RE: [a/s] Airstream Wax

["Loren Peterson" <loren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

No, let me clarify.

It is not a sealant, like seam and joint sealant.

It is a paint sealant, like what you may purchase when you
buy a new car and they sell you a paint sealant for your finish.
It doesn't "seal" out leaks in seams, it "seals" the paint job to
protect it from UV rays, acid rain, airborne contaminantsetc.

A paint sealant is much like a wax, but it is generally more durable,
providing much longer protection and shine.

The downside of a paint sealant as opposed to a wax is that you really
need to make sure the surface is entirely clean before you apply the
product.
You don't want to apply a paint sealant over the top of bird droppings,
stains,
etc.  They get trapped inside, so that you really can't wash them off unless
you remove the coating of sealant that is over them.  You could be stuck
with
bird droppings in your paint job for a year.  Removing the sealant isn't
that
difficult, but it can't be done by rubbing the spot with a wash mitt and
soapy
water.

The benefits are many:  1.  Ease of use - Not all, but many paint sealants
are
easier to apply and remove than hard wax.  2.  Durability - a sealant
will generally last 2-3 times longer than a product containing wax
(carnauba).
3.  Clean up -  If you've used a product such as Turtle Wax before, you know
that
when you are working with the product, you often times end up with a lot of
dust that floats around as you "buff" the product off the vehicle.  With
most paint
sealants the dust (dried wax) is eliminated, therefore you have a much more
pleasant and clean experience.  Not all sealants are created equal however.


Short answer:  You need to find a seam and joint sealer, either a brush-on
product
or a caulk.  I'm sure the group can help you with that.