A good paint protection provides instant slickness, gloss, hydrophobic, and self cleaning properties to your vehicle paint. Without paint protection as a sacrificial layer dirt and contamination sticks to the paint causing difficulty while washing. Some of this contamination can even lead to more long term hard to fix issues with the paint requiring an expensive, time consuming polish. Everyone loves the benefits of a good paint protectant. Here are the best products and techniques to get professional results at home.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind my durability claims are very conservative however I cannot give any durability promises. Your local conditions and care will dictate the durability. The manufacturers as well as product loyal fans will claim longer durability. These longer claims are achievable if your vehicle is properly maintained, cared for and not overly exposed to harsh elements.

Drying Aid: Video

What is a Drying Aid?

A drying aid is a spray on product used to help lubricate the wet surface after the wash process so that a towel can safely be used to dry the vehicle. This technique greatly reduces any chances of scratching or marring the paint. Any un-lubricated contact with the paint will damage the clear coat. A good drying aid should spray on easy, be very slick under the towel, wipe off with little effort, leave a buttery slick feeling on the paint and improve the gloss and shine. A drying aid usually does not have long lasting durability as it will be applied during each wash cycle. Using a low durability drying aid also prevents layering of sealants one on top of the other. This is not a huge concern but is something to consider for people that wash their vehicle regularly. A drying aid can also be considered a topper coat or sacrificial layer for vehicles that have an existing ceramic coating or longer duration sealant applied. Even the best ceramic coatings or spray sealants will start to feel less slick over time. A drying aid should be used every wash to revive that slick feeling and improve the paints hydrophobic properties. Vehicles are highly susceptible to being scratched or marred without proper lubrication during the drying process. A drying aid should be used each time the vehicle is towel dried regardless of any existing protection that may already be on the paint.

Durability: approx. 2-4 weeks

How To Apply: Wash the vehicle. Do not let it dry. Spray product onto the wet surface. A little bit goes a long way. Work one panel at a time not allowing the product to dry. Use a premium drying towel. Spray, wipe and buff dry. Repeat around the entire vehicle. It is safe on all exterior surfaces including glass. Make adjustments to the amount of product sprayed on the panel to achieve the best results for your situation. The surface should feel slick to the touch while drying and even slicker after job is complete.

Pros: My favorite way to apply short to medium duration protection. Extremely forgiving product. Incredibly slick, hydrophobic and glossy. Provides great short term protection. Can be applied after each wash.

Cons: Shorter term durability.

  • #1 ONLINE STORE My favorite drying aid of all. Easy to apply and crazy slick on the paint.

  • #2 AMAZON Old faithful and still a great product. I happily have been using this for years.

Click here for my favorite DRYING tools and products

Spray On Rinse Off Ceramic Sealant: Video

Spray on and rinse off products are the easiest to use of all paint protections. They add instant gloss, hydrophobic, and self cleaning properties to every exterior surface of your vehicle. Spray on and rinse off products protect your vehicle from road debris, dust, and other contaminants making maintenance washes much easier. Should only be reapplied as needed based on evidence of reduced hydrophobic properties.

Durability: approx. 4-6 weeks

How To Apply: Wash the vehicle. Spray product onto the wet surface. A little bit goes a long way. Let the product dwell for about 30 seconds. Do not let it dry or streaking may occur. Rinse off the product from the bottom to the top. This will aid in maximizing the spread of product. After the product is completely spread around and rinsed off, dry the vehicle with a blower or a premium drying towel.

Pros: Incredibly easy to apply. Great short term durability. Great hydrophobic properties.

Cons: Does not provide as much slickness on the surface of the paint as a good drying aid.

  • #1 ONLINE STORE My favorite after vigorous testing. I have had great results with this product. Made in USA.

  • #2 AMAZON Great results and I like it but… Pros: Available on amazon. Cons: not Made in the USA.

Spray Ceramic Sealant: Video

What is a Spray Sealant?

Spray sealants are a quick and easy way of adding long lasting protection to your paint. Spray sealants give the paint an incredibly slick surface with clearly visible gloss and added deepening of color. Spray sealants create a water beading effect on top of the paint. This resistance to anything adhering to the paint provides protection from contamination, chemical stains and also prevents dirt from permanently adhering to the paint making maintenance washes much easier. Should only be reapplied as needed based on evidence of reduced hydrophobic properties.

Durability: approx. 3-4 months.

How To Apply:

Spray one to two sprays onto clean and dry paint surface. Apply one panel at a time. Divide larger surfaces into workable sections to allow time to properly apply the product. After a brief evaporation time, buff off all visible residue with a high quality, clean microfiber cloth. Do not allow sealant to fully dry. Treated vehicles should not be washed for 24 hrs.

Pros: Great durability for a spray on product. Incredibly slick, hydrophobic and glossy. If you don’t have a professional ceramic coating this is for you.

Cons: Slight bit more difficult to apply. More expensive but worth it.

My 2 favorite spray sealants. I have tested most of them and these are the 2 winners. Easy to apply and great results. You get what you pay for.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if any of these links are not working properly Jeremy@HawaiiDetailing.com

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