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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

sealant is a chemical plastic-like bond...like it becomes part of the paint.

wax is natural stuff like minimaybee mentioned. carnauba.

 

Or ear.

 

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?

 

I've read some of your other posts. I love your
sense of humor!

 

warning: Modnar and MCS06 is the same person.


so so sad.

 

Now, now Kenchan....that would be funny!!

 

-5 points, Ken.

Anyway, that's just a rumor. You know nothink! Nothink!

 

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.