Composition

• Polymer paint sealants are composed of thousands of microscopic synthetic particles that link together at the molecular level. When these linked particles bond with a vehicle’s paint, a hardened layer of protection is formed. The result is a man-made finish that has been scientifically engineered to rival the appearance and performance of natural wax.
  
  

Types

• Most polymer paint sealants are available as a liquid and do not contain any natural waxes. This makes them very easy to apply and remove. Some polymer sealants also come in a spray form. In addition to the purely synthetic sealants, there are some products that have been engineered to blend natural waxes with polymers. These hybrid sealants come in a more traditional solid form and are meant to provide the benefits of both natural and synthetic waxes.
  
  

Application

• Since polymer sealants are generally liquids or liquid based they can be easily applied by hand. Some come in spray bottles for increased convenience. After applying a polymer sealant to the car’s surface, wait until the surface dries to a soft haze before wiping it off with a soft cotton or microfiber towel. Depending on the type of polymer sealant, the time between application and buffing can be between 10 and 45 minutes. Machines such as orbital or rotary buffers can also be used to apply and remove synthetic sealants, but often they are not required.
  
  

Advantages

• Synthetic polymer sealants are easier to apply than natural or carnauba waxes since most are in liquid form. Even the hybrid sealants that blend natural wax with polymers are generally less time consuming during application. Polymer sealants also last considerably longer than natural waxes, thanks to their advanced surface adhesion, protecting a car’s paint finish from UV rays and contaminants from four to six months, depending on climate and driving conditions. In contrast, natural waxes need to be reapplied every six or eight weeks in order to maintain their durability and shine.
  
  

Disadvantages

• Although polymer sealants are scientifically engineered for durability, their weakness is their appearance in comparison to natural waxes. As high tech as the polymers might be, natural waxes such as carnauba tend to have a higher level of shine, gloss and reflective characteristics.