When it comes to protecting your car’s paint and maintaining its exterior, you’ve got two main options: wax or sealant. While both provide excellent protection from the elements, there are some key differences between them that will determine which one is best for you. Wax is a natural product made up of beeswax, oils, and resins. It provides a protective layer on top of the paint that helps preserve shine and repel dirt, dust, grime, and even water. However, it doesn’t last as long as sealants—usually, only 2–3 months compared to 6 or more with a sealant. Wax also requires more effort when applied because it needs to be worked into the surface before buffing off. Sealants, which contain synthetic ingredients such as polymers and acrylics, provide much longer-lasting protection than a wax. These create an incredibly durable barrier over the paintwork, so your finish stays looking great for far longer periods of time. Plus, sealants come in spray form, meaning they’re much easier to apply than waxes. All you need to do is give the car a good wash, then spray on the formula and wipe off any residue—no strenuous buffing required! So if durability and convenience are important factors for you, then opt for a sealant instead of wax.