Wax & Sealants

Shield your vehicle from the elements with RIOAUTOHUB premium selection of car waxes and synthetic sealants. We stock the world's finest carnauba pastes for a deep show car glow and advanced polymer sealants for long lasting durability. Whether you prefer the traditional ritual of applying a paste wax or the speed of a modern spray sealant our range ensures your paint remains hydrophobic, glossy, and protected against UV damage.

6 products

The Ultimate Guide to Car Wax & Paint Sealants

Wax vs. Sealant: What is the Difference?

While both protect your paint they use different chemistry to achieve results.

  • Car Wax (Carnauba): Derived from natural palm leaves. It provides a warm, deep, "wet look" shine that is favored by show car enthusiasts. However, natural wax sits on top of the paint and typically lasts only 4 to 8 weeks before needing reapplication.
  • Paint Sealant (Synthetic): Made from man made polymers. These bond tighter to the paint surface creating a hard, glassy shell. They are far more durable than wax, often lasting 4 to 12 months, and provide better resistance to heat and detergents.

How to Choose the Right Protection

Your choice depends on your priorities: aesthetics or durability.

  • For the "Daily Driver": Choose a Synthetic Sealant. If your car sits outside or is driven every day you need the chemical resistance and longevity that a sealant provides.
  • For the "Weekend Toy": Choose a Carnauba Paste Wax. If your car is garaged and you want the absolute deepest gloss for a Sunday drive, nothing beats high grade carnauba.
  • For the "Best of Both": Many detailers apply a sealant first for protection and then "top" it with a layer of wax for the glow. This is often called "The Perfect Shine."

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The golden rule of waxing is "Thin is In."

  1. Prep: The paint must be clean and dry. For best results use a clay bar first to ensure the surface is smooth.
  2. Apply: Put a small amount of wax or sealant on a soft foam applicator pad.
  3. Spread: Apply to the panel in a thin, even layer using circular overlapping motions. You only need a microscopic layer; anything extra is just waste that is hard to remove.
  4. Cure (The Haze): Let the product sit for 5 to 10 minutes (check bottle instructions) until it turns into a light haze. Swipe it with your finger; if the paint underneath is clear, it is ready to remove.
  5. Buff: Wipe away the haze with a clean, plush microfiber towel.

Common Waxing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying too Thick: Applying a thick layer does not add more protection. It just makes the wax extremely difficult to buff off and clogs your towels.
  • Waxing Plastic Trim: Most traditional pastes and sealants will stain black plastic trim white. These stains are very hard to remove. Always tape off trim or be very careful near edges.
  • Waxing in the Sun: Never wax a hot car. The wax will bake onto the surface instantly and will streak significantly when you try to wipe it off.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wax & Sealants

Q: Can I use a sealant on top of a ceramic coating?
A: It is generally not recommended. Most sealants contain solvents that can mask the superior properties of the ceramic coating. If you want to top a ceramic coating use a product specifically designed for it, usually labeled "Ceramic Booster" or "SiO2 Spray."

Q: Is liquid wax better than paste wax?
A: Not necessarily better, just different. Liquid waxes are easier to apply by machine and often contain more synthetic polymers for durability. Paste waxes are applied by hand and typically contain higher concentrations of carnauba for maximum gloss.

Q: How long does a sealant take to cure?
A: While you wipe it off after 10 minutes, synthetic sealants usually take 12 to 24 hours to fully "cross link" and harden. Try to keep the car dry and out of the rain for this period to get the maximum lifespan from the product.