Car paint sealants are one of the various forms of last stage protection. Paint sealants are a great compromise between long term durability and price, when compared to wax and ceramic coatings respectively.
I’ve used quite a lot of car paint sealants over the years, and as such I’m in a position to give my informed opinion on what the best sealants are which you can read about below.
Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection
Extra Gloss Protection is an Autoglym product that I’ve been using since I started my detailing hobby 10 years ago. When it comes to Extra Gloss Protection, a little goes a long way! After making sure the car is clean and if necessary, applying a layer of Super Resin Polish, all you need to do is apply a small amount to a microfibre pad (more information here) or cloth and work it into the car in small sections.
What might put some people off is that it needs to cure for at least 30 minutes before buffing it off. However, the wait is well worth it. Not only does it add an amazing depth of shine to the paint work, but it also repels water and dirt extremely well.
The durability of it is also really good. Depending on the time of the year, you can get anywhere from 4-7 months before you need to apply it again. As always though, this is dependent on how well the paint work was prepped, as well as how often the car is washed. If it’s not washed regularly, it will have an impact on the long term durability of it.
Another thing to consider is that if you get it on plastic trim, it can stain it. In that case, applying Autoglym Fast Glass will be enough to remove these marks. I’ve also used it in the past to protect my alloy wheels.
It’s the cheapest car paint sealant on this list, and it’s also the best. The only downside for some is the curing time. For those that are short of time, the other options below could be a better fit…
Last update on 2023-05-26 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Car Plan No 1 Super Gloss Sealant
Car Plan have been around for quite some time, and have got quite a few products in their detailing range. One of their easiest to apply is Super Gloss Sealant.
Car Plan quote up to 12 months for this, but during my long testing, I’ve found that the longest I’ve had from it is 7 months. This isn’t bad at all, though. In addition to this, the beading of it is very good. In terms of application, it’s extremely easy. Once the car is dry, a maximum of three sprays per panel should then be worked into the paint work by way of microfibre cloth. The cloth should then be flipped over to remove any residue and for the final buff. I found it really easy to apply and was happy with the results from it.
When doing this, I can get the car coated in just under 15 minutes.
What I like about this is that it can also protect plastic trim which is a nice addition. With respect to the gloss levels it gives, it’s really good, but just falls a bit short compared to the Extra Gloss Protection.
However, for those that want to protect their car very quickly and don’t mind that the gloss levels aren’t as high as they possibly could be, this is a great option.
- Patented nanomeric technology
Last update on 2023-05-26 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Gtechniq C2V3 Ceramic Sealant
C2V3 is paint sealant which has ceramic like qualities to it, especially when it comes to water beading. It was originally designed as a way to top up the existing ceramic protection on the car. However, due to how well it works, many people apply it directly onto the car.
There are two ways to apply it. It can be done by applying it sparingly directly to the paint work, at one panel per time. Alternatively, it can be applied to a microfibre cloth, and then wiping the cloth over the paint work. After this, all you need is another microfibre cloth to remove any residue. Like the others on this list, it can also be used on alloy wheels to really make them pop.
In terms of the application speed, I found it to be just as quick as the Car Plan Super Gloss mentioned above. It also has excellent levels of gloss, putting it on par with Extra Gloss Protection.
The durability of it is listed as up to 6 months. During my testing, I’ve found that the protection starts to wane after 4 months. However, when you consider the speed of applying it, as well as how great it makes the car look, this isn’t a deal breaker at all.
One downside though is the price; it is usually double the price of Extra Gloss Protection. For a product that offers similar results at half the price, that can make C2V3 a tough prospect for some. The saving grace though is the fact, as mentioned above, is how quick it can be applied to the car.
With that in mind, it’s an excellent sealant and it will turn a lot of heads for all the right reasons. It really makes cleaning the car a breeze, the dirt and grime just flies off of it.
- DIRT AND WATER REPELLENT: For unrivaled protection and a premium finish to your car’s bodywork, look to Gtechniq and their dirt and water repelling C2 Ceramic Sealant, providing you with the best possible hydrophobic protection come rain or shine.
Last update on 2023-05-26 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.