Most vehicles are exposed to the outdoors, as long as they are used daily rather than stored safely away. For this reason, some people assume they cannot use their car very often if they want it to look nice for long. Fortunately, paint sealant can protect cars from the elements, making it possible to have a shiny car that looks quite new despite constant use.
Harmful elements exist nearly everywhere in the outdoors. In particularly sunny states, cars constantly might be assaulted with bright sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays, making the paint fade fast. Parking under a tree is not always a solution, since bird droppings also can damage the appearance of a vehicle. Additional damaging substances include acid rain, salt, pollution, and harmful minerals in regular rain. With the number of damaging elements outdoors, it often is no wonder that many owners of new or classic cars are worried about driving them.
Paint sealant is a protective layer that creates a barrier between the paint and any substances that might make contact with the vehicle. Aside from protecting it, paint sealant also makes the surface shiny. In fact, it usually is considered similar to car wax, but tends to last longer, partly because the melting point of this type of sealer is much higher than that of wax. For this reason, it usually needs to be applied less often, about every six months compared to about every month for regular car wax. Another difference is that paint sealant forms a hard barrier around the car, while wax tends to penetrate the paint.
There are a few types of paint sealant on the market. Some are made mostly of polymers, while others include a combination of polymers, acrylics, and resins. One thing most paint sealants have in common is that they are synthetic, rather than made of naturally occurring materials. The majority do not contain cleaning products, which many car enthusiasts appreciate since they typically like to use cleaners before applying a sealing coat.
Various types of paint sealant have special advantages. Some have added protection against corrosion, while others are particularly fast-drying. Older versions generally required several coats, and usually took a long time to dry. Newer types usually are known for being quite easy to apply, typically requiring only one coat. Most can be applied by hand or with a polisher, which makes them attractive to those who are not exactly professional car detailers.