Car Paint Protection & Finish

This is what goes on the paint once it is clean: the layer that protects it, adds gloss and makes the next wash easier. The range runs from quick detailers and spray waxes for between washes to paste waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings, with glazes for extra depth, dressings for faded plastic trim, and the sealants and coatings made for glass, wheels and tyres.

How to choose

• Pick the main layer by how long you want it to last: Car Waxes give a warm gloss but need redoing most often, Paint Sealants last longer for little extra effort, and Ceramic Coatings can last years but take the most prep.
• Top it up between washes with Quick Detailers or Spray Waxes, or as part of the wash with Ceramic Foams.
• Glazes go under wax for extra depth and to hide light swirls; Trim Dressings bring faded black plastics back.
• Glass, wheels and tyres have their own protection: Glass Sealants and Glass Coatings, Wheel Sealants and Wheel Coatings, and Tyre Coatings.

Good to know

• Protection only bonds well to clean paint. Decontaminate first, and before a sealant or coating strip old wax and oils with Panel Wipe & IPA.
• Wax can go on top of a sealant, but most sealants will not bond over wax, so wax goes last.

Is it worth protecting your car paint?

Yes. A layer of protection adds gloss and makes every wash easier. How much to use depends on how long you want it to last: wax needs redoing most often, a sealant lasts longer for little extra effort, and a ceramic coating can last years but takes the most prep.

Related: Exterior, Decontamination, Paint Correction, Applicator Pads, Buffing & Finishing Towels. Popular brands here: Infinity Wax, CarPro, Stjarnagloss, Tenzi.