Seal the Deal: Snake Oil vs. Awesome Sauce Explained

Understanding Chem-X’s SiO₂ Ceramic Sealants

If you're looking to add shine, slickness, and protection to your vehicle, Chem-X offers two standout ceramic sealants—Snake Oil and Awesome Sauce. Both are infused with SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) and designed to enhance gloss and hydrophobic behavior, but they’re made for very different applications.

In this guide, we’ll break down the purpose, differences, and best-use cases for each product so you can choose the right ceramic sealant for your detailing workflow.

What is Snake Oil?

No-Touch SiO₂ Ceramic Foam Sealant

Snake Oil is a downstream-applied, spray-on ceramic sealant that can be applied touch-free at the end of a wash. It’s designed for use through a foam cannon, downstream injector, or Chem-X Freedom Foamer Lance. Once applied and rinsed, it leaves behind a slick, hydrophobic, high-gloss finish.

✅ Key Features

• No-touch application—applies through foam or soap nozzle
• Safe on coatings, paint, wraps, glass, plastics, and wheels
• Boosts gloss, slickness, and water repellency
• Ideal as a final rinse sealant after a wash
• Works in both touch-free and hybrid wash routines
• Can be used regularly to stack protection over time

When to Use Snake Oil

• Works great as a follow-up to any Chem-X wash routine, especially Stars + Stripes or Old Glory
• As a final rinse step—foam on, let dwell, rinse off
• For fast, no-contact gloss and protection
• On coated or uncoated vehicles alike

Application Method

• For best results, apply immediately after washing your vehicle, while it is still wet.
• Power Washers Dilution Ratio: 100:1
• Pump Sprayers Dilution Ratio: 1 Part Snake Oil: 100 Parts Water
• Foam Cannons Dilution Ratio: 1 Part Snake Oil: 4 Parts Water
• Dwell for 30–60 seconds, rinse thoroughly
• No towel or buffing required

What is Awesome Sauce?

SiO₂-Infused Ceramic Spray Sealant

Awesome Sauce is a spray-and-wipe ceramic detailer that enhances gloss, slickness, and protection with light cleaning ability. It’s meant to be applied by hand using a microfiber towel—perfect as a final step after washing or drying.

✅ Key Features

• SiO₂-enhanced shine, slickness, and hydrophobicity
• Adds gloss and clarity to paint, chrome, and plastics
• Great citrus scent and non-streaking finish
• Quick spray-and-wipe application
• Can be layered over ceramic coatings or wax
• Removes light dust, smudges, or water spots

When to Use Awesome Sauce

• After drying or as a final wipe-down
• At shows, dealerships, or before delivery
• As a quick gloss booster between full washes
• On freshly detailed vehicles for added pop and protection

Application Method

• Spray directly onto a microfiber towel or panel
• Wipe on and buff off with a second clean towel
• Use sparingly—less is more
• Avoid applying to hot surfaces or in direct sunlight

🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Snake Oil if:

• You want no-contact application
• You wash with a foamer or injector system
• You want a quick final step that adds protection fast
• You’re doing high-volume washes or fleet work

Choose Awesome Sauce if:

• You want to add shine by hand
• You’re doing final wipe-downs or show prep
• You like spray-and-wipe convenience
• You need light cleaning with your protection

💡 Pro Tip:

Use both together—Snake Oil as a rinse sealant, followed by Awesome Sauce as a final wipe-down for a layered ceramic effect.

Final Thoughts

Both Snake Oil and Awesome Sauce enhance your wash process, but they serve different detailing needs. If you want speed and simplicity, go with Snake Oil. If you want control and hands-on finish work, reach for Awesome Sauce.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting SiO₂-infused ceramic performance built the Chem-X way—fast, effective, and professional-grade.