Social media "Wonder Spray" sealants
05-23-2019, 02:25 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Social media "Wonder Spray" sealants
As a Corvette owner and detailing enthusiast, I am hoping to help prevent my fellow owners from falling for marketing hype and spending way too much money on mediocre products. I have seen quite a few threads made regarding all the “never heard of before” spray sealants that flood social media pages. “F11 Topcoat”, “The Last Coat”, “Produxa”, “Dual Polymer”, “Torque Mirror Shine”, “Shine Armor”, “R1”, etc., etc. are some of the most frequently-seen brands. I have commented on a few such threads, but thought it would be a good idea to create a separate thread that potential product buyers can refer to before making any purchase decision. I will tell you right now, NONE OF THEM are worth the crazy $30, $40, even $50 per 16oz bottle that they charge.
Let’s start by paraphrasing the claims made by the manufacturers of these spray products:
“Never wash your car again!”
“Never polish your car again!”
“Never wax your car again!”
“Lasts for months!”
“Just spray on and buff off!”
“Polymer formula that bonds to paint!”
“Hydrophobic formula that beads water!”
“Use on paint, glass, chrome, plastic!”
The short answer to the above claims is “Duh”. All synthetic spray sealants pretty much do exactly what these manufacturers are claiming. The difference is the marketing. People read the claims and think “that is amazing”. The average car owner browsing Facebook has absolutely no idea that a $6 bottle of Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax" found on every retail shelf in the USA will accomplish the same goals. That is because the retail products aren’t marketed to be “miracles in a bottle”.
Never wash your car again? Of course. Many enthusiasts, including myself, have been using waterless wash products for quite some time now. Think about it---if you spray a polymer product with a lot of lubricity on your dusty paint, why wouldn’t it be able to be cleaned? It is doing what soap does, just without water. It loosens and lifts the dirt, and you gently wipe it off. No magic.
Never polish your car again? Okay. How is this possible? The only way to remove swirl marks and fine scratches from your paint is to polish them out. So, how does this stuff work? Fillers. A lot of fillers. Usually silicone-based, and they fill in the minor defects in your paint, giving the appearance of a perfectly flat surface that light can reflect off of instead of being refracted by the scratch. BOOM, instant “gloss”. Much like someone who wears a ton of makeup to hide imperfections, this is a temporary fix that doesn’t really fix anything.
Never wax your car again? Well, sure. You don’t have to use any carnauba wax at all to protect your paint. There are hundreds of synthetic sealants on the market. If you use a convenient spray sealant often enough, you obviously will never need to use a paste or cream product again. This is a no-brainer.
Do these social media wonder sprays work, though? Of course, they “work”. They are simply synthetic polymer spray sealants like any other. They all work. The difference is the PRICE. These wonder sprays are INSANELY priced, and people are throwing away their money. Look guys, a spray sealant can only do so much. One spray sealant isn't incredibly different than another. There aren't many secret ingredients that other manufacturers aren't already using in their own products. Over 90% of your car’s paint gloss is due to the correction phase---the compounding and polishing. Anything else you add to the paint afterwards (waxes, sealants, coatings) will just enhance the gloss. I promise you that on a well-polished car, if you sprayed half the hood with $50 wonder spray and half the hood with $6 Walmart spray, you wouldn’t notice much of a difference in gloss. With that in mind, why would anyone pay $30, $40, and even $50 per 16oz bottle of wonder spray when you can buy an entire GALLON of synthetic spray sealant from reputable, well-known, established auto detailing product manufacturers for LESS money? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Let’s start by paraphrasing the claims made by the manufacturers of these spray products:
“Never wash your car again!”
“Never polish your car again!”
“Never wax your car again!”
“Lasts for months!”
“Just spray on and buff off!”
“Polymer formula that bonds to paint!”
“Hydrophobic formula that beads water!”
“Use on paint, glass, chrome, plastic!”
The short answer to the above claims is “Duh”. All synthetic spray sealants pretty much do exactly what these manufacturers are claiming. The difference is the marketing. People read the claims and think “that is amazing”. The average car owner browsing Facebook has absolutely no idea that a $6 bottle of Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax" found on every retail shelf in the USA will accomplish the same goals. That is because the retail products aren’t marketed to be “miracles in a bottle”.
Never wash your car again? Of course. Many enthusiasts, including myself, have been using waterless wash products for quite some time now. Think about it---if you spray a polymer product with a lot of lubricity on your dusty paint, why wouldn’t it be able to be cleaned? It is doing what soap does, just without water. It loosens and lifts the dirt, and you gently wipe it off. No magic.
Never polish your car again? Okay. How is this possible? The only way to remove swirl marks and fine scratches from your paint is to polish them out. So, how does this stuff work? Fillers. A lot of fillers. Usually silicone-based, and they fill in the minor defects in your paint, giving the appearance of a perfectly flat surface that light can reflect off of instead of being refracted by the scratch. BOOM, instant “gloss”. Much like someone who wears a ton of makeup to hide imperfections, this is a temporary fix that doesn’t really fix anything.
Never wax your car again? Well, sure. You don’t have to use any carnauba wax at all to protect your paint. There are hundreds of synthetic sealants on the market. If you use a convenient spray sealant often enough, you obviously will never need to use a paste or cream product again. This is a no-brainer.
Do these social media wonder sprays work, though? Of course, they “work”. They are simply synthetic polymer spray sealants like any other. They all work. The difference is the PRICE. These wonder sprays are INSANELY priced, and people are throwing away their money. Look guys, a spray sealant can only do so much. One spray sealant isn't incredibly different than another. There aren't many secret ingredients that other manufacturers aren't already using in their own products. Over 90% of your car’s paint gloss is due to the correction phase---the compounding and polishing. Anything else you add to the paint afterwards (waxes, sealants, coatings) will just enhance the gloss. I promise you that on a well-polished car, if you sprayed half the hood with $50 wonder spray and half the hood with $6 Walmart spray, you wouldn’t notice much of a difference in gloss. With that in mind, why would anyone pay $30, $40, and even $50 per 16oz bottle of wonder spray when you can buy an entire GALLON of synthetic spray sealant from reputable, well-known, established auto detailing product manufacturers for LESS money? It just doesn’t make any sense.
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Popular Reply
05-23-2019, 02:25 PM
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Something else to consider: Don’t you ever wonder why you have never heard of any of these companies? Don’t you ever wonder why they only offer one, two, or maybe three products? Don’t you ever wonder why they are never used by professional detailers who detail vehicles daily for a living? Think about these things before you waste your money. They are simply targeting the uneducated consumer who knows very little about auto detailing products, and then they take advantage of them. In reality, many of these products have been tested by professionals, and none of them lived up to the hype. In fact, a few of them performed very poorly.
Here are a few 16oz products that I recommend you buy. These have all been used and suggested by professional detailers. They all work well as designed. They provide some gloss enhancement and they add protection to your paint. Personally, I use them as “toppers” over a paste or cream sealant, but they can be used as stand-alone forms of paint protection if you use them regularly. These are also all from big companies that sell pro-level products. They are not from some no-name company that just appeared on Instagram. Please notice the prices before you spend another $40-60 on 16oz of some wonder spray…
P&S “Bead Maker”, $10
Nanoskin “Nano Shock”, $10
Duragloss “Aquawax”, $10
Sonax “Brilliant Shine Detailer”, $17
Meguiar’s “Hybrid Ceramic Wax”, $17
Meguiar’s “Ultimate Fast Finish”, $18
McKee’s 37 “Hydro Blue SiO2 Coating”, $20
Mother’s “CMX Ceramic Spray”, $22
Wolfgang “Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant”, $25
303 “SiO2 Touchless Sealant”, $25
Here is the secret unsung hero that is sitting on your retail shelf. Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax", $6
Yep. Much to many people's surprise, this cheap hybrid spray wax/sealant has been tested and proven to be very durable. It enhances gloss, it is very hydrophobic, and it just seems to last. It actually takes pretty strong chemical cleaners to remove this stuff from your paint. For $6, you need to try it. Use it alone, or as a spray detailer. Use it on top of wax or other sealants. Paint, glass, chrome, plastic, etc. It works very well and nobody knows...
I hope this sheds a little light on these fly-by-night miracle sauce sprays for you guys. I can't make you not buy them, but I can inform you of what you are buying and make alternative suggestions. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Here are a few 16oz products that I recommend you buy. These have all been used and suggested by professional detailers. They all work well as designed. They provide some gloss enhancement and they add protection to your paint. Personally, I use them as “toppers” over a paste or cream sealant, but they can be used as stand-alone forms of paint protection if you use them regularly. These are also all from big companies that sell pro-level products. They are not from some no-name company that just appeared on Instagram. Please notice the prices before you spend another $40-60 on 16oz of some wonder spray…
P&S “Bead Maker”, $10
Nanoskin “Nano Shock”, $10
Duragloss “Aquawax”, $10
Sonax “Brilliant Shine Detailer”, $17
Meguiar’s “Hybrid Ceramic Wax”, $17
Meguiar’s “Ultimate Fast Finish”, $18
McKee’s 37 “Hydro Blue SiO2 Coating”, $20
Mother’s “CMX Ceramic Spray”, $22
Wolfgang “Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant”, $25
303 “SiO2 Touchless Sealant”, $25
Here is the secret unsung hero that is sitting on your retail shelf. Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax", $6
Yep. Much to many people's surprise, this cheap hybrid spray wax/sealant has been tested and proven to be very durable. It enhances gloss, it is very hydrophobic, and it just seems to last. It actually takes pretty strong chemical cleaners to remove this stuff from your paint. For $6, you need to try it. Use it alone, or as a spray detailer. Use it on top of wax or other sealants. Paint, glass, chrome, plastic, etc. It works very well and nobody knows...I hope this sheds a little light on these fly-by-night miracle sauce sprays for you guys. I can't make you not buy them, but I can inform you of what you are buying and make alternative suggestions. Good luck with whatever you choose.
05-23-2019, 02:25 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Something else to consider: Don’t you ever wonder why you have never heard of any of these companies? Don’t you ever wonder why they only offer one, two, or maybe three products? Don’t you ever wonder why they are never used by professional detailers who detail vehicles daily for a living? Think about these things before you waste your money. They are simply targeting the uneducated consumer who knows very little about auto detailing products, and then they take advantage of them. In reality, many of these products have been tested by professionals, and none of them lived up to the hype. In fact, a few of them performed very poorly.
Here are a few 16oz products that I recommend you buy. These have all been used and suggested by professional detailers. They all work well as designed. They provide some gloss enhancement and they add protection to your paint. Personally, I use them as “toppers” over a paste or cream sealant, but they can be used as stand-alone forms of paint protection if you use them regularly. These are also all from big companies that sell pro-level products. They are not from some no-name company that just appeared on Instagram. Please notice the prices before you spend another $40-60 on 16oz of some wonder spray…
P&S “Bead Maker”, $10
Nanoskin “Nano Shock”, $10
Duragloss “Aquawax”, $10
Sonax “Brilliant Shine Detailer”, $17
Meguiar’s “Hybrid Ceramic Wax”, $17
Meguiar’s “Ultimate Fast Finish”, $18
McKee’s 37 “Hydro Blue SiO2 Coating”, $20
Mother’s “CMX Ceramic Spray”, $22
Wolfgang “Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant”, $25
303 “SiO2 Touchless Sealant”, $25
Here is the secret unsung hero that is sitting on your retail shelf. Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax", $6 Yep. Much to many people's surprise, this cheap hybrid spray wax/sealant has been tested and proven to be very durable. It enhances gloss, it is very hydrophobic, and it just seems to last. It actually takes pretty strong chemical cleaners to remove this stuff from your paint. For $6, you need to try it. Use it alone, or as a spray detailer. Use it on top of wax or other sealants. Paint, glass, chrome, plastic, etc. It works very well and nobody knows...
I hope this sheds a little light on these fly-by-night miracle sauce sprays for you guys. I can't make you not buy them, but I can inform you of what you are buying and make alternative suggestions. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Here are a few 16oz products that I recommend you buy. These have all been used and suggested by professional detailers. They all work well as designed. They provide some gloss enhancement and they add protection to your paint. Personally, I use them as “toppers” over a paste or cream sealant, but they can be used as stand-alone forms of paint protection if you use them regularly. These are also all from big companies that sell pro-level products. They are not from some no-name company that just appeared on Instagram. Please notice the prices before you spend another $40-60 on 16oz of some wonder spray…
P&S “Bead Maker”, $10
Nanoskin “Nano Shock”, $10
Duragloss “Aquawax”, $10
Sonax “Brilliant Shine Detailer”, $17
Meguiar’s “Hybrid Ceramic Wax”, $17
Meguiar’s “Ultimate Fast Finish”, $18
McKee’s 37 “Hydro Blue SiO2 Coating”, $20
Mother’s “CMX Ceramic Spray”, $22
Wolfgang “Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant”, $25
303 “SiO2 Touchless Sealant”, $25
Here is the secret unsung hero that is sitting on your retail shelf. Turtle Wax "ICE Spray Wax", $6
Yep. Much to many people's surprise, this cheap hybrid spray wax/sealant has been tested and proven to be very durable. It enhances gloss, it is very hydrophobic, and it just seems to last. It actually takes pretty strong chemical cleaners to remove this stuff from your paint. For $6, you need to try it. Use it alone, or as a spray detailer. Use it on top of wax or other sealants. Paint, glass, chrome, plastic, etc. It works very well and nobody knows...I hope this sheds a little light on these fly-by-night miracle sauce sprays for you guys. I can't make you not buy them, but I can inform you of what you are buying and make alternative suggestions. Good luck with whatever you choose.
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05-23-2019, 04:50 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Feb 2017
Location: Phoenix Arizona
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for your insight and information, much appreciated.
I actually have the Bead Maker, and several Mequires products, next trip to Wally World I'll pickup some of the turtle wax ice spray to try, can't go wrong for the money for sure.
PS. Got my PC, waiting for the pads to show up from Autogeek, luckily they had one day left of a 20% off sale with free shipping going on so I jumped on that.
Thanks again.
Speed Safe.
I actually have the Bead Maker, and several Mequires products, next trip to Wally World I'll pickup some of the turtle wax ice spray to try, can't go wrong for the money for sure.
PS. Got my PC, waiting for the pads to show up from Autogeek, luckily they had one day left of a 20% off sale with free shipping going on so I jumped on that.
Thanks again.
Speed Safe.
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FYRARMS (05-23-2019)
05-23-2019, 05:57 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Thanks for your insight and information, much appreciated.
I actually have the Bead Maker, and several Mequires products, next trip to Wally World I'll pickup some of the turtle wax ice spray to try, can't go wrong for the money for sure.
PS. Got my PC, waiting for the pads to show up from Autogeek, luckily they had one day left of a 20% off sale with free shipping going on so I jumped on that.
Thanks again.
Speed Safe.
I actually have the Bead Maker, and several Mequires products, next trip to Wally World I'll pickup some of the turtle wax ice spray to try, can't go wrong for the money for sure.
PS. Got my PC, waiting for the pads to show up from Autogeek, luckily they had one day left of a 20% off sale with free shipping going on so I jumped on that.
Thanks again.
Speed Safe.
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SixAddict (05-23-2019)
05-24-2019, 11:13 AM
#5
Drifting
Nice write-up
[QUOTE][Over 90% of your car’s paint gloss is due to the correction phase---the compounding and polishing. Anything else you add to the paint afterwards (waxes, sealants, coatings) will just enhance the gloss. /QUOTE] so true
It's all in the prep I say 95% at least .....with so many miracle products being advertised as this magical spray many have fallen for the marketing ploy don't fall for it
PREP will out shine any day save your $$$ buy a polisher
[QUOTE][Over 90% of your car’s paint gloss is due to the correction phase---the compounding and polishing. Anything else you add to the paint afterwards (waxes, sealants, coatings) will just enhance the gloss. /QUOTE] so true
It's all in the prep I say 95% at least .....with so many miracle products being advertised as this magical spray many have fallen for the marketing ploy don't fall for it
PREP will out shine any day save your $$$ buy a polisher
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05-24-2019, 11:59 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It's all in the prep I say 95% at least .....with so many miracle products being advertised as this magical spray many have fallen for the marketing ploy don't fall for it
PREP will out shine any day save your $$$ buy a polisher
PREP will out shine any day save your $$$ buy a polisher
Amazing what can be done with even a cheap orbital polisher and a few foam pads. Just get the paint as clean and defect-free as possible, then add whatever wax, sealant, or coating you like. Plenty of $10-20 detail sprays and spray waxes/sealants can then be used to keep that finish protected and glossy. Skip the over-priced wonder spray snake oils!
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05-24-2019, 01:39 PM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
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2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
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Nice writeup 
Spending more money does not necessarily equate to better results. It's all in the underlying preparation of the surface.
I tried Beadmaker this morning. Very impressive. Nice shine and slipperiness. Comes off pretty easily. As impressive as Kenotek (if not more so) at a much lower price point.
My "high Priced" Polish Angel High Gloss will be here later today. Did 1/2 the car with the Beadmaker and will do the other half with PA.
Spending more money does not necessarily equate to better results. It's all in the underlying preparation of the surface.I tried Beadmaker this morning. Very impressive. Nice shine and slipperiness. Comes off pretty easily. As impressive as Kenotek (if not more so) at a much lower price point.
My "high Priced" Polish Angel High Gloss will be here later today. Did 1/2 the car with the Beadmaker and will do the other half with PA.
05-24-2019, 01:53 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I tried Beadmaker this morning. Very impressive. Nice shine and slipperiness. Comes off pretty easily. As impressive as Kenotek (if not more so) at a much lower price point.
My "high Priced" Polish Angel High Gloss will be here later today. Did 1/2 the car with the Beadmaker and will do the other half with PA.
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06-06-2019, 08:27 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
i started using kenotek last summer . one vette is dark blue and i've noticed a lot of dust on it last few days . so i got out my zaino z8 , after washing car , and applied it and dust doesn't seem to be accumulating as badly . z8 just seems to be less '' attractive '' , for dust that is . . . peace
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Westy R (02-02-2021)
07-09-2019, 07:48 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Here is a great update for you guys. "Produxa" versus Turtle Wax "ICE Seal 'n Shine". $30 versus under $5. Who wins? 
SPOILER: The Produxa garbage fails miserably! It was destroyed instantly by a simple iron remover. Wow! Stop falling for these Facebook snake oils, folks!
SPOILER: The Produxa garbage fails miserably! It was destroyed instantly by a simple iron remover. Wow! Stop falling for these Facebook snake oils, folks!
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08-07-2019, 10:26 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Another one bites the dust! $40 for this garbage Torque Detail "Mirror Shine". It barely beaded water. LOL
$40 for this garbage Torque Detail "Mirror Shine". It barely beaded water. LOL
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08-08-2019, 11:04 AM
#13
Drifting
Thanks for taking the time to forewarn folks who may fall for the hype. 
I remember ads showing a miracle wax years ago where the guy took a Bic lighter to it. Impressive sure but it was obviously misleading (to say the least).
I remember ads showing a miracle wax years ago where the guy took a Bic lighter to it. Impressive sure but it was obviously misleading (to say the least).
Last edited by mdb917; 08-08-2019 at 11:07 AM.
08-08-2019, 12:58 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I just hate getting screwed over. I have learned the hard way over the years to not fall for anything that seems too good to be true. Seeing so many decent folks and fellow Vette owners throwing away money makes me sick. I research what the professionals recommend, and trust those people who are a LOT more experienced than any of us enthusiasts are. Just passing along the info and trying to help Vette owners out!
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FYRARMS (08-08-2019)
08-09-2019, 09:12 AM
#16
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Sep 2011
Location: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
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FRYARMS — Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the info you pass along. I’m prone to gullibility when it comes to car care product claims, so I especially appreciate the time you take making these posts.
08-09-2019, 10:37 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I am very glad to help. I have only been a detailing enthusiast for a couple years now, but I have spent way too much money and tried way too many products to not share my experiences with you guys. It just makes me cringe when I see these $40 bottles of mediocre spray being purchased by fellow Vette owners who could have spent $10-15 on very effective products that would have produced much better results!
08-09-2019, 10:42 AM
#19
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
08-09-2019, 12:46 PM
#20
Drifting
Admirable and helpful for you taking time to put this down. For you to share your time, real-world experiences and your technical expertise on this topic should and will help many others. While others who may have thought along those same lines at one time or another never wrote it down, at least not here so you're already going above and beyond. I do not frequent this forum as much as I used to however when I come back to it I make a point of trying to catch up on your posts. Well done my friend!
Some of us (you, me, many others on this forum) become almost visibly ill when we see the wasted time, money and potential of real damage created by these marketing miracles! Vette owners as a group seem highly interested in the appearance and upkeep of their beautiful machines, as well they should be. Thus it's a group ripe for the picking from marketing hype claiming something too good to be true. As you said, when something appears too good to be true, it likely is not true. That's not meant to be a negative commentary on our gullibility, naivety, or innocence. These marketing miracle claims appeal to our very nature of wanting a beautiful machine so we respond.
Some of us (you, me, many others on this forum) become almost visibly ill when we see the wasted time, money and potential of real damage created by these marketing miracles! Vette owners as a group seem highly interested in the appearance and upkeep of their beautiful machines, as well they should be. Thus it's a group ripe for the picking from marketing hype claiming something too good to be true. As you said, when something appears too good to be true, it likely is not true. That's not meant to be a negative commentary on our gullibility, naivety, or innocence. These marketing miracle claims appeal to our very nature of wanting a beautiful machine so we respond.
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