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If you’ve noticed your car is beginning to develop rust, is in need of a body repair, or perhaps you feel a draft while driving, don’t contact your local garage just yet. There’s a quick and effective way to resolve this yourself without spending a lot of money.
Automotive body seam sealers are an inexpensive solution to these issues, and they come in a variety of options. For two figures, you can completely restore your vehicle and improve its longevity. Check out the best automotive seam sealers to protect your vehicle.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Eastwood Brushable Seam Sealer
- Best Value: 3M Dynatron Auto Seam Sealer
- Best Quick-Drying: ACDelco Joint and Seam Filler
- Best Adhesion: Barrier Bond Brushable Seam Sealer
- Honorable Mention: Evercoat Brushable Seam Sealer
Types of Automotive Seam Sealers
Sealants
Sealants come in a nozzle, so you can specifically apply the product to narrow areas, making them great for a touch-up job. Most sealants are transparent when they dry, so there’s no need to paint over the surface. This makes them a popular option for a quick-fix or sealing small cracks that are allowing air and water to enter.
Brushable
A brushable seam sealer presents itself in a tin, which you apply to the surface using a paintbrush. This is an ideal option if you wish to target a large surface area without the hassle of applying a narrow tube across the entire area. As brushable sealers are designed for large areas—which is great as a body filler—they make a smooth, quick-drying base, making the surface paintable.
Best Automotive Seam Sealers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Eastwood Brushable Seam Sealer
Best Value
3M Dynatron Auto Seam Sealer
Best Quick-Drying
ACDelco Joint and Seam Filler
Best Adhesion
Barrier Bond Brushable Seam Sealer
Honorable Mention
Evercoat Brushable Seam Sealer
Our Verdict
Our top recommendation is the Eastwood Brushable Seam Sealer. This reputable brand has experience in creating products to prevent rust from forming.
Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, choose the 3M Dynatron Auto Seam Sealer. It’s compatible with a range of surfaces and easy to work with.
Benefits of Automotive Seam Sealers
- Prolong the vehicle’s life. Using a high-quality seam sealer will prolong your vehicle’s lifespan after restoration. This is because most rust problems start in the seams.
- Waterproof your car. If you’ve noticed drips of water entering your vehicle when it’s raining, these products will fill in any gaps, so no harsh winds or water can enter. Seam sealers are also resistant to motor oil.
- Improve a paint job. Using a seam sealer before applying a new coat of paint can be essential to ensure all panels and joints are connected properly for a smooth, even finish.
Automotive Seam Sealer Pricing
- Up to $20: The cheapest seam sealers will offer a waterproof feature and won’t crack once they’ve dried.
- $20 and up: For the top-quality seam sealers, you can expect a quick-drying action, plus insulating features to prevent the inside of your car from getting cold. These will also likely come with different sized nozzles for a convenient application.
Key Features
Water- and Corrosion-Proof
One of the biggest features of this type of product is that they’re water- and corrosion-proof. This creates a protective layer on your vehicle—whether that’s on the interior or exterior—to prevent weather from eroding your car.
Compatible With a Range of Materials
Thanks to the versatility that seam sealers offer, most are compatible with numerous materials, including metal, chrome, and plastic. This feature allows you to use the product on a range of surfaces in your vehicle, from under the hood to plastic components on the dashboard.
No Shrinkage
As sealers are designed for a range of surfaces and components in your vehicle, one of their key features is not shrinking the materials. Otherwise, the surfaces would pull apart once the sealer has dried. Plus, the sealer won’t crack once the application is complete.
Other Considerations
- High Temperature Rating. If you plan to use the seam sealer around the engine, you’ll require a product that has a high temperature rating. Ensure it can operate on surfaces up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Long-Reach Applicator. The applicator’s design can make a huge difference in terms of convenience and ease. Opt for a sealer with a long-reach design that allows you to target deep into the hood without putting your arm far in.
- Transparency. This isn’t essential for everyone, as it depends on whether you wish to paint the surface once the sealer has dried. Check the product descriptions to learn what the finish looks like.
Tips
- The surface you apply the sealer must be clean, dry, and free from grease.
- Most products don’t allow you to paint over them immediately, so check the instructions. You may have to wait for the sealer to dry overnight.
- Always follow safety instructions when applying the sealer. Most require you to wear protective gear so you don’t inhale fumes.
FAQs
A: We recommend monitoring your vehicle’s rust patches. If you notice them forming, be proactive and purchase a seam sealer. Alternatively, replacements every five years or so should keep this issue from arising.
A: No. You can’t paint over silicone, which will leave your vehicle looking unpresentable. More importantly, it takes a lot of preparation before applying the product and doesn’t provide a long-lasting effect.
A: Most seam sealers have similar qualities, though they’re not all the same. Some leave a smoother surface, while others need more preparation before painting on them.