your paint, use a polish before applying this sealant.

Apply on a cool surface in the shade.

PROS

Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant is known to produce a deeper, darker and more reflective paint finish.

It is easy to apply and wipes off smoothly with no resistance and doesn’t leave behind any residue or swirl marks.

In addition, it visually eliminates fine scratches, and it only takes 10-15 minutes to dry thoroughly.

CONS

Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant needs to be applied in fine-tuned conditions. Low temperatures and/or high humidity can cause problems during curing of this sealant and will also prolong the time it takes to complete.

It is best cured in the garage and not outside.

Additionally, it is not known for a deep, glossy shine – rather a light, well-done finish. This is a light paint sealant that is best used with other detailing products to produce the best looking result.

5. Chemical Guys Jet Seal Anti-Corrosion Sealant & Protectant

DETAILS

Chemical Guys Jet Seal Anti-Corrosion Sealant and Paint Protectant is created with nano-tech polymers with hydrophobic properties to create a sharp luster finish.

It was originally developed to be exclusive to the aerospace industry and is perfect for cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs and RVs. It is easily spread by hand or by machine and takes around 30 minutes to dry fully.

PROS

Chemical Guys Jet Seal Anti-Corrosion Sealant and Paint Protectant protects from the harshest elements and is durable and long-lasting.

It protects against water spots, contamination, road grime, extreme temperatures, and UV rays for up to 12 months. The UV ray technology protects paint from fading and discoloration.

Chemical Guys Jet Seal Anti-Corrosion Sealant and Paint Protectant is able to be used on paint, glass, chrome, aluminum, carbon fiber and fiberglass surfaces.

CONS

The water beading qualities of Chemical Guys Jet Seal Anti-Corrosion Sealant and Paint Protectant are not as good as other brands, and although the brand says it will last for 12 months, it needs to be applied more often.

Unlike other sealants, it produces less of a deep gloss finish, so if this is a priority for you, this may not be the right product for you.

6. Griot’s Garage One-Step Sealant

DETAILS

Griot’s Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant is a polymer sealant that both polishes and protects in one step. It is made to be applied by machine, and it creates a glossy wet look to your vehicle’s paint. It should be applied after cleaning and applying cleaning clay to your vehicle’s surface.

PROS

Griot’s Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant has a polishing effect that removes light scratches, oxidation, and swirl marks. It helps to restore your paint color, depth and clarity.

It is strong and long lasting – Griot’s Garage says it can provide protection for as long as 12 months.

CONS

Griot’s Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant is typically recommended to be applied by a buffer machine (an orbital polisher) but can be applied by hand.

The sealant may be difficult to remove with only a soft cloth, and they recommend using the Griot’s Garage Spray-On Wax to the surface for easy removal.

7. Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant

DETAILS

This sealant s a polymer liquid paint sealant that is made to be applied with a foam applicator by hand or with a dual-action polisher equipped with a foam finishing pad.

Buff using a soft and clean microfiber towel. It is great to use on paint that is new or has been reconditioned.

PROS

This sealant combines durability with slickness, protection and ease of application to achieve a deep, high-gloss finish and shine.

It only takes 30 minutes to dry and can be applied in the sunlight and is able to be removed from trim easily. In addition, it has great water beading qualities and is highly durable against weathering and rough conditions.

CONS

Jescar Paint Sealant is only a paint sealant, so it won’t help cover up any impurities in your paint. It is best used with other detailing products to create the top overall look.

8. Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze

DETAILS

Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze is a concentrated acrylic glaze for new cars and oxidation-free surfaces. It is anti-static, non-abrasive and contains no harmful ingredients.

Klasse is a top German car care brand, so you can trust that this is a well-designed, well-formulated sealant product. It’s best applied in multiple coats. Apply using a damp microfiber pad with a spray detailer.

PROS

Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze creates a mirror-like shine. It bonds to paint to eliminate chipping and scratching and protect from UV rays, extreme temperatures, weathering, and pollutants.

This car paint sealant is said to last up to 12 months, and can be used on any paint, clear coats, glass, plastic, metal, enamel, tile and more.

CONS

Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze can be difficult to apply and remove.

It’s best to use in small amounts and in small sections at a time. Additionally, you need to wait an extensive period of time  – 8-12 hours, before applying another coat.

Since Klasse suggests doing multiple coats, sealing your paint will be a long process.

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7 Best Wax / Sealant Hybrids

Here are 7 of our favorite sealants that also double as wax:

9. Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax

DETAILS

Meguiar’s G18220 Ultimate Liquid Wax is a premium polymer wax that provides extended protection and amplified reflectivity and gloss. It is best applied after a vehicle has been washed and dried.

If the car has not been washed regularly and removed of contaminants, it’s recommended that you remove bonded contaminants and polish, prior to application.

You only need to apply a small amount at a time, using the included microfiber towels.

PROS

Meguiar’s G18220 Ultimate Liquid Wax can be easily applied and removed in the full sun. It provides a high-gloss, wet finish and is safe on any glossy paint, as well as clear coats.

One thing that we really love is that doesn’t leave any residue on rubber or plastic trim, unlike many traditional waxes.

In addition, it only takes 3-5 minutes before the product is completed bonded to your vehicle’s exterior and ready to wipe off.

CONS

It’s best to apply in small sections at a time. If not, you may have difficulty removing the product or be dissatisfied with the finish.

Unlike many products on our list, this should be applied more frequently – every couple of months or sooner. And while it advertises that it can be applied in full sun, it should be done in the shade.

10. CarGuys Liquid Wax

DETAILS

CarGuys Liquid Wax is a car wax with polymer paint sealant protection. It includes advanced and newly patented additives that boost protection and durability and is said to outlast other sealants, waxes and polishes. It is best applied and lasts longest after washing, drying, and buffering your car’s exterior with a clay bar.

PROS

CarGuys Liquid Wax can be used on paint, metal, rims and glass and only needs to be applied a couple times a year. It is quick and easy to apply and will give your exterior a super mirror-like shine. The nano-polymer additives force cross-linking between molecules to cut down all the work it takes to keep an exterior clean. It is a true all-in-one product that provides UV protection and a solid hydrophobic barrier, and it works on any paint color, as well as glass and rims.

CONS

While the protection from UV ray and water is wonderful, it may not compare to other products when it comes to protection from dirt, dust, and road grime.

You also need to be careful to not get it on rubber or plastic, which can prove to be difficult. If it does get on either, it does how the potential to ruin them – be careful!

11. CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant

DETAILS

Another great product from CarGuys is the CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant, which is a fully synthetic polymer spray that is infused with carnauba wax.

It is created to replace the need for multiple wax, polish and sealant products and be the only product you need to keep your car’s exterior glossy and protected from damage.

CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant is recommended to use after washing and drying your car, but it can be used as a drying aid.

PROS

CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant is easy to apply and is safe on all surfaces. It applies a streak-free finish that is free from residue and can be used on both interior and exterior paint, as well as rims.

It takes as little as 15 minutes to fully bond to paint and lasts up to 6 months. Overall, it is super fast and easy to use, yet still gives your car a high, wet shine with a hydrophobic finish with UV protection.

CONS

Make sure to apply this product is a cool, shady area to a cool surface, or you will not be pleased with the finish. Additionally, it doesn’t seem to have quite the protection from grime and weather that other sealant products do.

12. Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss

DETAILS

Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss is created with a revolutionary hybrid top coat technology that combines silica sealant, polish wax and quick detailer technology.

Derived from the successful Liquid Paint Sealant Product, it is an all-in-one product with an acrylic polymer resin formula that seals, shines, and protects all exterior surfaces.

It comes as a collection with a 16 fluid ounce spray bottle, funnel, 128 fluid ounce bottle, and two borderless grey plush towels for application.

PROS

Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss has advanced hybrid protection to create a slick surface that beads and repels water. It is safe to use on all exterior surfaces, such as trim, paint, glass and wheels.

Anothing thing we love about Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss is that it creates a streak-free finish and can be used both wet and dry, due to the unique bonding technology it is created with.

It is created with SiO2 technology and blended with carnauba to add depth, gloss, and durability, and it is quick and simple to use.

CONS

Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss needs to be applied every 3-4 months, which is more frequent than many other products on our list. If you live in an area with extreme weather, you will need to apply it monthly. If you do not use the product sparingly, you will not be pleased with the finish. It is best applied sparingly.

13. Carfidant Ultimate Spray Wax Sealant

DETAILS

Carfidant Ultimate Spray Wax Sealant is a nano-polymer and carnauba hybrid blend sealant and detail spray that comes with a microfiber towel for convenient use. It can be applied after a wash, polish, and detail or just a wash. It is easily sprayed on and wiped off and designed to be easy and effective.

PROS

Carfidant Ultimate Spray Wax Sealant can be used on both light and dark paint and is safe on all surfaces, including your plastic and rubber trim pieces, wheels, and glass. It only takes 10 minutes of a this detailing spray to give your car solid protection from water and the elements and provide a glossy shine.

CONS

This product is made for convenience and may not outlast other sealant products on the market. It may need to be applied more regularly and may not provide the same level of protection from road grime and extreme weather.

14. Ethos Handcrafted Ceramic Wax

DETAILS

Ethos Handcrafted Ceramic Wax is a paint sealant that is infused with ceramic coating technology, which is easier to apply than carnauba wax and polymer sealants. It is infused with over 30% pure 9H SiO2 silica.

If your car has a dull, oxidized, or scratched finish, you’ll need to remove those with a paint cleaner and polish, prior to use.

It is easy to apply by hand or with a machine.

PROS

Ethos Handcrafted Ceramic Wax produces a mirror-like waxed finish and will protect your car’s current shine. It is easy to wipe on and buff off and provides up to 12 months of durability with proper maintenance.

Ethos Wax is ultra-hydrophobic and UV and PH resistant. It also protects your paint from oxidation, bird droppings, water spots, corrosion, and environmental contaminants.

It is safe to use on clear coat finishes, ceramic coated vehicles, acrylic, single stage paint, chrome, fiberglass, windows, stainless steel, glass, epoxy, wheels, and more.

CONS

Ethos Handcrafted Ceramic Wax needs to be kept off of trim material, like plastic and rubber, or you will risk ruining these materials and parts of your exterior. Also, make sure to only apply a super thin coating, or you will have a less-than-ideal result.

15. HD Speed All in One Polish/Wax

DETAILS

HD Speed All in One Polish/Wax is a true one-step product that polishes and protects your vehicle’s exterior. It needs to be applied in a cool, dry place and is best applied using an orbital polisher.

It is made in the USA and is all natural with no harmful chemicals. HD is known to create green, organic and natural products as much as possible.

PROS

HD Speed All in One Polish/Wax is safe to use on paint, plastic, glass, and metal, and it eliminates the need for polishing and sealing separately, while providing all the great qualities of both.

It provides minor paint and swirl correction, and it is an easy on/off formula that leaves a high-gloss shine.

CONS

This product is best applied using an orbital polisher, but it is also able to be applied by hand. Since it’s recommended to be applied with a polisher, this may not be the product to use if you plan to apply it by hand only. Make sure to keep it off of your rubber trim, as it is not safe on this surface.

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How to Decide Which Car Paint Sealant Is Right for You

Trying to decide which car paint sealant above is right for you? Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

What is your current car sealant?

To figure out which product is right for you, you’ll first want to know what type of product your car paint is currently sealed with. You can do this by talking with your dealer or by researching. Additionally, a car guru like your maintenance man would be another great source to help you figure this out.

What finish are you looking for?

Many car paint sealants provide a deep, wet and glossy look, but some are focused on only providing a mirror-like shine. Which one is right for you? Check out what the product looks like on other cars to see which one you prefer.

What protection qualities are you looking for?

All of these car sealant products provide different levels of protection. Some protect your car paint for several months and only need to be applied once or twice a year, while need to be applied more regularly.

Some provide basic levels of protection and some provide rock solid protection from anything and everything you can imagine. The level of protection you need is dependent upon the area you live in, as well as what type of wear and tear you put on your car.

How easy do you want the application process to be?

Car detailing can be a lengthy process.

Do you want a product that eliminates the need for other products, or would you rather get into every detail with multiple products? Do you want to apply your product by hand or using a machine? Or maybe an easy-to-apply spray?

Make sure to look into the process of use and figure out which process you’re planning on doing when applying your paint sealant.

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Conclusion

While car detailing in general can take a lot of work, it can be fun and rewarding when you see the results and finish you achieve. There are many products out there to fit to your specific needs, and you are sure to find a product that is the right one for you.

Whether you want a quick and easy product or a professional-like product that takes more time to perfect, you will be satisfied that you took the time to take care of your car’s paint, and your car will last a lot longer because of it.

Last update on 2021-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API