The best car sealant is the one that fits the way you wash your car. If you want protection built into your wash, choose a spray sealant for wet paint. If you want the longest wear, use a polymer paint sealant on clean, dry paintwork. Below we compare seven sealants we sell, so you can see quickly which one suits your routine.
What to look for in a paint sealant
A sealant is a synthetic protective layer that bonds to the paint. Water beads off, dirt sticks less and the paint gains depth. Four things decide your choice.
Wet or dry application. A wet sealant is sprayed on during the wash and rinsed off. A dry sealant goes on after the wash and is buffed off.
Durability. A spray sealant lasts weeks to a few months, a polymer paint sealant several months.
Time. A spray sealant takes a few minutes per car, a liquid sealant needs working and curing time.
Surface. Always work on clean paint. If you already have a wax or coating, a spray sealant often refreshes that layer.
Unsure about wax, sealant or coating? Read choosing wax, sealant or ceramic coating.
The best car sealants compared
Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Spray sealant with carnauba wax | Quick gloss on dry paint | |
SiO2 spray sealant | Topping up wax or coating | |
Wet spray sealant | Protection during the wash | |
Wet spray sealant | Gloss and water repellency after washing | |
Concentrate for a foam gun | Economical foam gun use | |
Polymer paint sealant | Longest wear | |
Synthetic sealant | Wet, smooth gloss |
The sealants one by one
Activate Shine & Seal combines carnauba wax with synthetic gloss enhancers in a sprayable sealant. You spray it on clean, dry paint and rub it in straight away, with no curing time. It also works on glass, exterior plastics, wheels and chrome. Handy when you want a smooth, glossy finish fast.
Menzerna Ceramic Spray Sealant contains SiO2 and goes on clean, dry paint. Spray it on a microfibre cloth, spread it over the panel and buff with the dry side. Let it cure for 2 to 3 hours out of the sun. With normal use it lasts up to 3 months.
D-CON Lightning Wet Coat is sprayed on the wet, freshly rinsed car and rinsed off straight away. No rubbing or waiting. You get strong water beading on paint, glass and plastic. How to do it is in using D-CON Lightning Wet Coat.
Koch Chemie Wetgloss is a ready-to-use wet sealant. Spray it on wet paint, rinse thoroughly and then dry well to avoid water spots. Do not use it on hot surfaces and do not let it dry on the paint. Koch Chemie states it protects for several weeks.
Hydro Foam Sealant S0.03 is a concentrate you dilute 1:50 to 1:150 with water and apply to the wet car with a foam gun or pump sprayer. Rinse and dry. Mix only what you use straight away. It works on paint, glass, plastic and convertible roofs. The steps are in using Hydro Foam Sealant.
Power Lock is the choice if you want the longest wear. Apply it by hand or with a soft finishing pad on a polisher, leave it for 25 to 30 minutes and remove it without pressure. After at least 3 hours it has cured. With normal use it lasts up to about 6 months.
Chemical Guys JetSeal is a synthetic sealant without carnauba wax that bonds to the paint. Apply one thin layer with an applicator and let it dry for 20 minutes. Work panel by panel. Read using JetSeal.
Which one suits you
You protect during the wash itself: choose D-CON Lightning Wet Coat, Koch Chemie Wetgloss or Hydro Foam Sealant.
You want a quick refresh: choose Activate Shine & Seal or Menzerna Ceramic Spray Sealant.
You want the longest wear and have the time: choose Menzerna Power Lock or Chemical Guys JetSeal.
You wash with a foam gun: Hydro Foam Sealant turns 1 L into up to 150 L of ready-to-use solution.
More choice: browse all sealants and quick detailers.