PC, NXT, Epic???

[schulzmc]

OK - I got the OctaneGuy DVD (which is FANTASTIC, BTW) and have watched it three times. My PC is on the way, and I have a set of pads. My goal is to learn this winter, practice on our van, and then when the weather in Chicago gets nice this spring I have three jobs to do: my MINI, my brothers 02 LS1 Firebird, and my brother-in-laws 64 Chevelle.

So here's my question - I intend to use Speed Glaze #80 as my polish, but it sounds like (from all the posts here) I should not use NXT (like in the DVD) but instead use Epic. Is that right? Are there other options I should consider, instead of either the Speed Glaze or Epic?

Thanks for the help!

[kenchan]

Epic is the way to go.

also get a bottle of Hydro.

oh, and Nero, Clarity, and Slick...

[OctaneGuy]

NXT Tech Wax is NOT a bad product nor is Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant which I used to recommend over Tech Wax. If I had a choice of a wax to use, it would be a toss up over Epic and Tech Wax. I love the smell of Tech Wax btw, LOL.

But as far as which is likely to be more durable, it's probably Epic--though I don't have evidence of that yet.

To my eyes, Epic gives me the same look and durability of M21 without the separation issues (formulation specific issue).

You're going to be hard pressed to find a product as good as #80 Speed Glaze. If you're going to choose an alternative product for the wax, choose Epic, but I would NOT substitute M80, not atleast until you've tried it. I've tried Cut, Swirl, and Finish, and none of them work as easily as M80--well to the fairest comparison should be Swirl to M80, and I prefer M80 over it simply because it allows you to polish and polish and polish without getting sticky or gummy. Meguiar's M83 DACP gets sticky, so it's not a Prima versus Meguiar's issue--it's just how that particular product is formulated.

Richard


Richard

Originally Posted by schulzmc

OK - I got the OctaneGuy DVD (which is FANTASTIC, BTW) and have watched it three times. My PC is on the way, and I have a set of pads. My goal is to learn this winter, practice on our van, and then when the weather in Chicago gets nice this spring I have three jobs to do: my MINI, my brothers 02 LS1 Firebird, and my brother-in-laws 64 Chevelle.

So here's my question - I intend to use Speed Glaze #80 as my polish, but it sounds like (from all the posts here) I should not use NXT (like in the DVD) but instead use Epic. Is that right? Are there other options I should consider, instead of either the Speed Glaze or Epic?

Thanks for the help!

[kenchan]

i can confirm about Epic's durability.

NXT lasted 3-4 washes at best in the summer with some rain..

Epic has lasted so far since 10/14/06:
Rain: 25
Snow: 3 (heavy salt)
Wash: 5

there is really no reason to compare NXT and Epic from my view any more.
they are not apples to apples.

NXT is great in a way it is thin and applies evenly in colder temps...even
at 38F. it just doesn't last. it's easy on/off but also easy off to weather
too.

Epic has a hard time spreading at 55F in the shade, but if you
warm up the panels to the touch, it is fine. it is also an easy on/off wax
especially the off part cause you just remove the haze and no buffing
needed.

therefore, it's Epic in the warmer months, and then reinforced with
Hydro (spraywax) through the colder months. this will be the all-year
protection for my polymer cars.

[OctaneGuy]

For me, since each wash was around 6 weeks apart on my Indi Blue, 3 or 4 washes was quite a stretch! I had NXT Tech Wax on my paint for 2.5 years before I switched to Meguiar's M21 and it always worked great for me.

[mini_dreams]

i was going to create a separate thread about this, but since the debate seems to be here, I thought I'd post. In my thread about Prima Epic, I noted that I never had time to do the bonnet (weather, holidays, work, etc). Well, I still haven't (I know... I know)

yesterday, I looked out the window and it had rained overnight and the bonnet was quite beaded and slick looking (I didn't get a pic). today, it looks just as shiny as in this pic:



the rest of the car has Epic on it, but the bonnet has NXT on it since approximately Nov. 6, 2006. the only thing I've done to the bonnet since I put NXT on it is wash it and use Prima Slick.

I know that Slick adds to the shine (and I believe I had used some before this pic). And I know that beading doesn't necessarily indicate durability, but it does seem to be beading up like it was just waxed. So I'm curious, does Slick add to the durability of a wax?

Even though it looks like NXT is performing pretty well in the long-term, I still think I will use Epic. I like the application of it much more than NXT.

[OctaneGuy]

Well anytime you use a QD, you are adding a bit of protection in terms of slickness to the finish. That is, yes you are cleaning off the dust, and successive QD's are easier because there is a slight film left behind. Slick leaves a much more noticeable film than the Meguiar's QDs, evidenced by the fact I couldn't stick any adhesive tape to the finish after I had Slicked the finish an hour earlier--yet never had that issue with the Meguiar's QD. That's not a bad thing, but Slick does offer some amount of additional protection on a prewaxed surface. Hydro will work better in this regard however. I regularly QD'd my white wheels on my former blue cooper and after awhile, I could just wipe off the brake dust with a MF towel indicating there was some protection from the QD process which enabled the dust to come right off.

Originally Posted by mini_dreams

I know that Slick adds to the shine (and I believe I had used some before this pic). And I know that beading doesn't necessarily indicate durability, but it does seem to be beading up like it was just waxed. So I'm curious, does Slick add to the durability of a wax?

[kenchan]

from what i can see Slick does add durability to the wax as almost like a
temporary teflon kinda coating so that grime does not stick to it. that
alone will lengthen wax's durability as the grime can not set in with the
NXT and distupt it.

I would Hydro over your NXT. that should make it last even longer.

[OctaneGuy]

Wait copying and repeating what I said won't earn you any Octane points.
JK.

Richard

Originally Posted by kenchan

from what i can see Slick does add durability to the wax as almost like a
temporary teflon kinda coating so that grime does not stick to it. that
alone will lengthen wax's durability as the grime can not set in with the
NXT and distupt it.

I would Hydro over your NXT. that should make it last even longer.

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

Wait copying and repeating what I said won't earn you any Octane points.
JK.

Richard

hey i didn't read your post before I posted mine! i thought you
took my works telepathically and you just typed faster. jk

[dadofTHOR]

This might be the wrong forum, but here goes. Auto Detaing Solutions sell a Meguires DA Polisher Package #2. It comes with NXT products and goes for about $220. Is this the way to go for someone who is just getting going with all this MINI obsession? Also, they have OG's dvd, which is in my shopping cart. Thanks for any input.http://www.autodetailingsolutions.co...20Specials.htm

[kenchan]

^^ nn.. this is an octaneguy question.

[OctaneGuy]

Yep it's a good package that I often recommend. I would add

1 W7006 pad to put the included in the package MF bonnet over
Substitute NXT Tech Wax with M21 Synthetic Sealent

I would also call Rick Myers who owns ADS and tell him this over the phone so he can make the adjustment.

Or better yet, if he can just deduct the wax and Speed Detailer off the package, I would buy Epic and Slick from DetailersParadise.com since I think those are better wax and quick detailer over the Meguiar's.

Richard

Originally Posted by dadofTHOR

This might be the wrong forum, but here goes. Auto Detaing Solutions sell a Meguires DA Polisher Package #2. It comes with NXT products and goes for about $220. Is this the way to go for someone who is just getting going with all this MINI obsession? Also, they have OG's dvd, which is in my shopping cart. Thanks for any input.http://www.autodetailingsolutions.co...20Specials.htm

[dadofTHOR]

Octane Guy, thanks for your input. I'll give him a call and see what I can work out. Also, a HUGE thanks for all that you bring to this site. You're the MAN!!!(or GUY)

[mini_dreams]

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

Well anytime you use a QD, you are adding a bit of protection in terms of slickness to the finish. That is, yes you are cleaning off the dust, and successive QD's are easier because there is a slight film left behind. Slick leaves a much more noticeable film than the Meguiar's QDs, evidenced by the fact I couldn't stick any adhesive tape to the finish after I had Slicked the finish an hour earlier--yet never had that issue with the Meguiar's QD. That's not a bad thing, but Slick does offer some amount of additional protection on a prewaxed surface. Hydro will work better in this regard however. I regularly QD'd my white wheels on my former blue cooper and after awhile, I could just wipe off the brake dust with a MF towel indicating there was some protection from the QD process which enabled the dust to come right off.

good to know. I don't love to Quick Detail because it feels like there's a possibility of sliding some dust around, but the Slick is pretty interesting stuff.

Originally Posted by kenchan

I would Hydro over your NXT. that should make it last even longer.

sounds like a good idea... i don't seem to be able to get out there to put Epic on the bonnet. I still want to, but perhaps I'll try the Hydro for now, since I haven't even tried it yet. If I Hydro now and then find that I have a nice day to put Epic on, should I just wash, clay and Epic? Or should I try to strip the NXT and Hydro?

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by mini_dreams

sounds like a good idea... i don't seem to be able to get out there to put Epic on the bonnet. I still want to, but perhaps I'll try the Hydro for now, since I haven't even tried it yet. If I Hydro now and then find that I have a nice day to put Epic on, should I just wash, clay and Epic? Or should I try to strip the NXT and Hydro?

since i have PaintPrep readily available in my garage i would use that
to remove all wax before claying and applying Epic, but i think you
would be fine just claying it and applying epic over it.

[kenchan]

i was doing my usual inspection before my weekend drive tomorrow
and found that one of my rear SSR GT3 wheels on my G35C had a valve
that failed. air leaked out when i undid the valve cap. not sure
the cause... anyway...

i have a brand new rear pair with tires so i was doing the swap and
literally, i could not tell the difference between the 'old' wheel with
Epic + Hydro vs. brand new wheel with some wax on it. Hydro is
amazing stuff.

ended up QD'ing the new wheels with Slick and Hydro'ed it as well.