Is Paint Sealant Protection Necessary for All Cars?

In this article you will learn:

Why you should always protect your vehicle's paintwork

The benefits of using a car wax or paint sealant

When and how often to apply paint protection to your car

If you're here, you're probably wondering, what's the big deal? Do I really need to wax my car?

After all, your friends, your family no one else you know is doing it, and their cars look just fine. So, is paint protection necessary, or is it a huge waste of time and money?

If you never wax a day in your life, the paint isn't going to fall off your car. But, your car is going to age a lot faster, and, in maybe five, 10 years from now, it may even look twice its age.

Let's uncover the science behind why every car needs paint protection.

The first line of defense

Your car's clear coat is extremely thin, measuring about 1.5 to 2 microns thick. That's thinner than a sheet of paper!

Needless to say, it doesn't take more than an unfortunate scrape in the parking lot to wind up with one or more scratches through the clear coat. Once the damage reaches your car's color coat underneath the clear coat, the entire panel will need to be touched up or repainted to restore your car to its original, showroom look.

And that's not all. Your car also takes a beating from the sun's UV rays, which can cause the paint to eventually crack, fade and oxidize. Plus, if it's been a while since you've taken your car through the car wash (or better yet, washed it yourself!), tough stains, like tree sap or bird droppings, can actually react to sun exposure and burn through the clear coat.

Over time, the damage begins to add up. Your car won't shine like it used to, and removing those scratches and swirls will be expensive. Professional detailers may even recommend a whole new paint job, depending on how extensive the damage is.

The solution? Paint protection, like car wax or paint sealants, creates a sacrificial barrier on top of the clear coat that becomes your vehicle's first line of defense. This temporary layer protects your vehicle by taking the beating your clear coat would have received from the outside world. The result, when used regularly, is a car that looks just as good as the day you first bought it 10, even 20 years down the line.

It cleans up nicer

Paint protection doesn't just defend your clear coat from the outside world; it also makes rinsing the dirt and grime off your car much easier and a lot more convenient.

Car wax, in particular, creates a slick, slippery surface that is much more difficult for dirt to adhere to. This makes especially difficult stains, like tar and bird droppings, a piece of cake to remove with just a little bit of car wash soap and some water.

Most wax products are also hydrophobic, meaning that they repel water and promote water beading. So, as you rinse and dry your freshly washed car, the excess water will bead up and run off the sides, preventing streaks and water stains on your spotless finish!

When should I use paint protection?

Whether you use a simple carnauba wax or a car paint sealant, the best time to apply paint protection is after you wash and dry your vehicle. You should always use paint protection on a clean surface. The last thing you want to do is seal abrasive soils and other pollutants into the finish.

If you're a beginner, take 5-10 minutes after you wash your car to apply a spray wax like Hybrid Solutions PRO Flex Wax. Spray waxes are especially easy to use; just mist 1-2 sprays onto each panel and wipe with a folded microfiber cloth. Once you're done, your car will sport a high gloss shine that lasts and lasts. Plus, PRO Flex Wax also gives you the unparalleled durability of pure graphene, making this convenient spray more powerful than any liquid or paste.

If you're an enthusiast looking to create an even deeper shine, take the time to learn how to use DA polishers and polishing compounds. With a little bit of paint correction, your wax or sealant will go on smoother and shine even brighter! For a complete guide to DA polishers, check out our previous article here.

After you've washed your car and buffed out any scratches or swirls, our Hybrid Solutions PRO to the Max Wax is the product for you. Featuring the same graphene-infused formula as the PRO Flex Wax, this liquid wax offers a foolproof defense against the elements while creating an incredible, wet-like gloss. And, with the right maintenance, your showroom look will last for months.

Whatever type of paint protection you choose, make sure to use it regularly. Natural waxes, like carnauba wax, last about 3 months before they need to be reapplied. Ceramic coatings and graphene waxes can last for up to 12 months with the occasional touch ups. It's always a good idea to use a spray wax to top off paint protection to get the most out of your wax or ceramic coating.

The bottom line

Is paint protection necessary? If you care about the look of your car, then yes. And even if a few scratches aren't an issue for you, those minor cosmetic defects can start to add up and affect the resale value of your car.

Applying wax or paint sealant doesn't have to be boring, and, with convenient spray products, it doesn't take long. In fact, it can be a therapeutic experience to transform and restore your car to showroom fresh.

So, take a Saturday afternoon to grab your favorite drink, put the radio on and spend some time in the driveway, enjoying the weather and taking care of your car. Your car will thank you for the extra effort.