Paint Sealant vs. Waxing

[300CmeFLY]

I've been doing some research on how to keep the paint on my Brilliant Black 300C.......well...Brilliant. It's my daily driver, so I'm not able to just leave her in the Garage when the weather gets bad. I've read that waxing and polishing is better for a garage queen or a car that you can just take out when the weather is ideal. Whereas, a good claying, followed by a paint sealant will last you maybe 6 months (versus 1-3 months for waxing)..followed by weekly applications of a quick detailer solution. What's best for my daily driver.......Sealant or Wax?

[marlinspike]

Well, seeing as how American cars don't get cosmolined and are transported by rail, I think this is the only case where I would recommend clay (feel and look at your paint. Is it just not smooth, or is it rough? If it's rough clay it). If the car is staying indoors I don't think anybody says that sealant is better. If you have a black car and you don't have rail dust, I highly recommend washing it with a good car shampoo (I like P21S) then using P21S gloss enhancing paintwork cleanser, and then using P21S carnuba wax. This combo (P21S cleanser and P21S wax) produces AMAZING results on dark cars.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by 300CmeFLY

I've been doing some research on how to keep the paint on my Brilliant Black 300C.......well...Brilliant. It's my daily driver, so I'm not able to just leave her in the Garage when the weather gets bad. I've read that waxing and polishing is better for a garage queen or a car that you can just take out when the weather is ideal. Whereas, a good claying, followed by a paint sealant will last you maybe 6 months (versus 1-3 months for waxing)..followed by weekly applications of a quick detailer solution. What's best for my daily driver.......Sealant or Wax?

Clean it really well. clay it, if you can. Then put a good paint sealant on. It will last a few months on a daily driver and can easily be touched up with quick detailer as you have already mentioned.

Carnauba wax collects dirt and literally slides off in hot weather. BTW, you can use some wax over top of paint sealant but never put paint sealant on top of wax.

I use Zaino right now, but am switching over to turbomagnet's (Gary) products when I run out.

[300CmeFLY]

ahh...ok...that was my next question. So, you CAN put wax over a paint sealant. I'm guessing that would just give you an extra layer of protection. Is there any problem with putting sealant on with an Orbital? Any special pads that you recommend? I have the PC 7424 6" orbital.

Also, I have clayed my car (with excellent results)....when I first got it, I spent all day washing, then claying, then waxing. Even now (a month later) it feels like glass.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by 300CmeFLY

ahh...ok...that was my next question. So, you CAN put wax over a paint sealant. I'm guessing that would just give you an extra layer of protection. Is there any problem with putting sealant on with an Orbital? Any special pads that you recommend? I have the PC 7424 6" orbital.

Also, I have clayed my car (with excellent results)....when I first got it, I spent all day washing, then claying, then waxing. Even now (a month later) it feels like glass.

Sealant is so easy to apply. You don't need the PC. Simply wipe on with a clean cotton or soft microfibre cloth. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Then buff off with a very soft, clean cotton terrytowel. Give it 2 or 3 coats for the deep, wet look. That's it.

[Cdnhemi]

I just spent the better part of the day claying my car and putting on the paint sealer that I got from Gary, I used his micro-fiber towels and the other type as well and I am very impressed but also tired. I took a bunch of pics which I sent to Gary, but if someone could tell me step by step (talk slowly please) I would post them here because the car looks great. I must follow NR's advise and put a couple of layers on.

[marlinspike]

Hehehe, I was about to ask Norther why he recommended sealant for a garage queen, but then I read the OP again and saw he said its not a garage queen but his daily driver, not the other way around. I still like wax. One Grand Blitz Wax will last months even in the summer heat (I've always found that rain is more detremental anyways).

[C-Man]

I've put sealant on with orbital. I have also put carnuba wax over sealant with no problems. I use the Edge 2000 pads for my porter cable. These don't use a backing plate and are two sided. There are other pads like Lake County and Meguiars that will require you purchasing a backing plate. Read up on it at Autopia.org, detailcity.com and premiumautocare.com. Tons of great info there.