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Been reading through some of the detailing threads and realize that I really am clueless about this stuff. What is the difference between and wax and a sealant? Can a wax be a sealant and visa versa?
Also, what does a detailing spray do?
Thanks for your help. Feeling pretty stupid even asking these questions.
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'04 Cooper S yellow and black
'08 Lightning Blue Clubman S
Technically speaking I believe wax is a natural product like bee's wax or carnauba wax while a sealant is synthetic like a polymer or acrylic. I tend to use the term wax for either.
Detailing spray or quick detailer or QD is used to wipe up minor surface dust or add shine to a surface. The lubricity and surface tension allow dirt to be picked up from a surface rather than dragged over it. This only applies to slight dusting. I use QD (specifically Slick) for daily wipe downs if my MINI is not too dirty, help clean brake dust from my wheels and to do a final wipe down after waxing ... er... sealing.
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Last edited by MiniMaybee; 05-01-2008 at 01:30 PM.
I think most people tend to use the term wax for both, but MiniMaybee is right, technically wax is some sort of natural "true" wax while a polymer or other chemical-based wax is really a sealant. Sealants usually last longer (up to several months) compared to waxes (usually just up to several weeks), although of course there are always exceptions.
wax is natural stuff like minimaybee mentioned. carnauba.
Or ear.
__________________ Boris Badenov \ '07 MCS \ CR/W|Sport Stripes|16" White Bridge-Spokes|Premium Pkg|Cold Weather Pkg|White Turn Signals|Sport Suspension|DSC|LSD|Rear Fogs|Rooster Red/Black Seats|Rooster Red Color Line|Brushed Alloy Dash|Chrome Line Interior|Anthracite Headliner|Alarm|Hi-Fi|HD Radio|Illuminated Door Sills|Clear Bra|Grille Badge Holder \ Ordered 10/25 \ Completed 11/9 \ Delivered 12/17 \ "Smokey, this is not NAM. This is bowling. There are rules." -Walter Sobchak
I'm now the proud owner of a 2005 MCSc. Previous owner lazily put 4k mile on her in 3 years. I've done almost the same in 2.5 months.
Knowing I should WAX/SEAL my baby, instructions please. I know wax on, wax off but clay, buff, hot, cold, shade, sun? WHAT?
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2005 MCS Cabrio R52 "WINNIE" CB/B | Premium Package | Chrome Package | Dark Blue Leather | Aero Side Skirts | Driving Lights | Shorty Antenna | Custom Dk. Blue B+B Stripes w/ Chrome Pin Stripes | Chrome R52 Boot Logo | DSC | MFSW | Euro Parcel Shelf | Auto-Up Windows | Brake Light Pulsar
Last edited by Madison MS MINI; 05-02-2008 at 12:54 PM.
Reason: spelling
Anyway, that's just a rumor. You know nothink! Nothink!
__________________ Boris Badenov \ '07 MCS \ CR/W|Sport Stripes|16" White Bridge-Spokes|Premium Pkg|Cold Weather Pkg|White Turn Signals|Sport Suspension|DSC|LSD|Rear Fogs|Rooster Red/Black Seats|Rooster Red Color Line|Brushed Alloy Dash|Chrome Line Interior|Anthracite Headliner|Alarm|Hi-Fi|HD Radio|Illuminated Door Sills|Clear Bra|Grille Badge Holder \ Ordered 10/25 \ Completed 11/9 \ Delivered 12/17 \ "Smokey, this is not NAM. This is bowling. There are rules." -Walter Sobchak
OK, now we know the difference between car wax & sealant......which is better to protect the paint? I've never had a car that was so easy to get a scratch. I'm almost afraid to take it out. And, I've noticed some kind of liquid that has run down on the paint in 2 places, from the inside of the engine area and its almost impossible to get off. What could that be? The color is a light dirty yellowish brown.
The goo is called Cosmoline, a wax applied before the MINI goes to sea to protect against corrosion. A steam cleaning at the VDC removes most, but not all. Heat and time will reveal more as it seeps from seams and creases. Do a search to find tricks to remove it. OctaneGuy actually has a new product that promises to aid in the removal.
Neither wax not sealant will protect your finish from scratches. Which is better is a matter of personal preference. Natural waxes don't last as long as synthetics and will evaporate with heat. Some like the looks of carnauba more so than synthetics, some don't. I go for durability which has lead me to using Prima Epic, a synthetic polymer based synthetic.
