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Autoglym LifeShine Paint and Upholstery Sealant FAQ

At MAX WAX, we are passionate about what a quality paint sealant can do for your vehicle. Below are some common questions we often get asked regarding paint sealants. Of course if you have any other questions please get in touch.

What is a paint sealant?

The first thing to emphasise is that a paint sealant is not a wax. A car wax has a relatively weak chemical composition. This means that the life of a wax is limited to a few months, before it requires another application.

A paint sealant is composed of complex plastic polymers. Once a sealant is applied to your vehicle this cross linked polymer structure provides a coating which is much stronger and more resistant than a wax.

The Autoglym LifeShine paint sealant is guaranteed to keep protecting your car for ten years. Please click here to read the Autoglym's LifeShine brochure.

Will I still need to wash my car?

Yes, having a paint sealant does not mean you don't have to clean your car . Autoglym LifeShine provides the long lasting hard protection for your paintwork, and the products supplied in the aftercare kit will make maintaining your vehicle simple.

With a sealant applied, you will find that your car stays cleaner for longer, and is far easier to clean.

Does a sealant affect the value of my car?

Yes, your car will stay newer for longer. We maintain several LifeShined vehicles that are over 5 years old with paintwork as good as when the vehicle was brand new.

It is also an extra selling point, most dealerships ask if a car has been treated when trading in; they know if a car has been sealed it will be easy to put life back into the paintwork, and get the upholstery clean.

Is Autoglym Lifeshine the best paint sealant available?

There are several different paint sealants available on the market. In our experience Autoglym products have always provided the best quality and performance.

How long does it take to apply it?

It depends on the condition of your vehicle. The aim is to seal in perfection, so your vehicle is given a full valet to ensure all dirt and stains are removed prior to the sealant application. The valeter then applies a generous coating over every millimetre of paintwork, and upholstery. The sealants are then left to cure before the residue is buffed away.

The average duration is 6-8 man hours.

Can I apply it myself?

It is very unwise to attempt to apply a paint sealant yourself.

Remember these products are not like wax. Once applied the sealant soaks into the upper layer of the paintwork, so are very difficult and expensive to remove. Of course if applied correctly it does not need to be removed, and it is this durability that provides the long lasting protection.

A polymer sealant unlike a wax contains no diffusers or fillers to hide scratches, and will in fact make any imperfections in the paint look worse. That's just one of the many problems that can be encountered if the car is not prepared properly and the sealant applied following the correct procedure.

Why should i use you and not the dealership?

We are professional valeters who see a paint sealant as a vital part of your vehicles maintenance not just an add on for the salesmen.

We are meticulous in our care and application; can you guarantee this from a forecourt valeter?

If required we will spend a whole day valeting your vehicle to ensure we are sealing in perfection. Our customers almost always say their car looked better after being LifeShined by MAX WAX than it did when it left the forecourt.

How shiny does it make my car?

The primary goal of a paint sealant is to protect the cars paint work allowing it to retain its shine for years to come. The occasional application of a polish or gloss wax on top of the sealant will keep your paintwork in peak shiny condition.

Does it protect against damage like scratches?

The Autoglym Lifeshine's primary function is to protect from dirt, oxidization, UV damage and staining.

The coating is proven to make the paintwork slightly harder, and therefore a bit more scratch and stone-chip resistant. However it is not bullet proof so do not expect it to protect from deep scratches from keys etc.

What do I get in the Autoglym after care kit?

The aftercare kit supplies all the products required for several years maintenance after your LifesShine application.

Lifeshine Aftercare Kit - Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner.
- Custom Wheel Cleaner.
- Super Resin Polish.
- Extra Gloss Protection.
- Interior Shampoo.
- Vinyl and Rubber Care.
- Car Glass Polish.
- Quick Clear Screenwash.
- Bird Dropping Wipes.


How can I remove tar spots without removing the paint sealant?

It is inevitable that your paintwork will get occasional tar spots especially around the bottom third of your bodywork and front grill area. Your paint sealant will make it alot easier to remove by keeping the tar right on the surface of the paintwork. 'Autoglym Super Resin Polish' which is supplied in your after care kit should lift off most tar spots. However if this still doesn't budge that stubborn tar, 'Autoglym Tar and Glue Remover' will do the trick. (Note: If you do use Autoglym Tar and Glue remover we suggest applying a small amount of Super Resin Polish to the area afterwards).

Can I use high power pressure washing equipment without removing the sealant?

Yes, even the most powerful pressure washers wont remove a paint sealant.

I'm getting my vehicle sign written, should I get the vehicle LifeShined first?

Yes, the paint sealant will help protect the paintwork from the solvents in the stickers' adhesives. It will also greatly reduce UV fading to the un-stickered paintwork, so when it comes to de-stickering your vehicle for selling it will be much easy to get an even finish across the entire vehicle.