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Posted by: Bigs Dec 23 2005, 01:43 PM

UPDATED info from Paul! Thanks Mang!

Glaze, Carnuba, Sealant

Body shops, Detailers and Enthusiasts could be another name for this post since the definition of these products tend to be used to mean different things. Especially in the body shop mode. Actually in terms of detailing, these three products are very different and are used to achieve not only a varied look but are much different in their function.

Glaze ~ is a oil based product such as 3M IHG and Meguiars #7. They merely fill mild scratches and swirls and add a tremendous amount of DEPTH! to the paint. They do eliminate the marks. Consider this product the"cosmetics" of paint. Administer your coat using a circular motion as you really want to "push" the product into those small ridges of existing scratches and swirls. After you glaze your car, it is like putting on a pair of 3D glasses when observing the final results~~DEPTH!, DEEP DEPTH! However, glazes tend to be rather volitile, in that they will simply evaporate quickly if not sealed. Many cars at shows are quickly given a glaze application before entry to get that last BLING! It could last hours or max a day without being sealed bycarnuubauba. Essentially no protection is given by the glaze. It's use is purely for vanity......There is no protection involved with the use of a glaze. If you wish to add DEPTH! use a glaze.
There is something unique about them as well......the term "skinning" comes to mind.
3M's IHG and Meguiars #7 are oil based glazes and will fill the scratches but not remove them. Glazes in general are a tricky product to use. They have a tendency to "skin" in the removal process. As explained to me by Mike Phillips of Meguiars, think of a bowl of pudding ~ you can take that top layer off, then later it will reappear. Glazes are like this as well. When taking off what you have laid down, take off one layer, another layer of haze will reappear, take that off, then gradually you have taken off the hazing glaze. try not to take all the layers off at once, it will only frustrate you more and possible create some added swirls or scratches sue to the force being administered to the paint, especially black paint.

***UPDATE*** There are new Glazes using an Acrylic Polymer Resin, manufactured by Chemical Guys and they are easy on / easy off. It is a liquid and the application is like a very creamy liquid wax. No hasslel product. It leaves the car looking like an oil based product without the time or effort. There is no "skinning" by product. As a result No HAZING with this product........It really is a beautiful thing.

Carnauba ~ A wax's primary responsibility is to add protection to your vehicle. That is whacarnauba's's function really is. Now there are various formula's some are seemingly more reflective(maybe a clearer form of carnauba(less yellow) and other's seemingly add depth and color to the vehicle. It is also used to seal your polishing and glaze, if used. Eventhough after a wax the car seems to shine, it is really the prep work which the carnauba accentuates that we really see. How long will a carnauba last? Depends on which one you use and even then it is very debatable. Some mention that they lost the "beading action" after four weeks. Well beading occurs only because of surface tension/friction and nothing more. It may or may not be an indicator of the durability of the carnauba. Not to cross lines but I will mention here, there are some synthetic formulated Sealants which are designed to sheet the water and not create any surface tension. So after the first rain do not think it isn't protecting. Carnauba's tend to give a very Warm, enriching glow to the automobile. A deeper, warm shine.

Sealants ~ Many types and varieties. Some very synthetic, others based with carnauba. The most important thing here is a sealant meant to give the longest protection of any LSP product. The wrap on synthetics, if you will, is that they tend to be somewhat cold in appearencee. Similar to a "plastic" being wrapped around the car. Now, many new products have come out using new technologies combining many chemical reaction and these sealants are looking dramatically warm and carnauba like with the added benefit of extended protection. Again as mentioned, some bead water, some do not....so don't be fooleded.....beading water is merely caused by surface friction.

Hopefully this will assist you in your search for the most desireable method. In searching some have found toping sealants with carnuba's to invite interesting possibilities. Again, any more than two to three layers (max) of any product seems to begin reaching a diminished returns on the final result. Two layers sometimes would be valuable purely from a coverage standpoint. Making sure all the areas are fully filled.



I will recommend a few popular combos, then it's for you to decide!


#1 - Klasse All-In-One with P21S

Klasse AIO is a fantastic synthetic product that does everything. Clean, Protects and Polishes. AIO brings out exceptional depth like I have never seen. P21S is carnaubaba wax that will bring out the shine like no other wax. (except Pinnacle but that's over $90 a jar!)
For absolutely fantastic results, I would add 1 coat of AIO (2 if surface is in really bad shape) and 2 of P21S. Keep in mind the P21S will not last long but the AIO is there to protect for 6 months. But P21S is the easier wax that you will ever apply and remove!

#2 - Klasse All-In-One with Poorboys EX Sealant with Carnauba

This is also a combo that is hard to beat. I would say it's very very close to the above selection. EX Sealant is a little harder to apply and remove. It's recommended to let EX Sealant sit for a good 30 minutes. Poorboy's products can also be applied in the sun (with reduced quality IMO). Again, I would add a few layers of each! Also, Poorboy's EX-P Sealant is also available but has no carnauba and gives the same result!

#3 - Klasse All-In-One with Klasse Sealant Glaze
This is a combo that is sure to protect your surface! The SG is harder to work with and have the option of applying and removing right away. The company recommends to let it set on the car for at least 30 minutes or even longer. This combo also give great results and will protect for at least 6 months. This combo is great for light colours!

#4 - Meguiars NXT

This is IMO the best one coat product available in retail stores. It's easy to use and gives great results! Brings out the depth and shine while giving great protection. I also recommend the paste wax over liquid. Personally, I would add a coat of AIO before adding this product!


Again, these are products I recommend. There are tons of great products out there to satisfy the detailer in you! Most products listed above are only available in specialty shops or online.

Proper paint preparationn is also required toachievee great results.

Sorry that was long!