I used to drive an 81 Porsche 911 with a single stage paint. After going through a bunch of different waxes, I finally broke down and bought the Porsche Club recommended Zymol.

The other waxes made the paint shine, but Zymol made the paint look like it was 3 inches deep.

Other than the cost, I like the idea of the Prima "system".

My question is, will Epic give me that 3 inch deep look?

Ty

 

As you've noticed, many non-carnauba (aka synthetic) waxes (although not all) tend to produce a shine-only look; in other words, a look that lacks depth.

Most people agree that, especially with dark colors and probably even more so with flat colors (non-metallic/pearl colors, as your single-stage would have been), depth is preferable to that sterile shine-only look.

Carnauba waxes, despite their issues with durability, tend to offer the very best in a rich, warm depth. All of Zymol's paste jar waxes are carnauba-based, and often contain a very high concentration of carnauba at that. This is why you saw 3 inches into your paint.

There are a few synthetic paints which offer more depth than was available in the past or in most of even today's synthetic waxes. Prima Epic was designed specifically with two main goals in mind: durability and depth.

Epic's depth is slightly different than the depth of a carnauba though. I would describe the depth of a carnauba (including your Zymol paste) as a very warm, mellow, rich depth. I would describe Epic's depth as a very lively, wet, rich depth. Epic makes your paint look like a pool of thick liquid color that you can reach into. So, in a sense it is even deeper but in a lively way as opposed to a mellow warm way.

Here's the bottom line, IMO... if you still had your non-metallic single-stage paint to work on then I might encouarge you to stick with a carnauba or Epic topped with a carnauba. Some will disagree, but I find that a flat color (which is very rare these days!) looks best with a carnauba wax or at least final topped with a carnauba wax.

However, my guess is that you have a MINI now and possibly other car(s) which are not single-stage, right? If this is the case, then I would encourage you to try Epic. The metallic and pearl paints just don't look as nice with the carnaubas as Epic does, IMHO. Of course, it ultimately depends on whether you want to mellow out and warm the flakes in your paint (carnauba) or you want to liven the flakes (Epic). In either case, you will get depth from a carnauba like your Zymol paste or Epic... it'll just be 2 different kinds of depth.

Last, I'll mention that depth is very hard to see at all in most light colored paints. So, most of my comments above apply to dark colors. I wouldn't suggest a carnauba on a light color simply because you can't tell the difference anyway and are yet left with the poor durability.

I hope all that makes sense!

Oh, and also note that if you try Epic and don't like the look just send it back for a refund. We won't hold it against you.

-Heather

 

+1


oh wait, that was the inventer herself.

 

Wow. That is just scary. It was like you were reading my mind! That is exactly the info I was looking for.

Thanks!!!

And, my Prima order is getting delivered on Monday!

I will let you know how is goes with the Epic.

Thanks!
Ty

P.S. The Porsche was Bamboo Beige and the Mini is Astro Black. So, you couldn't have been more right on the money.

 

Glad I could help! When I read your post I knew exactly what you were talking about. Depth is a big deal to me and I enjoy analyzing it. (can you tell??? )

Please do let us all know what you think of Epic.

-Heather

 

I need a cigarette after that.
(and I don't even smoke)

 

I think we need to collect all of these detailed replies of Heather's together into one big stickified FAQ. Oh, mans.

 

You find them, I'll stickify them

Make

 

Maybe that would be an appropriate title???

 

The "OCD" Gospel according to Heather Yup sounds good to me

Mark

 

Alright, I've got some days off early next week, so I'll try to put something relatively comprehensive together.

 

How about "Heather's Epic Guide to the Galaxy"!!

 

Life, the Universe, and Hydro?

 

Or "Heathers Prima Glide to the Galaxy: the Epic edition"

Mark

 

You guys are funny. Flattering as well, but definitely funny!

I've been meaning to compile my answers to common questions myself... I can't tell you how many times I've thought to myself, "I know I've answered that before but now where in the world is that post in this sea of NAM??"

I'd still like to do it sometime but since Modnar already hinted to it, I'd be glad to have a volunteer help! In fact, if you do end up doing this feel free to send it to me first... I often find that when I do copy/paste my thoughts/advice I always find a better way to state something (or fix a grammatical error, which drives me nuts!). Or, whatever you can think of for me to help!

However, I really do feel that I should do it and should have long ago. Richard has talked about doing the same- especially with all his polishing experience and photos. So, please don't feel like you have to, Modnar!

Hmmm... you do now have me thinking about it again and strategizing some ideas!

-Heather

 

Oh, and here's one of my own title suggestions...

Nick and I are often asked to write articles. One day we were thinking about some of the odd product/tool names we use around DP and were laughing about how they could be perceived out of context. So, we thought we should write a microfiber article titled, "Monsters, Waffles & Starfish"

Just to get people wondering what those things could possibly have in common!

We haven't written it yet but plan to... at least for kicks!

-Heather

 

Whenever it happens, I'll stick it

Mark

 

Wow, lots of Epic info in this thread so far!
I just picked up my MCS last week and have been debating on what car products to use on her. I dont want any of the BIG packages that i found on Detailers Paradise (cant spend that kinda money now, i just bought a MINI!) but maybe just one or two (or maybe three) vital products for now...

any suggestions guys?
I have an 08 dark silver w/ black roof/stripes/mirrors.
Thanks!

 

I just had a good idea for the gang at Detailers Paradise. I see all of the bundles that include a lot of different things - but what about maybe making half-sizes or something a little smaller for those newbies (like me) who are trying to find out what to use (without spending a ton of money)? Just a thought.

 

Go ahead and admit it. You'd really like a big package.

Bare bare minimum you're going to want a bucket, a wash mitt, car wash soap, and drying towels (2). On top of that I'd go ahead and spend the extra $5 for a second bucket (one for wash water, one for rinse water), and get some Hydro as well. I'd think about adding some glass cleaner next in the priority queue(the Clarity+glass MF bundle), and then maybe a QD spray (Slick) and a couple of MF towels to use with that.

 

so, i should go w/ "car wash soap" (which Prima calls 'mystique'??), Hydro and Clarity to start. Correct? (in addition to towels, bucket, yadda, yadda...)

 

Sorry was away at AMVIV ...some pix in support of Epic and the Prima system. All the before pix and complete writeup on these cars are at my ShowCarDetailing.com site under my portfolio link. I'm showing these pix as examples of how great Epic looks--and not how much correction was made using the rest of the Prima line.

Chili Red Cooper (no polish, just clay and Epic Wax by owner)


2005 Aston Martin (complete detail--full Prima Polish and Epic Wax)




2006 Interlagos Blue M3 (complete detail--full Prima Polish and Epic Wax)




2006 JCW BRG MINI (complete detail-- full Prima Polish and Epic Wax)

 

Is that Paul's R50 and Red Rum sitting beside Paul's R50? Nice!

 

That is Paul's R50--from the mu clinic at my shop--not 100% sure about Red Rum though. =)

Richard

 

OG- looks great! i especially like the red and black picts you got there.