A car paint sealant is a mixture of polymers and acrylics that bond to the paintwork to form a rigid protective shell. Compared to a car wax, using an auto sealant lasts much longer and provides a higher level of paintwork protection.
The best car paint sealant is the Wolfgang WG-5500 Deep Gloss, which is a zero dusting formula that’s clear coat safe and lasts for many months.
Car paint sealants are easy to apply and are almost all in a liquid form that spreads easily with a car polisher or by hand. Once applied, the sealant leaves a glossy finish and instantly begins to protect the paintwork of your car.
Table of Contents
Car Sealant Comparison
| Car Sealant | Durability | Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Wolfgang Concours Series | 3 - 6 Months | 16 or 128 oz |
| Chemical Guys Jet Seal | 12 Months | 4, 16 or 128 oz |
| Meguiars Mirror Glaze | 3 - 6 Months | 16 or 64 oz |
| Adams Sealant Kit | 6 - 8 Months | 8 oz |
| TriNova Protective Shield | 3 - 6 Months | 18 oz |
| Jescar Power Lock Plus | 3 - 6 Months | 16 oz |
| CarGuys Hybrid Sealant | 3 - 6 Months | 18 oz |
| Griots Garage 11075 | 12 Months | 16 oz |
| Klasse High Gloss Glaze | 12 Months | 33 oz |
| Car Show Paint Sealant | 12 Months | 8 oz |
Car paint sealants aren’t a natural formula and the polymer technology uses tiny synthetic particles to provide the protection. There are two main types, which include an acrylic or polymer formula with the latter being the most popular.
The main benefit of a car sealant is that it can last between 3 to 12 months, which is far longer than the average car wax. If you wanted further durability, you will have to spend the extra for a ceramic coating alternative.
Below is a list of the best car paint sealants that provide a glossy finish and last between 3 to 12 months.
The Best Car Sealant
1. Wolfgang WG-5500 Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
The Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant is a popular option that provides your car paintwork with a deep, gazing shine that’s clear coat safe. It’s designed for all types of paint and the brand states it provides the best gloss finish possible when compared to the alternatives.
In terms of the application, it can be applied by hand or machine and according to the brand, it’s a zero dusting formula for easy removal.
Other features of the Wolfgang WG-5500 include:
- Water based formula
- Last between 3 – 6 months
- Uses advanced polymer technology
- Available in a 16 or 128 oz bottle
- Anti-static properties that repels dirt
- Non-abrasive and won’t stain plastics
- Protects against UV rays
- Wet gloss finish that lasts months
The Wolfgang WG-5500 is the best car paint sealant that provides long lasting protection and enhances the paintwork. For the best results, it’s recommended that you leave the sealant to cure for at least 12 hours, which will allow it to fully bond with the paintwork.
Check it Out2. Chemical Guys JetSeal Paint Sealant
Chemical Guys are a popular detailing brand worldwide and very popular with detailing enthusiasts. The Jet Seal is their most rated car paint sealant that provides a durable high gloss shield for withstanding the harshest of environments.
In terms of the durability of this paint sealant, Chemical Guys state that it provides paintwork durable protection for up to 12 months.
Other features of the Chemical Guys Jet Seal include:
- Synthetic formula
- Machine or hand application
- Available in 4 oz, 16 oz or 1 gallon bottles
- One application will last up to 12 months
- Repels UV rays, pollution, grime and other dirt
- Protects and enhances glossy paint finishes
- Suitable for a range of other automotive surfaces
Another great benefit of this car sealant is the fact that it can also be used upon clear plastics, polished metals, carbon fiber and much more. Overall, the Chemical Guys Jet Seal is the longest lasting paint sealant that won’t disappoint. The only minor drawback is that it’s one of the most expensive formulas on the market.
Check it Out3. Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant
The majority of the Meguiar’s products are on the more expensive side of things, but not this one. It’s a cheap car paint sealant that’s easy to apply and wipes off smoothly without leaving any residue upon the paintwork.
In terms of the formulation of this sealant, it uses advanced synthetic polymers that are mixed using hydrophobic technology for maximum protection.
Other features of the Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze include:
- Deep reflective finish
- Visually eliminates swirl marks
- Easy to apply and wipe off
- Application by hand or machine
- Available in 16 or 64 oz bottle
The Meguiar’s M21 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant is by far the most popular and offers excellent value for money. It also has one of the most reputable brands in detailing backing the formula for complete peace of mind.
Check it Out4. Adam’s Car Paint Sealant
Other features of the Adam’s Polishes Sealant include:
- Gloss and “Rock Hard” finish
- Acrylic polymer formulation
- Application by hand or machine
- Can be applied in the sun or hot weather
- Easy to apply and buff off
- Made in the USA
Overall, it’s a long lasting paint sealant that’s backed by a highly reputable brand. The liquid formula is easy to apply and provides excellent results from a single application. The Adam’s brand also offer this formula as part of a kit, which allows you to maintain it afterwards.
Check it Out5. TriNova Paint Sealant For Cars
TriNova are another popular brand that produce hundreds of detailing products for every budget. Their car paint sealant is a highly rated and popular formula that’s made in the USA and can be applied by hand or using a car polisher machine. It’s a polymer based formula that uses advanced chemical technology to bond to the surface within just 30 minutes.
Other features of the TriNova Gold Standard Sealant include:
- Lasts for up to 6 months
- 18 oz bottle that goes a long way
- Protects against UV rays, grime and dirt
- Mirror-like shine finish
- Easy to apply
- Made in the USA
Overall, the TriNova Gold Standard is an excellent all-round car paint sealant for cars. It combines performance with value for money and provides a deep glossy coat that’s long lasting and won’t disappoint.
Check it Out6. Jescar Power Lock Plus Polymer Sealant
The Jescar Power Lock Plus is a premium option that’s very popular among professionals and enthusiasts. It uses an advanced polymer formula that protects the surface and provides a deep wet look.
In order to further increase the protection, you can apply additional layers of the sealant. However, the brand state that you should wait a minimum of three hours before applying the second layer for the best results.
Other features of the Jescar Power Lock Plus include:
- Application by hand or buffer
- Water based emulsion formula
- Easy to apply and remove
- Guarantees a deep wet look finish
- Made in Germany
- 16 oz bottle
Overall, the Jescar Power Lock Plus is a high performing car paint sealant that won’t disappoint. Unlike many other sealants, this formula provides a deeper shine and gloss that is similar to a carnauba wax finish.
Check it Out7. CarGuys Hybrid Wax Auto Sealant
The CarGuys car sealant is fairly unique as it uses a spray formula that takes as little as 15 minutes to completely seal your car’s paintwork. This is a highly desirable feature as many people simply don’t have the time to wait hours for the formula to cure.
The addition of the patented polymer additive is the key ingredient that makes it one of the best spray formulas on the market.
Other features of the CarGuys Hybrid Wax Sealant include:
- Streak free and safe on all surfaces
- Deep gloss shine and slick hydrophobic finish
- Available in a 18 or 128 oz bottle
- 3 – 6 months of paint protection durability
- Fully synthetic polymer formula
- Made in the USA
The CarGuys formula is the easiest paint sealant to use and provides a great finish as well as plenty of protection. You can even use this to seal interior paint, glass, chrome, rims, fiberglass and so much more.
Check it Out8. Griot’s Garage 11075 One-Step Sealant
Another cheap car paint sealant that performs is the Griot’s Garage 11075 formula. It polishes and protects in one simple steps to leave a glossy wet look to the paint. For the best results, the brand state that you should apply it by a polishing machine.
The brand also state that using this paint sealant will provide up to 12 months of protection, which is quite impressive for such a cheap sealant.
Other features of the Griot’s Garage 11075 include:
- Polishes and protects at the same time
- Strong polymer formula
- Long lasting formula
- Deep gloss wet finish
- 16 oz bottle
Overall, the 11075 by Griot’s Garage is an excellent all-in-one paint sealant that cleans and protects. From a single application of the formula, you can revitalize oxidized paint and achieve long lasting results.
Check it Out9. Klasse High Gloss Car Sealant
Another popular car sealant is the Klasse formula, which is a pure acrylic protectant. It’s a formula that’s made in Germany and can be used on multiple different automotive surfaces. To further increase the gloss and protection from this auto sealant, you can also apply multiple coats to the paintwork.
Other features of the Klasse Acrylic Protectant include:
- Protects for up to 12 months
- Highly concentrated formula
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Protects against UV rays, acid rain and other pollutants
- Non-abrasive and causes no harm to paint, metal or plastic
- Application by hand or buffer
Overall, the Klasse car paint sealant is a high performing formula that offers great value for money in a 33 oz bottle. It’s worth noting that the paintwork must be oxidation-free for the formula to work to the best of its abilities.
Check it Out10. Car Show Polymer Paint Sealant
Another affordable option that uses an advanced polymer formula is by the Car Show brand. Although it’s only available in a small 8 oz bottle, the brand state that the sealant will be able to protect up to 8 medium-sized cars.
Compared with other cheap paint sealants, this formula produces a protective and glossy shine that can last up to 12 months if applied correctly.
Other features of the Car Show Polymer Sealant include:
- Advanced hydrophobic coating
- Provides a deep, wet shine
- Eco-friendly ingredients
- Bonds within 30 minutes
- Made in the USA
Overall, it’s a cheap car sealant that provides a long lasting finish and superior water beading. It’s also very versatile because it can also be used on wheels, glass and chrome surfaces for maximum all-round protection.
Check it OutCar Sealant Buying Guide
Using car sealants is a great way to keep your car’s paint job looking fresh with a “like-new” finish. If you’ve invested time and money in a car with a high quality paint job, you’ll find a car sealant is worthwhile investment that keeps your car looking newer for years to come.
Applying sealant just once or twice a year can make a huge difference in the way your car looks. However, there are so many types of car sealant on the market that it can be very difficult to choose which one is right for your car. To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding car paint sealants.
Type of Car Sealant
Most car sealants are made using an advanced polymer technology. These polymers are extremely strong and essentially repel dirt and debris to protect the paintwork. Before purchasing a sealant, you’ll want to do some research on the specific type of polymer they use and how strong it is.
Some polymers have added features for extra protection. For example, many have UV protection to block out sun damage whilst others have waxes and/or silicone’s blended into the formula for a wet look.
Additionally, there are a few sealants that aren’t made with polymers at all, but are instead made with an acrylic glaze. This provides a similar protective layer, but these sealants are often quite thick and difficult to apply.
Sealant Finish
Regardless of the type of sealant you purchase, different sealants are designed to have different finishes. Some are designed to provide a very wet, glossy look, while others aim for a bright, vivid shine.
Protection Levels
Different sealants can also protect your car from various aspects of the elements. The level of protection you need likely depends on factors like where you live, how much you like to drive your car, and what other chemicals or treatments have been previously applied.
Some sealants repel dust, debris, and dirt from the road and the weather, but that’s it. Others can protect against more heavy-duty threats like acid rain and sun damage. Some premium options can even eliminate scratches and swirls on your paint job when applied correctly.
You’ll also want to consider how long the sealants last because you won’t want to need to apply it regularly. Most provide at least 3 to 6 months worth of protection whilst other premium options tend to provide up to 12 months.
Ease of Use
The ideal car sealant should go on smoothly and easily, with minimal effort. It should spread over the car with gentle swipes and leave an even coat at the end.
Application can be achieved by hand or machine but for the best results, you should check the instructions on the bottle. The instructions also indicate whether or not you can use the sealant in direct sunlight because the majority require a shaded area.
Curing Time
Once you have applied any of the car paint sealants, you will have to let them cure into the paintwork for the best results. The curing time differs between the different sealants and vary from 15 minutes to 24 hours.
Conclusion
Car paint sealants have seen a big rise in popularity over the last few years. Maintaining the factory finish from new can be very difficult but using a sealant is one of the best ways of doing so.
The advanced polymer technology can provide protection for 3 to 12 months depending on the product you choose. Many sealants can also be topped up by additional products to further increase it’s lifespan.
All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and can be applied by hand or polisher machine. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you purchase from a reputable brand and follow the usage instruction on the bottle.
