I understand the differance between wax and polish. Can someone explain the differance between wax, glazes and sealents? Are there advantages to using one verses the others?

 

Wax and Sealant are essentially the same step in the process - they're the Last Step Product (LSP) that you put on your paint to protect it from the elements/UV rays/etc. Wax typically refers to a natural carnauba-based product, while Sealant typically refers to some sort of polymer/acrylic/synthetic type protectant, some of which can be layered. People will also often "top" their sealant with a natural wax.

Additionally, sealants TEND to give more of a highly reflective or glassy look while waxes TEND to give a warmer, deeper and wetter look. This is part of the reason people will top their sealant with a wax. Natural waxes also tend to be the best choice for reds, yellows and blacks due to their depth and warmth, while sealants often give the best look on silver, white and blue.

Sealants also often claim greater durability than natural carnaubas, though some carnaubas are renowned for their durability.

A glaze (such as Meguiars #7, Red Moose) is a filler-heavy non-abrasive step between polishing and waxing (typically only before natural wax) that can deepen, darken and "wet" a finish substantially. Due to heavy fillers and oils, glazes are best reserved for use with a natural carnauba wax, as they can inhibit the bonding and curing of a synthetic sealant.

Glazes can and often are used as a topper for car shows, but have limited to zero durability.

That about cover it?

 

Thanks for the great explanation.