The main difference is that car wax is a natural product but paint sealant is synthetic. Car paint waxes typically contain carnauba, montan and bees wax. Some sealants are called ‘synthetic waxes’ but, in truth, if they contain synthetic compounds they are actually sealants.
Waxes have to be wiped off after they have been applied. They also have to be reapplied quite frequently – around every six to eight weeks. However, sealants can sometimes be left on and will last for up to a year.
Many people feel that wax gives a warmer appearance that is more reflective whereas others struggle to tell the difference between waxed and sealed paint surfaces. You are more likely to be able to tell the difference on dark paintwork than on light paintwork.