Wax vs sealant: which is right for your car?
It's the question we get asked most when someone's booking a Gold or Platinum package: should you go for wax, sealant, or both? The honest answer is that they do a similar job (protecting your paintwork and adding shine), but they get there in different ways, and last for very different lengths of time.
What sealant does
Sealant is a synthetic product that bonds tightly to the clear coat, forming a hard, glossy layer that's genuinely durable. It shrugs off rain, road grime and UV better than wax does, which is why it's become the default choice for anyone who wants protection that lasts through weeks of daily driving without much fuss.
On our Gold package we apply a spray wax sealant that holds up for around 6-8 weeks. Platinum steps up to a longer-lasting sealant as its base layer, because on that package we're building toward a full 12 months of protection.
What wax does
Wax is a natural product, usually carnauba-based, that sits on top of the paint rather than bonding into it. What you lose in durability, you gain in depth: wax gives a warmer, richer shine than sealant on its own, which is why detailers often use it as a finishing layer rather than the only protection.
On its own, a wax layer typically lasts a matter of weeks before it needs topping up. That's why on our Platinum package we apply a high quality wax over the sealant base: you get the sealant's durability underneath and the wax's finish on top, for protection that's built to last around 12 months.
So which should you choose?
If you want low-maintenance protection between valets and aren't too fussed about squeezing out the last word in gloss, sealant alone (our Gold package) does the job well. If you want the best finish and the longest-lasting protection, and you're happy to invest a bit more up front, the wax-over-sealant combination on our Platinum package is the one to go for.
Either way, both start with the same groundwork, a snow foam pre-wash and a full hand wash, because wax and sealant only perform well on paintwork that's genuinely clean underneath. Compare the full package breakdowns on our Services page, or get in touch if you're not sure which suits your car.
More from the blog
Does mobile valeting work in winter?
Cold weather, road salt and shorter days: here's what changes (and what doesn't) when you book a mobile valet in winter.
How often should you valet your car?
It depends on how the car's used and how it's stored: here's a realistic guide rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
What is snow foam, and why does every valet start with it?
It looks dramatic, but snow foam earns its place at the start of every package we offer. Here's the reasoning.