Polish and wax differ in function, so too do car waxes and sealants.
Wax is a natural product that works well in tandem with polish because it produces gloss. Paint sealants for cars are synthetic, and while they too are a protectant like wax, they are generally more durable. However, the trade-off is that some don't show up a shiny pre-applied polish quite so much.
That being said, synthetic sealants are evolving into more able products for showing a shine too. The capable boffins who didn't quite make the grade for genomics, virology or neuroscience are locked away in labs, employed by the car care brands. They are making steady progress.
What is a paint sealant?
As we alluded to already, it is a solution you apply to your car's paintwork that covers it in a protective layer. It keeps harmful UV rays, road salt, acidic bird poo and other such harmful things at bay – essentially most everyday substances that can degrade your car’s paintwork.
They come in a bottle to be applied by hand or with a dual-action polisher, or as a convenient, time-saving, but less effective spray.
We have chosen a range of top products. Each is quite different to one another, with various strong suits. That way, there will certainly be something here for you.
The best paint sealants for cars:
Editor's pick
The intense-sounding EXOv4 is our recommendation to anyone who is after a proper paint sealant for their car. It appeals to enthusiasts because it provides that highly hydrophobic coating that beads water - much to enthusiasts' deep pleasure. But it appeals to casual users too because you only need to apply it rarely because it lasts up to two years.
Simply apply it with a foam pad like any other coating. It gives really tough resistance to road grit and doesn’t come off with washing. It’s superb.
Pros
- Longevity
- Durability
Cons
- Single application per bottle
Popular choice
This purple gloop is more in line with a polish and what comes to most people's minds. You can apply it either via the enthusiast's method of using a dual-action polishing machine, or you can just use a cloth.
While the Meguiar’s sealant can’t match the EXOv4 for durability or longevity, it claws points from another area: gloss. It’s called Mirror Glaze for a reason. What it lacks in durability compared to the EXOv4, it makes up for in shine.
It also comes in a 473ml bottle, which means you don’t go through all of it in one go like you do with the little EXOv4 bottles. Once you’ve applied it, it not only shines up your car but generates that wonderful hydrophobic beading too.
Pros
- Great shine
- Bottle lasts a while
Cons
- Not as protective as EXOv4
Best durable 2-step ceramic coating
Ceramic coating is one of the latest and best efforts in synthetic bodywork protection. This two-stage kit from Autoglym is one of the top ceramic coatings out there.
Consisting of UHD Preparation and UHD Ceramic Coating, you can expect a lot from this kit. Once you have cleaned and polished your car, you can apply the UHD Preparation, which will remove any wax, sealants, or oils on the paintwork.
Once you have done this and wiped away residue, you can apply the UHD Ceramic Coating. Apply it one panel at a time, or even half a panel. Then buff it off once a film has formed.
Pros
- Effective protectant
- Long lasting
Cons
- Application takes some time
Best time-saving spray sealant
In contrast to the time-consuming Autoglym ceramic coating is the Turtle Wax Hybrid Sealant quick spray. It blends synthetic polymers and carnauba wax to establish a middle ground between protection and shine in an easy-to-apply spray.
In terms of longevity, you can expect about six months, maybe a year if you don’t use your car much but without the same level of protection you get with the sealants above. Like all the others above, apply it to a clean and dry paint surface before buffing lightly. Having done that, you can enjoy effective water beading and added protection.
Pros
- Easy and fast application
- Value
Cons
- Sealants above are better protectants
Best ceramic-infused shampoo
For those who like the idea of a paint sealant but are perhaps kidding themselves that they'd actually be bothered to apply it, this option may be for you.
Turtle Wax’s ceramic shampoo, unsurprisingly, incorporates some ceramic polymers into a shampoo and applies the coating and cleaning in an all-in-one type deal. It’s very convenient and is noticeably better than a standard shampoo. It does leave a protective coating, evident in water beading.
That said, the trade-off of convenience is effectiveness and durability. For that, choose one of the others above.
Pros
- Convenient
- Effective for a 2-in1
Cons
- Dedicated sealants are better protectants
Best snow foam sealant
Like Turtle Wax's ceramic shampoo, this is a product of convenience. The Polar Seal is a snow foam that is applied with a pressure washer. Having washed the car, spray this on with a pressure washer, leave it for a couple of minutes, then hose it off.
It creates a hydrophobic layer on the bodywork, making it harder for dust, water, and dirt to cling to it. As such, it doesn’t offer a protective sealant against UV and grit.
We love how easy and fun it is to apply, but it’s the least protective product here.
Pros
- Fun spray foam
- Convenient
Cons
- The other dedicated products here are better sealants
Chris Williams is a Senior Product Writer for CAR, also working for Live For The Outdoors. An expert in camping and muscle cars, he spends most of his time up a mountain or laying rubber.